Easy Sourdough Croutons Recipe – Garlic Air Fryer Bread Crumbs

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Sourdough Croutons Recipe – Garlic Air Fryer Bread Crumbs

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple recipe for homemade sourdough croutons. Honestly, once you make these, you’ll never go back to store-bought. They’re just so much more flavorful, and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy in minutes! I first started making these when I realized how much sourdough we had leftover, and now they’re a staple in our house.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any croutons. We’re talking about golden, garlicky, unbelievably crunchy sourdough goodness. They’re perfect for elevating your salads, soups, or even just snacking on straight from the (cooling!) rack. Plus, making them at home means you control exactly what goes into them – no weird preservatives or additives! And the air fryer? It’s a game changer for speed and texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:

• 3 sourdough bread slices
• 0.5 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (about 7ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (about 2.5ml)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using sourdough really makes a difference. The slight tanginess adds a lovely complexity to the croutons.

Good quality extra virgin olive oil is also key – it adds a beautiful flavor. Don’t skimp here! I usually use one with a fruity aroma.

And garlic powder? You can totally experiment! I love the convenience of the powder, but a pinch of granulated garlic works beautifully too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smoked garlic powder for a really unique flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Cut your sourdough bread into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Don’t stress about making them perfectly uniform – a little rustic charm is perfectly fine! Place them all in a nice big mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder and a generous pinch of salt.
3. Now, toss everything together really well. You want to make sure every single cube is coated in that delicious garlicky oil.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 3 minutes. This gets it nice and hot for maximum crunch.
5. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it – you might need to work in batches.
6. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Keep a close eye on them during the last minute to avoid burning!
7. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the croutons from the air fryer and spread them out on a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for getting that perfect crunch.
8. Store in an airtight container once completely cool.

Expert Tips

Want to take your croutons to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

• Maximum Crunch: Make sure the bread cubes are completely cooled before storing. Any residual heat will soften them.
• Preventing Burning: Air fryers can vary, so keep a close eye on the croutons during the last minute of cooking. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly.
• Even Coating: Really massage the oil and seasonings into the bread cubes. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of flavor adventures!

• Spice Level: My husband loves a little heat, so I often add a pinch of red chili flakes to the mix.
• Herb Variations: Rosemary and thyme are amazing with sourdough. Add about a teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs (or ½ teaspoon dried) along with the garlic powder.
• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free sourdough bread.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, now for the fun part – eating! These croutons are seriously versatile.

• Salads: The classic! They add a wonderful crunch to any salad.
• Soups: Sprinkle them over tomato soup, French onion soup, or any creamy soup for a textural contrast.
• Pasta Toppings: A surprising but delicious addition to pasta dishes.
• Cheese Boards: They’re fantastic for dipping into soft cheeses or alongside olives and charcuterie.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They might lose a little of their crunch over time, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: What type of sourdough bread works best for croutons?

A: Honestly, any sourdough will work! But I find that a slightly denser loaf holds its shape better during air frying.

Q: Can I make these croutons in the oven?

A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Q: How can I prevent the croutons from burning in the air fryer?

A: Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of cooking. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.

Q: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

A: You can! Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and sauté it in the olive oil for a minute or two before tossing with the bread. Just be careful not to burn the garlic.

Q: How long do these croutons stay crispy?

A: They’ll stay crispiest for the first 2-3 days, but they’ll still be good for up to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.