Air Fryer (or Oven) No-Oil Seasoned Croutons

By the Gracious Vegan

What a great way to make no-oil croutons, and so fast! The air fryer makes it easy, and aquafaba, the liquid in cans of chickpeas help the spices stick to the bread cubes. Oven instructions provided below the air-fryer instructions.

Makes 3 cups of croutons

Stir together the following ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.

• 2 Tablespoons aquafaba (i.e., the starchy liquid in cans of chickpeas)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper, 21-Spice Mix, or other spice of your choice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add the bread cubes to the liquid mixture and gently fold the cubes in, trying to coat as many bread cubes in the liquid as possible.

• 3 cups bread cubes from any kind of bread—they should be somewhat dried out or stale (otherwise they can clump together as they cook in the air fryer)

Transfer the cubes into the air fryer basket. Close the top. Set to the “air fryer” setting at 390ºF. Set for 4 minutes. Stir them, then air-fry for another 2 minutes. Sometimes my batches need even another 1- or 2-minute session. Stir each time. They may stick to the basket a bit but can be easily dislodged with a wooden spoon. 

Let the croutons cool then store in an airtight container. They will last several weeks.

Oven directions

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Spread the coated cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 8 minutes and check them. Stir them and bake 3-5 minutes longer, as necessary.

Let the croutons cool then store in an airtight container. They will last several weeks.

Timing: About 15 minutes

Gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread