Making air fried croutons is super easy and very quick. If you don’t have an air fryer you can also make your croutons in the oven (baking directions also below) … but my official taster, the hubster, says they are best in the air fryer…so that’s how we do them now.
Where to find bread for croutons
One of my frugal habits in the grocery store is to pop by and look at the clearance rack. I bet your grocery has a clearance rack (or clearance section) and I’d recommend you find it and check it out – sometimes you can score a great bargain. I’ve had luck finding sourdough bread on clearance and immediately – I think – CROUTONS !!!
There is no chance in the world that I would purposely make fresh sourdough bread and then cut it up into croutons. But if I found clearance sourdough – for sure – croutons it is! Or if there is fresh bread in the house that isn’t being eaten and therefore not really fresh any more... then I’ll make it into croutons.
What to do with croutons ?
I like to eat croutons on salads, of course but also consider eating them with soups. A nice roasted tomato soup? Obviously (maybe not obviously?!) you can crush up croutons and use them as crunchy bread crumbs for finishing / topping a potato (or tuna?) casserole or a piece of fish or really any item you are making that needs a lil crunch on top!
What spices to use for croutons ?
Croutons are so very simple – the flavor you choose is from your spice cabinet. I like to use general purpose mixes that I purchased. In particular I like a shallot / garlic / green onion blend that I have that also goes nicely on vegetables. I also add some garlic – cause who doesn’t like garlic ??? You can pick your favorite spices out of your cabinet – generally I’d say 1.5 -2.5 Tsp of spice will be good for 16 oz / 18 oz of bread.
Yes, I am frugal girl and I’m #KeepingItReal. I reuse and reuse and reuse my spice containers. Not only does it save a few bucks but it’s good for the environment. The Parisian shallot and herb blend is one of my many favorites! It includes shallots (of course) and a ton of herbs. So yummy on croutons ++ Garlic !
Baking vs. Air Fried
If you are putting your croutons in the oven – I’d recommend 375 for 10 – 15 minutes. We like our croutons on the crunchier side – so we leave them in a bit longer. You can stir after 5 minutes to make sure they are browning evenly. I’d recommend a sheet pan with a piece of parchment to make sure the croutons don’t stick.
If you are air frying your croutons – I use 390 degrees and have found 7 minutes (total is best) with a flip / stir after 3 minutes.
Ok – so here’s the guidance :
Air Fried or Baked Croutons
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 Oz Bread
- 6 Tbl Olive Oil
- 1.5 – 2 Tsp Seasoning (shallot / garlic / green onion blend is nice)
- .5 Tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- Cut the bread into 3/4 inch slices.
- Cut the bread into 3/4 inch cubes.
- Place cubes of bread into a large bowl. (I weighed my bread to consider how much olive oil I needed. If you have 16 – 18 oz bread the olive oil above will be a good amount)
Add your Olive Oil and Seasoning
- Apply 1/2 of the olive oil and stir up the bread. Apply the rest of the olive oil. Add in the spices / garlic (if using) and stir up the bread – make sure the spices and the EVOO is evenly applied across the bread. Be sure to add S&P to the croutons – salt brings out the flavoring and pepper is always a welcome addition.
Air Fry or Bake
- If you are baking – 375 for 10-15 minutes on a sheet pan covered in parchment – stir halfway in between
- If you are air frying – 390 for 6-7 minutes in a pre-heated air fryer – and stir / shake at the 3 minute mark. I had to make 2 batches to get all the croutons crispy. NOTE: the denser your bread (e.g. sourdough or whole wheat) the time noted is appropriate. If you have light and airy bread (aka store bought light white) you probably want to reduce the air fry time so you don't burn the croutons. Better to check early and add a minute or two, than burn up your first batch. #KeepingItReal
- Store the croutons in a container that is air tight. They will last several days. Dried out bread is what croutons are…so I suspect they will be fine on your counter until they all get eaten!
