📝 About This Recipe
Transform humble day-old bread into the ultimate salad and soup topper with the magic of the air fryer. These croutons boast a shattering crunch on the outside while maintaining a slight, buttery chew at the center, far surpassing any store-bought alternative. Infused with fresh garlic, woodsy herbs, and a hint of sharp parmesan, they offer a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates even the simplest bowl of greens.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread Base
- 6 cups Sourdough or Italian Bread (cut into 1-inch cubes; slightly stale bread works best)
The Flavor Infusion
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic (finely minced or pressed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for a hint of color and depth)
Seasoning and Finish
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
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2
Slice your bread into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping the size consistent is the secret to ensuring every crouton cooks at the same rate.
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3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and the melted unsalted butter.
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4
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the oil mixture. Whisk vigorously to distribute the spices.
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5
Transfer the bread cubes into the large bowl with the seasoned oil mixture.
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6
Using a large spatula or your clean hands, gently toss the bread cubes until every single piece is evenly coated and glistening with the oil and herbs.
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7
Sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese over the coated bread cubes and give them one final quick toss.
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8
Place the bread cubes into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, though a slight overlap is fine for larger batches.
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9
Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes. Open the basket and give it a good shake to redistribute the croutons for even browning.
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10
Continue air frying for another 4-6 minutes. Check them every 2 minutes; they are done when they are deep golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
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11
Once finished, immediately transfer the hot croutons to a cooling rack or a paper-towel-lined plate. This prevents them from steaming and becoming soft.
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12
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley while still warm for a pop of color and freshness.
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13
Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing to ensure maximum crunch.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use stale bread for the best texture; if your bread is fresh, leave the cubes out on a baking sheet for an hour before air frying. Avoid overcrowding the basket too much, as the air needs to circulate to create that signature crunch. If you notice the garlic is browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 330°F for the final few minutes. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with more olive oil and replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast. Store completely cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Toss generously into a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing. Float a handful on top of a velvety Roasted Tomato Basil soup. Use as a crunchy topping for a homemade macaroni and cheese bake. Serve as a 'snack mix' component alongside roasted nuts and olives for cocktail hour. Crush slightly and use as a textured garnish for steamed green beans or asparagus.