There is something incredibly satisfying about crunchy, golden croutons that jazz up any salad, soup, or snack. This Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is a simple yet brilliant way to transform day-old bread into crispy, flavorful bites that carry just the right mix of herbs and seasoning. Using an air fryer makes the process quick, mess-free, and yields perfectly toasted cubes with minimal oil, so you get that perfect crunch without the heaviness. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll be reaching for homemade croutons every time you want to elevate your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that work together to create maximum flavor, texture, and that golden-brown color we all crave.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: The backbone of your croutons; day-old bread like sourdough or French holds up best and crisps beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the herbs stick and provides a lovely richness while keeping the croutons light.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, savory punch without overpowering the bread’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Or oregano, giving an aromatic, garden-fresh vibe to each crunchy bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, pulling them together seamlessly.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper: Brings a mild kick and sharpness without overwhelming the palate.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle adds a nutty, savory layer that’s totally irresistible if you’re not keeping it vegan.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and letting it warm up for about 2 to 3 minutes. A hot air fryer basket ensures that the bread cubes get toasted quickly and evenly, sealing in crispness from the outside to the inside.
Step 2: Toss the Bread Cubes with Seasonings
In a large bowl, gently combine your cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece gets a nice coating. If you love a cheesy touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan right in now—it will toast up beautifully and add an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry
Lay the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air circulates freely, letting each crouton crisp up perfectly. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, giving the basket a good shake about halfway through to ensure even browning all around.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once they’re golden and crispy, transfer your croutons to a plate or cooling rack. Letting them cool slightly helps them set their crunch before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh but also keep wonderfully if stored properly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These croutons make a fantastic garnish atop crisp garden salads, Caesar salads, or even creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash. Their crunch adds delightful texture contrasts, and their herby seasoning enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve Air Fryer Croutons as a snack alongside dips like spinach-artichoke or hummus, or sprinkle them over roasted veggies for an unexpected crispy topping. They also pair wonderfully with pasta dishes to add a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, toss your croutons with different seasoning blends—think smoky paprika, curry powder, or lemon zest with thyme—to offer a variety of flavors. Present them in small bowls with dipping sauces or mixed into layered appetizer salads for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, they’ll retain their crispness for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to keep your batch fresh for longer, freeze the croutons in a sealed freezer bag. They freeze really well and can be stored for up to two months. Just remember to thaw them out at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, pop the croutons in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or toast them briefly in a preheated oven. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Fresh bread can work, but day-old bread is less likely to get soggy or fall apart when air frying. Fresh bread may need a bit more time to crisp, but it can still yield tasty croutons if handled gently.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese, and your croutons become fully vegan while still bursting with flavor from the herbs and spices.
What other seasonings can I try with this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Smoked paprika, chili powder, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or even a pinch of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist all make delicious alternatives.
How do I make sure the croutons come out evenly crispy?
Make sure the bread cubes are cut to uniform sizes and tossed well in oil and seasonings. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even crisping.
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes! Gluten-free bread cubes will work just fine. Just keep in mind some gluten-free breads may crisp differently depending on moisture content, so watch the cooking time closely.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a super easy, wonderfully tasty Air Fryer Croutons Recipe that will forever change how you top your salads and soups. The quick air frying method delivers crunch without excess oil, and the simple seasoning keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a fantastic, fuss-free way to add some homemade magic to your meals. Give it a try and watch your everyday dishes come alive with a little crunch and a lot of love.
Print
Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad Topping, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Croutons made with cubed day-old bread tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese. Perfect for topping salads or enjoying as a crunchy snack, these croutons are quick to prepare using an air fryer for a golden, crispy texture.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as sourdough, French, or whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crisping the croutons uniformly.
- Season Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until the cubes are evenly coated. If desired, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Air Fry Croutons: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and ensure all sides become crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before using. They can be used immediately as a salad topping or stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Use any sturdy bread you like—day-old bread works best for texture and crispiness.
- For a buttery variation, substitute part of the olive oil with melted butter.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you want a spicy kick.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
