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Air fryer croutons

Easy And Crunchy Air Fryer Croutons (Vegan!)

Versatile, crunchy, and so easy to make- these air fryer croutons are exactly what you need to make your soups and salads more fun to eat! With just 10 minutes and simple vegan ingredients, you'll have a flavorful side that is also extremely healthy.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cut your bread into cubes—aim for 1-inch pieces for the perfect crunch. If your bread is too fresh, leave it out for a few hours or overnight to dry out a little. Drier bread helps the croutons become extra crispy in the air fryer.
  • Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil, sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper over the bread cubes, and toss. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that the croutons get crispy right from the start.
  • Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and don't overcrowd it to cook the bread evenly. Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
  • Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. They’ll get even crispier as they cool down. Now, your homemade croutons air fryer are ready to be sprinkled over salads, and soups, or enjoyed as a tasty snack.
  • The oven-baked croutons are just as crispy and flavorful as the air fryer version, but it will take a bit longer, and you'll need to monitor them closely to get that perfect crunch.

Oven Method (optional):

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Prepare the bread cubes as instructed above—drizzle with olive oil and season with your favorite spices.
  • Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
  • Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before using.

Notes

  • Extra Crunch: For croutons with extra crunch, leave them in the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes but keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
  • Herb-Flavored Croutons: Try adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a burst of aromatic flavor.
  • Cheesy Croutons: If you want a cheesy flavor, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast before air frying. This adds a savory, umami flavor to the croutons.
 
How to store:
In the fridge: Store your air fryer croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay nice and crunchy for a few days.
In the freezer: You can freeze your homemade croutons for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To restore the crunchiness, just pop the croutons back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or bake them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
Meal prep: Coat the bread with seasonings, and store them in an air-tight container before air frying. Make a large batch and enjoy them for the whole week.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!