If you’ve ever wondered how to make irresistibly crunchy, golden croutons at home in just a handful of minutes, this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is for you! With a few simple ingredients and no oven needed, you’re only moments away from elevating your salads, soups, and snacks with addictively delicious homemade croutons that beat anything from a box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Quick: These croutons go from pantry to crispy perfection in under 10 minutes, all with the magic of your air fryer.
- Customizable Flavors: Choose your favorite bread and seasonings for croutons that fit any craving—from classic garlic to bold Italian herbs.
- No Waste, More Taste: This Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is a genius way to use up leftover bread and turn it into something crave-worthy.
- Naturally Vegan Option: With olive oil or vegan butter, everyone at your table can enjoy homemade crunchy croutons!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how only a few basic ingredients transform into something so delicious. Each component in this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe has a special job—building flavor, boosting crunch, and making every crouton golden brown and totally snackable.
- Bread (about 4 slices or 3 cups): Stale or day-old bread works best for croutons—it crisps up beautifully! Baguette slices add an extra rustic crunch, but any bread you love is fair game.
- Olive oil or melted vegan butter (2 tablespoons): This coats each cube, encouraging a perfect golden crust and adding rich flavor. Melted vegan butter brings delightful indulgence if you prefer.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): It delivers a classic savory punch without any chopping.
- Pinch salt: Just a sprinkle to bring out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Italian herbs (½ teaspoon, optional): Oregano, parsley, or basil add an herbal boost for extra depth. Totally optional, but highly recommended.
Variations
The beauty of this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is how flexible it is—you can riff on the seasonings or use up whatever bread you have. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these croutons based on flavor favorites or dietary choices!
- Parmesan Twist: Toss the bread cubes with a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan before air frying for extra umami goodness.
- Spicy Croutons: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the oil for a subtle heat that perks up salads and soups.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread—just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up in the air fryer.
- “Everything” Croutons: Swap Italian herbs with everything bagel seasoning for a fun, modern kick.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes
Start by slicing your bread into small, bite-size cubes—the classic crouton shape. They don’t need to be exactly the same, but aim for similar sizes so everything crisps up evenly. You’ll need around 3 to 4 cups total, depending on how chunky you want your croutons.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
In a big mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil or melted vegan butter over the bread cubes. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and your herbs if you’re using them. Gently toss everything together until each piece is lightly coated—this is what gives the croutons their irresistible flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Air Fry in Batches
Preheat the air fryer to 360ºF for a couple of minutes. Place half of the seasoned bread cubes into the basket (it’s fine if they overlap a little). Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake the basket so all sides get crispy. The croutons are ready when golden and crunchy! Repeat with the remaining batch.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the croutons are perfectly golden, transfer them to a plate or wire rack to cool completely. This quick rest makes them ultra-crunchy. When cooled, pop them into an airtight jar or bag and stash them on your counter or in the pantry—they’ll stay fresh for weeks!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Bread Matters: Day-old or slightly stale bread makes the crunchiest croutons, but if you only have fresh, let it air out on the counter for an hour before starting.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if needed—croutons crisp up best when they can move freely as the air circulates.
- Flavor Layering: Want a deeper flavor? Add a sprinkle of extra herbs or a dusting of grated cheese in the last 1-2 minutes of air frying.
- Keep an Eye Out: Croutons can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly, so start checking at the 5-minute mark.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
You can’t beat the look and flavor of freshly made croutons scattered over a crisp Caesar salad or a creamy bowl of tomato soup. For extra flair, try finishing them with a dusting of grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a touch more dried herbs right before serving.
Side Dishes
The Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe shines alongside classic salads like Greek, Cobb, or garden salads, and they’re amazing tossed into hearty soups such as minestrone, French onion, or creamy pumpkin. They also make a fun stand-alone snack when you’re craving something crunchy and flavor-packed!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your croutons in a pretty glass jar for a rustic, kitchen counter “snack station” or serve them in small bowls with a trio of dips for an unexpected party appetizer. For a dinner party, consider DIY salad bars where guests sprinkle on their own fresh croutons—everyone will notice (and love) that homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, these homemade croutons stay delightfully crunchy for weeks in an airtight jar or a zip-top bag kept in a cool pantry. It’s a great make-ahead option that means salad and soup toppers are always ready when you need them!
Freezing
Your Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe freezes beautifully. Just pop fully cooled croutons into a freezer-safe container or bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or crisp up in a low oven before serving if needed.
Reheating
If your croutons soften over time, revive their crunch by giving them a quick 2-3 minutes in the air fryer at 350ºF or a few minutes in a hot oven. They’ll taste freshly made all over again!
FAQs
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Can I use any kind of bread for the Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! While baguette gives a lovely crunch, feel free to use white, whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just avoid super-soft sandwich bread, which tends to get a bit crumbly.
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How do I prevent my croutons from getting too hard?
The key is to cut evenly sized pieces and watch them closely—air fryers cook quickly! Smaller bread cubes will crisp up faster, so start checking at the 5-minute mark and remove as soon as they’re golden.
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Can I make this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe without oil?
You can make them oil-free, but they won’t brown or crisp up quite as much. If you’re going oil-free, try tossing the bread cubes in a splash of vegetable broth for a bit of moisture, then air fry as usual.
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How long can I store homemade air fryer croutons?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, your croutons will keep perfectly for 2–3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze as directed—they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them!
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about tossing together a batch of homemade croutons and seeing them vanish before your eyes. I just know this Easy Air Fryer Croutons Recipe will become your new kitchen sidekick—giving every salad, soup, and snack a little homemade magic. Give these a try and don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating them right out of the jar!
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: Any
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and crispy homemade croutons using your air fryer with this easy recipe. These croutons are perfect for topping salads or soups!
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.
- Slice Bread: Cut bread into crouton-shaped pieces, about 3-4 cups.
- Season Bread: In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and optional herbs.
- Air Fry: Place half of the bread cubes in the air fryer basket and bake at 360ºF until golden, shaking occasionally.
- Cool and Store: Once cooled, store the crispy 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 for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container or freeze for long-term use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
