Air Fryer Croutons

These Air Fryer Croutons are a total game-changer and incredibly easy to whip up! They turn ordinary bread into golden, crunchy nuggets that are perfect for salads, soups, and even cheese boards!

Once you start making homemade croutons, you won’t want to go back! They taste so much better than store-bought, and I love using up stale bread. Thanks to my air fryer, which is my best friend in the kitchen, I can transform bread in just minutes, perfect for using up stale bread.

Serve with my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Salad, or my rendition of Air Fryer Copycat Panera Salad. Either way you serve them, they will be absolutely delicious!

Of course, you can serve them in my Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup, this is such a versatile air fryer recipe!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and Easy: These croutons come together in just minutes, making them a perfect last-minute addition to any meal. You’ll have homemade crunchiness ready before you know it!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences. Whether you like garlic, herbs, or a spicy kick, the options are endless!
• No Waste: Perfect for using up stale bread, this recipe helps reduce food waste while creating something delicious. You can feel good about turning yesterday’s bread into today’s tasty treat.
• Healthier Alternative: Air frying means less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional frying methods. Enjoy the crispy goodness without the guilt!
• Versatile: These croutons are perfect for salads, soups, or snacking on their own. They add a delightful crunch to any dish you serve.

​Ingredients To Make Air Fryer Croutons

• Bread: Bread is the star ingredient, so feel free to use any type you have on hand! Personally, I love using sourdough or whole wheat bread since they’re my go-tos. French bread or a baguette also work wonderfully. If you have any leftover stale or day-old bread, that’s perfect for achieving the ultimate crunch! And don’t worry—gluten-free bread is a great option as well!

• Olive Oil: Olive oil will help the bread cubes crisp and golden brown during air frying. You can also use avocado oil, or melted butter.

• Garlic Powder: For added flavor. This gives the croutons a subtle garlic kick.

• Different Seasonings and Herbs: Herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, or a combination for seasoning. It imparts a lovely aroma and taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Add Kosher salt (or sea salt) and black pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.

• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): To make Parmesan croutons, you can include grated cheese for a savory, cheesy twist.

How To Make Air Fryer Croutons

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that the croutons cook evenly and become crispy.

Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut your stale bread into 1-inch cubes using a sharp or serrated knife. Stale bread works best because it absorbs less oil and becomes crispier.

Season the Bread Crumbs: Drizzle the olive oil over the bread slices in a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the seasonings. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it now and toss to combine; let sit for a couple of minutes.

Air Fry the Croutons: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or baking tray. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Do not overcrowd the basket.

Air Fry: Set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket or use tongs to toss the croutons every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and crisp.

Cool and Store: Once the croutons are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container for later use.

Serve: Use your homemade air fryer croutons to add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, or as a tasty snack.

Recipe Variations

• Air Fryer Croutons with Olive Oil: Coated in extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic powder and dried basil, these croutons add a savory punch to salads and soups.  

• Air Fryer Croutons without Oil:   Seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme, they provide a burst of flavor without the added oil fats. 

Tips and Tricks

• Use Stale Bread: Stale bread works best for croutons because it’s drier and absorbs less oil, resulting in crispier croutons.

• Even Cubes: Cut the bread into uniform 1 inch cubes

• Seasoning Variation: Add spices like paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper for a kick or grated lemon zest for a fresh twist. Season bread cubes generously. 

• Toss Thoroughly: When mixing the bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings, toss bread well to ensure each cube is coated evenly.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

• Shake or Stir: While air frying, shake the basket or use tongs to stir the croutons every 2-3 minutes.

• Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the croutons during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Cool Before Storing: Let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

• Customize: Feel free to customize your croutons to match the dish you plan to serve them with. For example, add grated Parmesan for a cheesy flavor or a pinch of sugar for a sweeter touch.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread, seasonings, and even oils. Each variation can yield a unique and delicious result.

Air Fryer Croutons Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of bread for croutons? Yes! You can use any type of bread you have on hand, including sourdough, whole wheat, French bread, or even gluten-free options. Stale or day-old bread works best for achieving a nice crunch.

How do I store homemade croutons? Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I season my croutons differently? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add delicious flavors.

How do I make croutons without an air fryer? You can make croutons in the oven by tossing cubed bread with oil and seasonings and baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

How long do I cook the croutons in the air fryer? Cook the croutons in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Can I make croutons ahead of time? Yes, you can make croutons ahead of time and store them. They maintain their crunch for about a week when stored properly.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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• AIR FRYER STEAK FRIES
• THE BEST AND EASIEST AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES RECIPE