If you’ve ever wished you could have crisp, flavorful croutons at home—without turning on your oven for ages—this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is about to change your salad game forever! With a handful of pantry staples and just a few minutes in your air fryer, you can enjoy golden, crunchy croutons that actually steal the spotlight in any dish. No store-bought box can compare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Your croutons are ready in only 10 minutes from start to finish, no need to heat up the oven or stand guard over them!
- Totally Customizable: You can use your favorite bread, herbs, and seasonings—make them as savory or as herby as you like.
- Irresistibly Crunchy: The air fryer gives croutons a crisp golden shell and a soft chew in the middle, just like the fancy ones from your favorite bistro.
- Waste Not: This Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is perfect for using up leftover or stale bread, reducing food waste in the tastiest way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is just how delightfully simple the ingredients are. Each component has a starring role, from providing flavor to packing in that irresistible crispy texture. Here’s how they work together:
- Bread (about 4 slices, or ~3 cups cubed): A French baguette, sturdy sourdough, or even everyday sandwich bread all work, but day-old or slightly dry bread will give you the ultimate crunch!
- Olive Oil or Melted Vegan Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds savory flavor and ensures the croutons get that perfect golden, crispy finish.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): For those irresistible garlicky hints that make croutons so much more than just toasted bread.
- Pinch of Salt: Essential for brightening all the flavors and making each bite pop.
- Italian Herbs – Oregano, Parsley, Basil (½ teaspoon, optional): These dried herbs add a classic, aromatic twist and a beautiful speckled color, but feel free to use your favorites or leave them out for a simpler version.
Variations
The best thing about making homemade croutons is how easy it is to personalize every batch. Whether you have dietary needs or a craving for something a little different, you can tweak this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe to suit your taste—so let your kitchen creativity shine!
- Cheesy Parmesan Croutons: Toss the cubes with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan just before air frying for an extra savory crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika in with the herbs for croutons that add a little heat to your salads and soups.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for a delicious allergen-friendly version with all the same great crunch.
- Lemon Herb: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest along with the herbs for a fresh, zingy flavor that pairs especially well with green salads.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cube the Bread
Start by choosing your bread—stale bread actually works best here. Slice it into cubes about ½ to 1 inch wide. Uniform pieces help everything crisp up evenly, so try to keep them roughly the same size.
Step 2: Toss with Flavors
In a large bowl, add your bread cubes and drizzle them with olive oil or melted vegan butter. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and dried Italian herbs if using. Toss everything well using your hands or a spatula—the goal is to ensure each cube gets a touch of flavor and a light, even coating of oil.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden
Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF for a couple of minutes while you prep the bread. Arrange about half of the cubes in the air fryer basket—it’s perfectly fine if they’re a bit piled up. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until your croutons are golden and crispy on all sides. Depending on your air fryer and the size of your cubes, you might want to adjust the time slightly. Repeat with the second batch.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Let your croutons cool completely before storing. This ensures they stay crisp and crunchy in your pantry for weeks! Pop them into an airtight container or bag once they’re cool to the touch.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Bread Matters: Slightly stale bread yields the crunchiest croutons, but feel free to experiment with hearty loaves or even gluten-free varieties for different tastes and textures.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, air fry in batches and give your croutons room to tumble—this ensures even browning on all sides.
- Shake It Up: Shaking the basket at least once halfway through cooking guarantees more uniform color and crunch (and it’s oddly satisfying, too!).
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Any lingering heat or steam will soften your croutons—make sure they’re totally cooled before sealing them up.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These croutons add a crave-worthy, crunchy finish when sprinkled over creamy soups or vibrant salads. Try them as a garnish for tomato soup, Caesar salad, or even sprinkled on roasted veggies for extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
The Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is a fantastic companion to hearty salads, smooth soups, and pasta bakes. Toss them into panzanella, serve on top of a steaming bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, or alongside a comforting casserole for that satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected touch, serve your homemade croutons in a pretty jar with a ribbon as a thoughtful foodie gift! Or, set out a crouton bar with different seasoning options as a fun salad topping at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the croutons are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll keep their crispness for several weeks—just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to prevent any sogginess.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze extra croutons! Place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out any extra air, and tuck them away for up to three months. Allow them to come to room temperature on the counter, or pop them back in the air fryer for a quick refresh.
Reheating
If your croutons lose some crunch or come from the freezer, just reheat them in your air fryer at 350ºF for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up, good as new!
FAQs
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Can I use any type of bread for the Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! This Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe works beautifully with sourdough, baguette, sandwich bread, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. The texture and flavor of your croutons will vary, so have fun experimenting with whatever you have on hand.
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My croutons aren’t getting crunchy—what am I missing?
If your croutons aren’t crisping up, make sure the bread cubes aren’t too moist and don’t crowd the air fryer basket—airflow is key. Also, allow them to cool fully before storing, as lingering steam can make them go soft.
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Can I make this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe without oil?
You can make oil-free croutons, but they may not get quite as golden and crispy. Try using a cooking spray or tossing bread cubes with a splash of broth or citrus juice for a lighter version.
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How long do homemade air fryer croutons last?
Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade croutons will stay deliciously crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks. For even longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe enough—once you try it, you’ll find excuses to make salad just for the croutons! It’s quick, delightfully foolproof, and so much tastier (and fresher!) than anything from a bag. Give it a go and treat yourself to homemade crunchy goodness in every bite.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and crispy homemade croutons using an air fryer with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 slices bread (6″ baguette) ~3 cups
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted vegan butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, parsley, basil) optional
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 360º F for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Slice bread into crouton-shaped pieces, approximately 3-4 cups.
- Season Bread Cubes: In a bowl, toss bread with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and optional herbs.
- Air Fry: Place half the bread cubes in the air fryer basket and cook at 360ºF until golden brown, shaking occasionally (5-7 minutes).
- Cool and Store: Once cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container for several weeks.
Notes
- Oven method for baking croutons: Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan and bake at 375º F, stirring occasionally (10-15 minutes).
- Store croutons in an airtight container or freeze for long-term storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
