If you’re on a mission to seriously upgrade your soups and salads, you’ve got to try making Air Fryer Croutons. These golden, crunchy bites turn ordinary bread into irresistible nuggets packed with savory seasoning, and they’re so quick that you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind again. Whether you’re tossing them onto a fresh Caesar or nibbling them right from the bowl (we don’t judge), this easy recipe delivers perfect results every single time, and you’ll be surprised at how versatile and addictive Air Fryer Croutons can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about this recipe is how a handful of humble pantry staples come together to create the most flavorful, crispy croutons imaginable. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste, but also for the irresistible crunch and color you’ll find in every bite.
- Day-old bread (4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes): Sturdy bread holds up best and delivers that satisfying crunch; baguette, sourdough, or whole wheat are all fantastic choices.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): This coats the bread, helping it crisp beautifully and carry the seasonings into each bite; choose butter for a richer flavor, or olive oil for a lighter, classic touch.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle garlicky punch that’s classic in any crouton and guaranteed to boost flavor.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild, savory depth that works alongside the other herbs and spices.
- Dried Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): This blend gives a hint of herby brightness and makes every crouton taste a little gourmet.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): The finishing touch—don’t skip this step for perfect seasoning balance.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle before air frying adds a cheesy, savory crunch that feels extra special.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
Step 1: Season the Bread
Toss your cubed bread into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Use your hands or a spoon to coat every piece—this ensures irresistibly even crisping. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss again so the seasoning clings to each cube. If you love an extra pop of flavor, add the grated Parmesan now for cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Turn your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 2–3 minutes. This helps guarantee your croutons start crisping up the moment they hit the basket, resulting in a crunchier finish with less chance of sogginess.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them; if you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches to maximize crunch. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket for even browning. Keep an eye during the last minute, as croutons can go from perfectly toasty to burnt in a flash!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once your Air Fryer Croutons are gorgeously golden and crisp, transfer them to a plate or wire rack to cool slightly. This helps them firm up to maximum crunch level—then they’re ready to top your favorite dishes or enjoy as a snack straight away.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, Air Fryer Croutons are as versatile as they are tasty. Sprinkle them generously over a classic Caesar salad, float them atop bowls of creamy tomato soup, or use them to add texture to a roasted vegetable medley. For extra flair, try a fresh crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of parsley right before serving.
Side Dishes
These crunchy nuggets shine as a sidekick to just about any meal. Serve them alongside hearty soups like minestrone or potato leek, toss with a green salad for extra crunch, or pair with a cheese and charcuterie board for a delicious contrast of textures. They’re also fantastic with dips—just watch them disappear at the party.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, pile your Air Fryer Croutons in a small bowl at the center of the table so guests can help themselves. Or, try layering different flavored croutons (like half Parmesan, half spicy) so everyone gets a taste of something special. For individual servings, a small ramekin at each place setting adds a fun, restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow don’t eat the whole batch at once, stash your cooled Air Fryer Croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week, making it easy to toss a handful onto almost anything.
Freezing
Want to make an extra-large batch? Go ahead and freeze your homemade croutons! Just make sure they’re cooled completely, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer into a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months—pull out only what you need and pop them straight onto hot dishes.
Reheating
To restore their crunch, pop leftover Air Fryer Croutons back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 375°F, or spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for a few minutes. This quick refresh brings them right back to crispy, tasty life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Day-old bread definitely produces a better crunch, but if you only have fresh bread, it works in a pinch. Try toasting the cubes for a few minutes in the oven to dry them out slightly before seasoning and air frying.
What types of bread work best for Air Fryer Croutons?
Almost any sturdy bread will do—think rustic sourdough, French baguette, or hearty whole wheat. Lighter sandwich breads can work, but will yield a softer crouton. Experiment to find your perfect crunch!
How do I keep my croutons from getting soggy?
Let your Air Fryer Croutons cool completely before storing and always use an airtight container. If they do lose their snap, a quick reheat in the air fryer or oven will bring them right back.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Absolutely! The base recipe is your jumping-off point—try adding smoked paprika for a hint of heat, or swap out Italian herbs for herbes de Provence. You can even go sweet with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for dessert salads.
Is it possible to make Air Fryer Croutons gluten free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten free bread and check that your seasonings are gluten free as well. You’ll still get all the crunch and flavor with none of the gluten.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Air Fryer Croutons, you may wonder how you ever lived without them! They’re the secret weapon for salads, soups, and snack attacks—crisp, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Give this recipe a go and share your favorite ways to enjoy these crunchy bites!
Print
Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make deliciously crispy homemade croutons in the air fryer with this easy recipe. These flavorful croutons are perfect for adding a crunchy topping to salads or enjoying as a quick snack.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups day-old bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Bread: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss again until the bread is evenly seasoned.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Croutons: Add the seasoned bread cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Cool and Store: Let the croutons cool slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use any sturdy bread like sourdough, baguette, or whole wheat.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before air frying for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
