Monday, June 11, 2012

Homemade Croutons by Airfryer

I love croutons but they are really expensive.   I mean, how much can a loaf of stale bread cost?  In some Western countries, they sell their perishables at a greatly discounted price for those near expiring dates.  In Singapore, I only know Cold Storage is doing similar.

I do buy croutons on very rare occasions, but I prefer to make my own.  Not only is it cheaper to make, you can control the ingredients and flavour.  I make mine with unsalted butter and olive oil, but you could always substitute with whatever margarine/oil you have at home.

Some people like to remove the crust but not for me.  My kids love the crust because it gets extra crispy.

Before I bought the Airfryer, I used to bake it in the oven, which takes around 10 -  15 mins @ 180C.  Then I saw Wendy's version, I tried but I need to be at the stove to toss and stir constantly to prevent them from getting charred.  I experimented with the Airfryer and it took me approx.5 mins to get it done.  Fret not if you do not own one, like I've said, you could always bake it in the oven, or try out Wendy's pan method.

Making croutons is really easy, just cube some stale bread (here I'm using Farmer Rye), toss in melted butter/olive oil to coat well.

Nice crispy homemade croutons!

Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
Some stale bread
Butter (I used unsalted but you can use salted if you like)
Olive oil (optional)

Method
  1. Preheat Airfryer for 2 -  3 mins @ 120C - 140C.  You can always use a higher temperature and cut down on the cooking time but my suggestion is not to go beyond 160C if you are using the Airfryer (for oven, I used 180C for 10 - 15 mins).
    Cube some stale bread to desired size.
  2. Toss in melted butter and olive oil until well coated.
  3. Pour in cubed bread and cook for 2-3 mins.
  4. Toss and fry for another 2 -  3 mins.
  5. Cool completely and store in airtight container (I didn't use airtight as it usually doesn't last for more than 2 days)
For pan version, check out Wendy's blog  here

11 comments:

Alice said...

makes me so drooling to buy airfryer

Joyce @ Chunky Cooky said...

I have been aiming the airfryer for the longest time since it's launched! But my kitchen is packed to the brim already :(...and I was afraid it would be another white elephant too.

Unknown said...

Hi,
Does it do have the same result as fried mantou (Chinese buns)?

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Maybe asking a silly question but when you say toss in some olive oil and butter it means to mix with the bread right?

Happy Homebaker said...

Thanks for your comment and kind gestures to send me a gift :):) Can you drop me an email at happyhomebaking@yahoo.com.sg? I will get back to u on my mailing address? You are making me excited, did u get it during your Taiwan trip? Thanks!

Janine said...

same as alice...you're making me lust for an air fryer!

Anonymous said...

This Is so cool! I'm also tempted to get one.

Blessed Homemaker said...

Anony,
Yes, mix melted butter/olive oil with bread.

Anonymous said...

hi,,may i know wat is stale bread,,can i used normal frence loaf or any wholemeal bread,,thanks

Anonymous said...

hi,,may i know wat is stale bread,can i used normal french loaf of any wholemeal bread?...

Blessed Homemaker said...

Anony,
Stale bread means the bread already turned dry, no longer soft and fluffy.

Yes, you may use french loaf or wholemeal bread.