Ingredients
Croutons
- ¼ of a large loaf (6oz or 170 grams) bread (about 4 slices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or 1½ tablespoons aquafaba for oil-free option)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus a pinch more for extra peppery flavour)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut or tear the bread into chunky bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil or aquafaba, then sprinkle with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to toss the cubes thoroughly, coating them evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow air circulation for even crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. Monitor closely as time may vary depending on your air fryer model; the croutons should be golden, dried out, and crispy.
- Cool and Store: Turn off the air fryer and let the croutons cool inside the basket to maintain crispness. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, preferably a glass jar, for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Use aquafaba as a healthy, oil-free alternative for coating the bread.
- Keep an eye on croutons during air frying as cooking times can vary between different air fryer brands and models.
- Store croutons in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegan
