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Crispy Air Fryer Croutons: The Perfect Topping for Your Soups and Salads

Croutons are the unsung heroes of the culinary world. They can elevate a simple salad, add texture to a creamy soup, or serve as a delightful snack on their own. While pre-packaged croutons can sometimes be convenient, making your own is not only straightforward but allows you to control the flavours and ingredients. With the advent of air fryers, you can achieve perfectly crisp croutons in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. Here’s how to make delicious air fryer croutons that will take your dishes to the next level.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (any type will do – stale bread is perfect)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

Method

1. Prepare the Bread:
   Start by cutting your bread into even cubes, typically about 1-inch in size. If you’re using stale bread, this will be especially easy and will lead to a crouton that is both crisp and full of flavour.

2. Season the Cubes:
   Place the bread cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the bread, and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated. This step is crucial as it ensures that each crouton is packed with flavour.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is not mandatory but can help achieve a more consistent cook.

4. Air Fry the Croutons:
   Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pieces. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning, as air fryers can work quickly.

5. Cool and Store:
   Once golden and crisp, remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help them maintain their crunchiness. Once cooled, you can use them immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Creative Variations

While garlic and herb croutons are delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavours. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheesy Croutons: Add grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese to your seasoning mix for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Croutons: Toss the bread cubes with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Sweet Croutons: Drizzle honey or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on your cubes before air frying for a sweet topping that’s perfect for salads or snacking.

Conclusion

Making your own air fryer croutons is a simple and satisfying process that enhances the flavour and texture of your dishes. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform stale bread into a gourmet garnish that adds both nutritional value and crunch to your meals. So the next time you’re looking to spruce up a salad or warm soup, remember that a handful of homemade air fryer croutons might just be the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy cooking!

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