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- 4 cups of day-old bread (French or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste You only need a few items to make these tasty croutons. Day-old bread works best because it has a firmer texture. I like to use French or Italian bread, but feel free to experiment. You need olive oil to coat the bread. It helps with crispness and flavor. Garlic powder adds that strong, savory punch. Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley bring freshness. They mix well with the garlic. Finally, don’t forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors. - Alternative bread types (sourdough, whole grain) - Different seasoning options (Parmesan cheese, chili flakes) Want to switch things up? Try sourdough or whole grain bread for a different taste. You can also add cheese like Parmesan for a rich flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle some chili flakes for a kick. The possibilities are endless. Make these croutons your own! First, set your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Preheating is key for crispiness. When you preheat, you create the right cooking environment. This helps the croutons turn golden and crunchy. It only takes a few minutes, but it's worth it! Next, grab your day-old bread. I prefer French or Italian bread for the best taste. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking. If your bread is stale, it will hold shape and get crispy. Fresh bread can become soggy, which we want to avoid. In a large bowl, add your bread cubes. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over them. Use your hands to toss the cubes gently. Make sure each piece gets coated in oil. This step is crucial for flavor. Next, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss again to mix everything well. Every cube should be seasoned evenly. Now, arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; this helps the croutons cook evenly. If you have too many, cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a shake. This promotes even browning. Look for a golden brown, crispy texture. Once done, take them out and let them cool. They will harden a bit more as they cool. Enjoy these croutons on salads or soups for a tasty crunch! To get that perfect crunch, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. When you place too many croutons together, they can steam instead of crisp. Always arrange them in a single layer. If you have a lot, fry them in batches. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for an even golden brown. This ensures each crouton gets a chance to crisp up nicely. To take your croutons up a notch, consider adding garlic butter. You can melt some butter and mix in minced garlic. Drizzle this over your croutons after tossing them with olive oil. You can also explore different spices, like smoked paprika or chili flakes, for a kick. If you need gluten-free croutons, use gluten-free bread options. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty crunch. These croutons pair well with salads and soups. Sprinkle them on a fresh Caesar salad for added texture or toss them into a warm bowl of tomato soup. You can get creative too! Use croutons in casseroles or as a topping for creamy pasta dishes. They can add a delightful crunch and boost flavor in many meals. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up your crouton game with seasonal herbs. Try using fresh basil in summer. It adds a bright, fresh taste. In the fall, switch to rosemary for a warm flavor. Adjust your spices too. For holidays, think of adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. These spices can give your croutons a festive kick. If you follow a vegan diet, use bread that has no dairy. Most French and Italian breads fit this plan. You can also make gluten-free croutons. Just pick a gluten-free bread. For those on low-carb diets, try cloud bread or almond flour bread. These options still make tasty croutons without the carbs. To keep your croutons fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps block moisture and keeps them crispy. Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you want them to last longer, you can also store them in the fridge, though they may lose some crunch. Add a small piece of paper towel inside the container to absorb any extra moisture. This trick keeps them crispy for even longer. If you have leftover croutons, you can easily bring back their crunch. Use your air fryer or an oven for the best results. - Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Put the croutons in the basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. Check them often to avoid burning. - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the croutons on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t get too dark. Both methods work well to restore that crispy texture you love. Enjoy them on salads or soups, and elevate your meals! Croutons stay fresh for about a week when stored properly. To keep them fresh, use an airtight container. If you see any signs of mold or a stale smell, it's time to toss them out. You can use fresh bread, but your croutons will be chewy, not crunchy. Stale bread has less moisture, which helps achieve that perfect crisp. For the best texture, stick with day-old bread. The best bread for croutons is French or Italian. These types have a nice crust and good structure. You can also use sourdough or whole grain for a twist. Each type brings its own flavor and texture. Yes, you can make croutons in the oven or on the stove. For the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C), spread the bread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes. For the skillet, heat oil over medium heat and toast the bread cubes until golden. Both methods work well for tasty croutons. In this blog post, we explored the simple joy of making croutons at home. Using day-old bread and your favorite seasonings, you can create crispy, tasty bites. Remember to preheat your air fryer for a perfect crunch. Experiment with different bread types and flavors, and don’t forget the storing tips to keep them fresh. Making croutons is easy and fun, and they add a delicious touch to salads and soups. Enjoy your creations and customize them to your liking!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Croutons

Elevate your salads and soups with these crispy garlic herb air fryer croutons! This easy recipe uses day-old bread, infused with garlic and herbs, to create the perfect crunchy topping. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy homemade croutons that enhance your meals. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and discover how simple it is to make delicious croutons at home!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups of day-old bread (French or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it's ready for crisping the croutons.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the bread cubes. Make sure to use stale bread for the best texture.

      Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bread cubes, then use your hands to toss them gently, ensuring each cube is well-coated in oil.

        Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the oiled bread. Toss again, thoroughly mixing until each piece is seasoned evenly with the herbs and spices.

          Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, cook in batches to allow for even cooking.

            Air fry the croutons for approximately 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to promote even browning. You’re looking for a golden brown, crispy texture.

              Once they are perfectly crispy, remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to harden as they cool.

                Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to a week or enjoy them immediately atop salads or in soups for delightful crunch.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4-6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve the croutons in a rustic bowl for a charming presentation. For an elevated touch, sprinkle them over a vibrant green salad or a comforting soup, and consider garnishing with a few fresh herbs for added color and freshness.