There’s something magical about homemade Air Fryer Croutons: they transform even the humblest salad or soup into a restaurant-worthy experience, all with just a few pantry staples and a quick spin in your air fryer! These little golden cubes are crunchy, bursting with flavor, and brilliantly customizable—you’ll be hooked from the very first handful. Whether you want to jazz up your lunch greens, add a little crunch to creamy tomato soup, or just snack straight from the bowl (no judgment here), this recipe delivers crisp, flavorful croutons in twelve minutes flat. If you’ve never tried Air Fryer Croutons before, prepare to fall in love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your basics—these simple ingredients are truly all you need for irresistible homemade croutons. Every element adds its own special touch, from the bread’s texture to the herbs and spices lending color and punchy flavor.
- Day-old bread (4 cups, cubed): Slightly stale bread grabs onto the oil and seasonings—and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): This helps your croutons achieve that crave-worthy golden crunch, while adding richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a warm, savory depth that tastes divine on salads and soups.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a pop of herbal color and a subtle earthy note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out all the other flavors and ensures every bite is satisfying.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick to round out the seasonings.
- Optional: Paprika or grated Parmesan (1/4 teaspoon): For an extra layer of flavor—smoky warmth or cheesy umami, you pick!
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your day-old bread into generous, 1-inch cubes. If the bread isn’t quite stale, just leave the cubes out for an hour or so; this trick helps them soak up the seasonings without going soggy when air fried.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
Pop the bread cubes into a large bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil or melted butter, then toss until every piece is lightly coated and glistening. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and your choice of paprika or Parmesan if you like. Toss again to ensure all those gorgeous flavors hit every nook and cranny.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange
If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it come up to temperature. Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket—give them some breathing room if possible, so they brown evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the croutons for about 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for an even crisp. Keep a watchful eye during the last couple of minutes—Air Fryer Croutons go from perfectly golden to a little too toasty in a flash! They should emerge crisp on the outside but still tender at the core.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let your croutons cool for a few minutes before serving, so they finish crisping up. Enjoy them right away, or save for later in an airtight container—trust me, they’ll disappear quickly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons
Garnishes
Scatter Air Fryer Croutons over fresh salads, creamy soups, or even casseroles—they add not only delicious crunch, but cheerful color and a punch of flavor. For a pretty touch, sprinkle on extra dried parsley or a shower of Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
While a classic Caesar salad is an obvious partner, don’t stop there: these croutons bring a spark to any green salad, make tomato soup feel gourmet, or can even be tossed into grain bowls for extra texture. They’re also sensational atop roasted vegetables or pureed root soups.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, pile Air Fryer Croutons in little jars or cups as crunchy snackers, or fill a mason jar tied with a ribbon for an edible gift. You can even season them with different spice blends—think everything bagel, Italian seasoning, or lemon zest—for a fun DIY crouton bar at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, stash your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly crisp for up to a week—just keep moisture at bay, and every handful will taste as fresh as day one.
Freezing
Need to make Air Fryer Croutons in advance? Freeze cooled croutons in a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep in the freezer for a month or more—just let them thaw on the counter before using, or pop them straight into a hot oven or air fryer to refresh.
Reheating
If your croutons have lost a little crunch, revive them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes, or briefly on a baking sheet in a hot oven. They’ll come out warm, crisp, and just like new.
FAQs
What bread works best for Air Fryer Croutons?
Sturdy breads like French, sourdough, whole wheat, or even leftover dinner rolls all make fantastic croutons. Choose whatever you have on hand—just avoid very soft sandwich bread, which can turn too mushy.
Can I make Air Fryer Croutons without oil or butter?
A little fat is key for maximum crunch and flavor, but you can use a spritz of olive oil spray for a lighter version. For oil-free croutons, watch closely so they don’t dry out or burn too quickly.
Are Air Fryer Croutons gluten-free?
They absolutely can be! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread, following the same method—just keep an eye on the cooking time as different breads brown at different rates.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! For a big batch of Air Fryer Croutons, work in batches so the bread cubes roast in a single layer; overcrowding the basket makes for uneven browning and less crispness.
What’s the best way to add bold flavors?
Let your taste buds lead the way: toss in smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of grated cheese before air frying. You can even drizzle with a little truffle oil after cooking for an impressive finish.
Final Thoughts
You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious Air Fryer Croutons are—once you make a batch, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Give them a try and let them work their crunchy, savory magic at your table. Happy snacking!
Print
Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy and flavorful homemade croutons using an air fryer. These croutons are perfect for adding a crunchy topping to salads or soups, or simply enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups day-old bread (cubed, about 1-inch pieces)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or grated Parmesan for added flavor
Instructions
- Coat Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil (or melted butter) until evenly coated. Add garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Toss to coat well.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if needed. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry: Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Store: Let cool slightly before serving. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use any type of bread for variety.
- Great for salads, soups, or snacking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
