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- 4 cups of day-old bread (French or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste Using day-old bread makes the best croutons. Fresh bread can turn soggy. The olive oil helps the herbs stick to the bread. Garlic powder gives a strong flavor. You can mix and match the herbs based on your taste. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. I love using French bread for its crunch. Italian bread works well too. You can even try sourdough for a tangy twist. Rye can add a unique flavor. Whatever bread you choose, aim for a sturdy type that can hold up to frying. First, gather your ingredients. You need four cups of day-old bread, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley, and salt and pepper. Day-old bread works best as it holds its shape. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil over the cubes. Toss them well to coat. This oil gives your croutons flavor and crispiness. Now, sprinkle in two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of dried parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cubes again to ensure every piece is covered with the herbs and spices. Now, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Preheating makes the cooking even. Once hot, place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket. Make sure the cubes are in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking, so you may need to do this in batches. Air fry the croutons for about 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps them brown evenly. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden brown and crispy. When done, remove the croutons and let them cool slightly. They will become crunchier as they cool. If your croutons are not crispy, they may have too much oil. Use less oil next time. If they burn, try reducing the cooking time. Every air fryer varies, so keep an eye on them as they cook. If they taste bland, add more herbs or spices before cooking. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the best flavor. To get the best crispy croutons, use day-old bread. Fresh bread can be too soft. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Make sure to toss the cubes in olive oil well. This step adds flavor and helps them crisp up. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If needed, work in batches to ensure the air can circulate. Seasoning croutons is key to great flavor. Start with garlic powder for that rich taste. Add oregano, thyme, and parsley for a nice herb mix. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. I like to toss the cubes again after adding the spices. This ensures every piece is tasty. You can also try adding grated cheese or spices for a twist. Set your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). This temperature helps the croutons cook through without burning. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through. This action helps them brown evenly. Watch them closely toward the end. You want them golden brown and crunchy, not dark. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your croutons easily. Try adding cheese for a rich taste. Grated Parmesan or cheddar works well. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Want a twist? Add some lemon zest for a fresh kick. These simple changes can elevate your croutons and make them even more delicious. While this recipe calls for French or Italian bread, feel free to get creative. Sourdough adds a tangy flavor. Whole grain bread gives a nutty taste and more fiber. Even bagels can work! Just cut them into cubes, and you will have a fun new texture. Each type of bread brings its unique taste to the mix. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands make great gluten-free bread that works well for croutons. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and stick to the herbs and spices. The olive oil already makes it plant-based. These alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy your tasty croutons! Store your croutons in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crispy. You can also use a zip-top bag. Make sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. Place them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to keep them crunchy. These croutons last about a week when stored properly. If you see any signs of moisture, throw them out. To extend their life, keep them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks this way. Just remember, the colder storage may soften them a bit. To bring back that crunch, reheat croutons in the air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 minutes. This quick method makes them crispy again. You can also use an oven at the same temperature. Just spread them on a baking sheet and watch them closely. Enjoy your croutons as if they were just made! You can make croutons in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your bread into cubes. Mix the bread with olive oil and spices in a bowl. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in one layer. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Yes, you can use frozen bread. Just let it thaw first. Once it's soft, cut it into cubes. Follow the same steps for seasoning and cooking. The croutons will still turn out tasty. Croutons are great on salads, soups, and casseroles. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also snack on them or use them in stuffing. Get creative and mix flavors to match your dishes! Making croutons is easy and fun. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best crunch. You can also explore tasty variations and smart storage ideas. Croutons add flavor to soups and salads. With this guide, you can make them just right. Experiment with your favorite flavors and bread types. Enjoy your homemade croutons fresh or stored for later. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Croutons

Elevate your salads and soups with these crispy garlic herb air fryer croutons! This easy recipe transforms day-old bread into crunchy, flavorful bites in just 20 minutes. Discover the perfect blend of seasonings that make these croutons irresistible. Ideal for meal prep, they're simple to store and enjoy throughout the week. Click through to explore the full recipe and add a delicious twist to your meals!
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Ingredients
  

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

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, add the bread cubes.

      Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly.

        Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the bread cubes. Toss again until all the cubes are well-seasoned.

          Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you may need to do this in batches.

            Air fry the croutons for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Once done, remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

                Store in an airtight container for up to a week or use them immediately on salads or soups.

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

                    Presentation Tips: Serve the croutons in a rustic bowl or sprinkle them on top of a fresh salad for an attractive crunch. You can also garnish with a few fresh herbs for added color.