Crispy Homemade Croutons
Achieve a Deliciously Crunchy Texture: Homemade ‘Croutons’ Perfect for Soups and Salads
Elevate your salads and soups with these delightfully crunchy croutons that are sure to whet your appetite! We’ve prepared two convenient methods: one using an air fryer and another using a frying pan. Choose the recipe that suits you best and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (slightly stale or leftover bread recommended)
- 5 tsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, combine 5 teaspoons of olive oil with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the garlic’s aroma to infuse the oil, creating a more profound flavor.
Step 2
Next, take your 2 slices of bread. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can make them into cubes or any shape you prefer. Smaller pieces work well for salads, while slightly larger ones are great for soup. Feel free to trim the crusts if you like, or leave them on.
Step 3
【Air Fryer Method】: Arrange the cut bread pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place them in a preheated air fryer set to 180°C (350°F) and cook for the first 5 minutes. This initial step helps to slightly firm up the bread, allowing it to absorb the seasoning better and become extra crispy.
Step 4
Strain the infused garlic olive oil through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the oil from the garlic bits. This prevents the garlic from burning during cooking and results in cleaner-looking croutons. (The strained garlic can be used in other dishes.)
Step 5
Now, brush the drained olive oil evenly over the bread pieces that have undergone the first air frying. Ensuring all sides are coated is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Return the bread to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to finish.
Step 6
【Frying Pan Method】: Place the cut bread pieces into a dry frying pan. Cook over low heat, gently turning them frequently, until the bread surfaces become lightly golden. Be careful to avoid burning.
Step 7
Once both sides of the bread are somewhat crispy, drizzle the strained garlic olive oil into the pan. Add the bread back into the pan and stir-fry briefly for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic flavor to coat the bread. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 8
Voilà! Your delicious homemade croutons are ready! (Oops, I slightly overdid the heat control in the last step and a few got a little burnt, haha. I hope yours turn out perfectly! Enjoy them with your warm soup or fresh salad!)
