Creating croutons at home can elevate your salads, soups, and other dishes without relying on store-bought options that often contain preservatives. An air fryer makes this process straightforward and efficient, resulting in crispy, flavorful croutons that you can customize to your liking. Below is a simple recipe to guide you through making croutons in an air fryer.
Delicious Air Fryer Croutons
To start off, gather the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delightful croutons.
### Ingredients:
- 4 cups of bread (preferably a day or two old, any type)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by cutting the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes. This will ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Season the Croutons: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispness.
- Air Fry the Croutons: Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Careful not to overcrowd, as this can prevent even cooking. Air fry for about 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides are browned and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once the croutons are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Store: Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Use them to add crunch to your favorite salads or soups!
Enjoy your homemade air fryer croutons as a tasty addition to your meals. The beauty of making croutons from scratch is that you can easily modify the seasonings according to your preferences, allowing for endless variations.
source: projectmealplan.com
