These Air Fryer Croutons are the perfect way to add crunch and flavor to salads, soups and casseroles. The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy crouton that’s far healthier than traditional deep fried versions.
If you love air fryer breadsticks then you you will also love this simple and easy air fryer recipe. If you are looking to add a little flavor and crunch to your homemade salads then this is the recipe for you.
Jump to:
Croutons in the Air Fryer
One of the best things about cooking with the air fryer is that it requires little to no oil. This makes it a healthier option than most other cooking methods, plus it adds an amazing crunch that will have you making these time and time again.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love making these croutons to add some extra crunch and flavor to my salads, soups and casseroles. Compared to deep-fried croutons, air-frying creates a delightfully crispy crouton that is much lower in fat and calories, making it an excellent healthier option.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make
- Perfect for picky eaters
If you love air fryer recipes you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Naan Bread recipe.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to help you make this tasty recipe. All of these simple ingredients are commonly found in your pantry already, which can save you a trip to the grocery store.
white bread – I like to use Italian or artisan bread for these homemade croutons.
seasonings – You will need garlic powder, salt and Italian seasoning for this simple recipe.
Substitutions
Oil: I used olive oil to make these homemade croutons because it’s my favorite, but you can use any type of oil that you prefer. Avocado oil or canola oil would work great for this recipe.
Bread: I prefer to use white bread, as that’s what my family enjoys, but you can use any type of bread that you have on hand. Sourdough, wheat bread or french bread would also be great.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
If you like, you can get creative and add in extra ingredients or seasonings to your croutons. Here are some great options for ways to change up this recipe:
Herbs – Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, oregano or thyme for a more complex flavor. You could also add onion powder, ranch seasoning, and parsley flakes in this air-fried croutons recipe.
Spices – Add a little kick to your croutons with a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Cheese – Add some grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crouton.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need a couple kitchen tools to help you make this recipe. You should already have all of these tools on hand in your kitchen.
- air fryer – I used an 8 quart air fryer, but you can use any size air fryer that you have on hand.
- mixing bowl – any type of large mixing bowl will work. I like to use glass or metal.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
Making this homemade croutons recipe is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have fresh croutons that taste so much better than store-bought croutons in no time at all.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2: Cut the bread into cubes
Cut the slices of bread into 1”-1 1/2” squares, or smaller if you desire.
Step 3: Coat the bread cubes in oil
Place pieces in a mixing bowl. Coat them fully in olive oil.
Step 4: Add seasonings
Add spices and toss.
Step 5: Air fry the croutons
Place bread pieces in an air fryer basket, don’t overcrowd for even cooking. Cook at 375 for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Let cool and store or serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
I love to use these croutons in this Sausage and Spinach Strata recipe or in a salad like this Sweet Corn and Watermelon Salad.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure that your croutons turn out perfectly every time that you make them.
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer. This will help ensure that your croutons get nice and crunchy without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will prevent them from crisping up.
- Be sure to let these cool completely before storing or serving as they will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
- If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to make these in batches so that they have enough space.
- If you need gluten-free croutons, use gluten-free bread in this recipe.
- Do you want to use frozen stale bread for this recipe? You can, but you need to make sure that it comes to room temperature first, or it will not get as crispy.
- This is a great way to use up day-old bread that’s gotten hard like a baguette.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Let your croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly.
Yes, you can also bake your croutons in the oven at 375 degrees F, or 190 degrees C, for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Just lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan before you place them in the oven.
Yes, you can freeze croutons. Once cooled and stored in an airtight container or bag, they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like air fryer recipes, give these recipes a try:
Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 5 slices white bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Cut the slices of bread into 1”-1 1/2” squares, or smaller if you desire.
- Place pieces in a mixing bowl. Coat them fully in olive oil.
- Add spices and toss.
- Place bread pieces in an air fryer basket, don’t overcrowd for even cooking.
- Cook at 375 for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Let cool and store or serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer. This will help ensure that your croutons get nice and crunchy without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will prevent them from crisping up. Be sure to let these cool completely before storing or serving as they will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
- If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to make these in batches so that they have enough space.
- If you need gluten-free croutons, use gluten-free bread in this recipe.
- Do you want to use frozen stale bread for this recipe? You can, but you need to make sure that it comes to room temperature first, or it will not get as crispy.
- This is a great way to use up day-old bread that’s gotten hard like a baguette.