Homemade Croutons in the Air Fryer

Ingredients and Weight:

• Day-old Bread cubes (approximately 200 grams)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 15 minutes in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cube the day-old bread into small pieces. You can adjust the size of the cubes according to your preference.
2. In a bowl, combine the bread cubes with the olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all the bread cubes are coated evenly.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place the bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Set the air fryer to cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Check the croutons periodically to ensure they do not burn. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: approximately 200 calories per serving (assuming a small to medium size serving of croutons)
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Crispy and golden brown on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for various dishes like salads or soups.
• Easy to customize by adding different flavors or herbs during the preparation process.

User Comments:

1. "These croutons were so easy to make in the air fryer! They were crispy and flavorful, and my family loved them."
2. "I added some garlic powder and chili flakes to my croutons for a kick of flavor. They were delicious!"
3. "This is a great way to use up leftover bread. The croutons were perfect for my salad."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use day-old bread for best results as it will be more firm and less likely to absorb too much oil during cooking.
• Shake or stir the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping of the croutons.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or other herbs if desired.