Air fryer croutons

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or stale bread works best, any type such as French, sourdough, or whole wheat)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly. This helps the croutons become crispier.
2. Season the Bread:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until the bread is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Croutons:
   • Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
   • Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of bread and the air fryer model.
5. Cool and Store:
   • Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips

• Variety: You can experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Size: Ensure the bread cubes are of uniform size for even cooking.
• Freshness: Using day-old or stale bread gives the best texture, but you can use fresh bread if that’s all you have.

These air fryer croutons are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to salads, soups, or just for snacking!