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
Scale
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.
