How to Make Homemade Croutons, Wontons, and Tortilla Chips
turning bread into croutons, wonton wrappers into cups or strips, and tortillas into chips in just a few easy steps
Notes
Choose what you'll be making.
Bread for croutons, any style bread will work, fresh, stale, ot frozen. If it's fresh, cut it into 1" pieces and place it on a baking sheet, and dry it out in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes, toss to get the other side exposed, and bake another 5 minutes. About 10 minutes total.
For wontons, purchase wonton wrappers, big or small, and cut them into the desired shape. I typically buy the small square wrappers and slice them into strips.
Tortillas, corn or flour, can be cut into strips, triangles, or any shape you'd like with a cookie cutter.
For frying: preheat 2 inches of neutral oil (I use avocado oil) in a saucepan to 350°. Place the item you're frying and cook about 3 mintues tossing it so it coats oil on all sides and gets evenly cripsy. A slotted metal spoon or tongs work well. Drain on paper towels and salt if desired.
Oven Baked: Toss the items you'll be baking with a little oil, or use oil in a sprayer... so it's lightly coated, add garlic or other seasonings (or cinnamon sugar) and bake in a preheated 400° oven for 5 minutes, or until desired crispiness. Croutons usually take 10 minutes as they are thicker than any "strips".
Air fryer: Spray or coat the desired items with some oil and air fry. Alternatively, don't use any oil if desired. I like a little oil; it gives them all a nicer crunch. 350° 5-10 minutes.
I often crisp up some flour tortillas I've sprayed with oil on the black stone for a snack while I'm cooking, dip them in a little hummus, so I can keep the rest of the food on the grill and not have all of it eaten by the time I'm done cooking.
The flavor possibilities are endless. Add the flavors you like, or keep it simple with a seasoning salt, lemon pepper, dry ranch flavor, or something out of your spice cabinet you love.
The items baked will likely be a bit chewier than fried, but it's great to have a quick option to frying and to add a punch of fun to what your serving!