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To make Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Croutons, you need a few simple items. Gather these ingredients before you start: - 4 cups of stale bread (baguette or ciabatta), cubed - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste Stale bread works best for croutons. It holds up well during cooking. Fresh bread may become soggy. Olive oil adds flavor and helps the croutons crisp up. Grated Parmesan gives a rich, cheesy taste. The garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley bring in great herb flavors. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. These ingredients combine to create crunchy, tasty croutons. You can use them in salads, soups, or as a snack. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for crisping the croutons. Preheating the air fryer helps to cook them evenly. Next, take 4 cups of stale bread, like baguette or ciabatta. Cut it into cubes. In a large bowl, pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Toss the bread cubes well to coat them. Now, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste! Toss everything again until the bread cubes are covered in the cheese and herbs. Now, place the bread cubes into the air fryer basket. Spread them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; this ensures they crisp up nicely. If you have too many, do it in batches. Air fry the croutons for about 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps them cook evenly. Keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and crispy, not burnt! Once they are done, take them out and let them cool. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful croutons on salads or soups! To make croutons that are crunchy and golden, timing is key. Keep an eye on your croutons while they cook. Check them around the 8-minute mark. If they look golden, they are likely done. If they need more time, shake the basket and return them to the fryer for a few more minutes. Adjusting seasoning levels can also help with crispiness. If you like a stronger flavor, add more garlic powder or herbs. This extra flavor can make your croutons even better, enhancing the taste of your salads and soups. Overcrowding the air fryer is a common mistake. When you place too many bread cubes in the basket, they don’t cook evenly. This can lead to some croutons being soft while others are crispy. Aim for a single layer, and if needed, cook in batches. Choosing the right type of bread matters too. Use stale baguette or ciabatta for the best results. These types hold up well in the air fryer and create a nice crunch. Fresh bread can get too chewy, which is not what you want for croutons. Pro Tips Use a Variety of Bread: Different types of stale bread, like sourdough or whole grain, can add unique flavors and textures to your croutons. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like basil, rosemary, or paprika to match your dish. Ensure Even Cooking: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure that all sides of the croutons get crispy. Storage Tips: Keep croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunchiness for up to a week. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun. Try using cheddar, gouda, or feta. Each cheese adds a unique taste. Mix and match to find your favorite. You can also add spices. For a kick, try chili powder or smoked paprika. Herbs like basil or rosemary can change the flavor too. Get creative and make it your own! If you don't have an air fryer, you can still make croutons. Baking them in the oven is easy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoning. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch closely to prevent burning. You can also make croutons on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and bread cubes. Stir often until they turn golden brown. This method gives a nice crunch too. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your croutons fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and crunch. Store them at room temperature. They can last up to a week this way. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are in a sealed bag or container. Frozen croutons can last for about three months. When you want some, simply thaw them at room temperature before use. Croutons taste best when they are crispy. To reheat them, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about three to five minutes. This will restore their crunch. You can also use an oven. Spread the croutons on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for the same time. Watch them closely so they do not burn. Enjoy your croutons warm and crispy! You can easily make croutons in the oven. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube the stale bread just as you would for the air fryer. Then, mix the bread with olive oil, cheese, and herbs in a bowl. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn. This method gives you a nice crunch too! Using fresh bread is okay, but stale bread works best. Stale bread has less moisture, which helps it get crispy. If you only have fresh bread, cut it into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry. You can also toast it lightly before mixing with the oil and seasonings. This way, you still get that lovely crunch in your croutons. Homemade croutons last up to a week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer bag, and they can last for up to a month. When you want to use them, just thaw and reheat in the air fryer or oven for that crunchy texture again. Making homemade croutons is simple and fun. We covered the best ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned how to achieve the perfect crispiness and avoid common mistakes. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage methods for your croutons. Remember, using stale bread and the right seasonings makes a real difference. With these tips, your croutons will be a hit in salads and soups. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Croutons

Crispy and flavorful croutons made from stale bread, perfect for salads and soups.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups stale bread (such as baguette or ciabatta), cubed
  • 1 4 cup olive oil
  • 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread with olive oil. Toss the bread well to coat evenly.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss again until the bread cubes are evenly coated with the cheese and herbs.
  • Place the bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the croutons for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
  • Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the croutons from the air fryer and allow them to cool before using.
  • Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

Serve fresh on top of salads or soups, or display in a bowl as a crunchy topping option.
Keyword air fryer, croutons, herbs, parmesan