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To make these tasty croutons, gather these items: - 4 slices of day-old bread (preferably French or Italian) - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons of a dried Italian herb blend (including oregano, basil, and thyme) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended) I love using day-old bread for croutons. French or Italian bread works best. The crust gives them a nice crunch. You can also use sourdough for a tangy flavor. Just make sure your bread is a bit stale. Fresh bread can get too soft. Want to amp up the taste? Try adding some crushed red pepper for heat. You can also mix in herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra freshness. If you love cheese, use a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for a rich flavor. A sprinkle of lemon zest can add a nice zing, too! First, take your day-old bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. I like to use French or Italian bread for their great texture. Make sure the cubes are even. This helps them cook well and stay crispy. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 4 finely minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk it all together until it smells amazing. The garlic and herbs will give the croutons a burst of flavor. Pour your garlic herb oil over the bread cubes. With a spatula or your hands, toss the bread well. Make sure every piece is coated. If you want to add some cheese, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan on top. Toss again gently, so you don’t break the cubes. Now, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step is key for getting that perfect crunch on the croutons. Carefully add the bread mixture to the air fryer basket. Spread the cubes in a single layer. If you have a lot, cook them in batches. This way, they get nice and crispy. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. When your croutons turn golden brown, take them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool. This cooling helps keep them crunchy. Once they are cool, store them in an airtight container. Enjoy them in soups, salads, or as a tasty snack! To get the best crunch, use day-old bread. Fresh bread can get soggy. Cut the bread into even 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Make sure to toss them well in the garlic herb oil. This coating is key for great taste and texture. Keep an eye on them in the air fryer. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them crisp up all around. If you want to switch up the flavors, try using different herbs. Rosemary or parsley can give a nice twist. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Parmesan cheese? It adds a rich flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper too. Taste is personal, and you should make it your own. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This step helps your croutons cook faster and more evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If the croutons are packed too tight, they won’t crisp up well. Cook them in batches if needed. Lastly, let them cool on a wire rack after frying. This keeps them crunchy and ready to enjoy! {{image_4}} You can change the cheese to fit your taste. Try using cheddar, gouda, or feta. Each cheese gives a unique flavor. For a stronger taste, add more cheese. Just remember, the cheese can make croutons rich and tasty. Feel free to swap the dried herbs for fresh ones. Use fresh oregano, basil, or thyme for a bright flavor. You can also try rosemary or parsley for a different twist. Just chop them finely before mixing in. Fresh herbs can give a nice pop to your croutons. Different spices can add fun new flavors. Try adding paprika for some heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up too. You can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder for extra zest. Just adjust the amounts to match your taste. Once your croutons cool, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Make sure to store them away from heat and moisture. Avoid using paper bags, as they can trap moisture and make croutons soggy. Use glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable bags. Choose a container that seals tightly. Glass jars work best if you want to see your croutons. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to stack in your pantry. Homemade croutons last about one to two weeks when stored properly. Keep an eye on them for any signs of moisture. If they feel soft, you can re-crisp them in the air fryer for a few minutes. Use these croutons in salads, soups, or enjoy them as a snack. They add a delightful crunch and flavor to any dish! You can make croutons in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut day-old bread into cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs add bright flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Chop them finely before mixing with the bread. Basil, thyme, and oregano work great. Homemade croutons are great on salads, soups, or as snacks. They add crunch and flavor to Caesar salads or creamy tomato soup. You can also top baked dishes with croutons for added texture. Store croutons in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid humidity, which can make them soft. If they do become stale, you can crisp them up in the air fryer for a few minutes. Yes, you can freeze croutons. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to three months. To use, just reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. You learned how to make croutons at home using simple steps. With the right ingredients, tips, and variations, you can create tasty croutons. Remember to adjust flavors and store them well for the best taste. Whether using herbs or cheese, you can customize these bites to fit your meals. Enjoy your crunchy treats on salads or soups. Get creative and make croutons your way!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Croutons

Elevate your salads and soups with these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Herb Croutons! In just 20 minutes, you can make crunchy bites using simple ingredients like day-old bread, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect for adding flavor and texture to your meals, these croutons are easy to prepare and utterly addictive. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dishes today!
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Ingredients
  

4 slices of day-old bread (preferably French or Italian)

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 teaspoons of a dried Italian herb blend (including oregano, basil, and thyme)

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

Instructions
 

Start by cutting the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the cubes are uniform in size for even cooking.

    In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.

      Pour the garlic herb mixture over the bread cubes. Using a spatula or your hands, toss the bread until all pieces are thoroughly coated with the aromatic oil mixture.

        If you choose to add the Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the bread cubes and gently toss again to distribute the cheese without breaking the croutons.

          Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reach the desired cooking temperature.

            Once preheated, carefully add the seasoned bread mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.

              Air fry the croutons for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all croutons become evenly golden brown and crispy.

                After they reach the perfect crispness and golden color, remove the croutons from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps them retain their crunch.

                  Once cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container. They make an excellent addition to soups, salads, or can be enjoyed as a standalone crunchy snack!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4