
A crouton is the delightful bonus: a crispy bread bite nestled among greens or soaking in tomato soup. But let’s face it, croutons can sometimes be a challenge to chew. Luckily, air-fried croissants take croutons to the next level, offering the perfect solution.
Croissant croutons are more about crispiness than crunch, with none of the harsh, pointed corners you often find in croutons made from tough bread. Plus, they're already loaded with butter, eliminating the need for extra oil—just sprinkle on some seasoning, like garlic salt, your favorite all-purpose blend, or one of the quirky seasonings you’ll find at Trader Joe’s.
While it’s possible to buy croissant croutons at Trader Joe’s, they don’t quite hit the mark. (I found them bland and lacking the rich buttery flavor. I couldn’t finish the bag.) Making them yourself is a breeze. Whether you use store-bought or homemade croissants, fresh or stale, simply cut them into cubes, add your seasoning, and air fry for about five minutes. You’ll end up with a batch of buttery, crispy, almost fluffy croutons.
Air-Fried Croissant Croutons
Ingredients:
1 croissant
Your preferred seasoning blend
Use a serrated bread knife to cut the croissant into 1-inch cubes, then transfer the pieces to a bowl. Generously season with your favorite spice blend, tossing the cubes to coat. Garlic salt is an excellent starting point.
Preheat your air fryer to 300℉. Place the croissant cubes into the basket and air fry for five minutes, tossing once or twice for even browning. Once they reach a golden brown hue, remove them from the fryer and let them cool completely before enjoying them in a salad, soup, or as a snack straight from your hand.
