Who knew homemade croutons could be this fun? Picture this: warm, golden cubes of bread, crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and bursting with garlicky, herby goodness. That’s exactly what we’re whipping up today—and trust me, once you try these air fryer croutons, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. They’re the perfect way to level up your soups, salads, or honestly, just snack on straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
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Making these little crispy bites is not only super satisfying—it’s also a delicious way to use up leftover bread. So grab your apron, fire up the air fryer, and let’s make magic happen.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Croutons
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine tossing these onto a fresh Caesar salad or into a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Instant upgrade.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No fancy stuff here—just everyday magic with basic pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. You’ll go from plain bread to crunchy, golden croutons in minutes.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Try Parmesan, smoked paprika, or a little chili powder for some heat.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Seriously—people will be popping these like popcorn.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Croutons
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it takes something as simple as bread and turns it into crunchy, flavorful bites of joy. Let’s break it down:
Bread: This is your base, and day-old or slightly stale bread works best. Think French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat if you’re feeling healthy-ish.
Olive Oil: Helps the croutons crisp up beautifully while adding that rich, savory flavor we all love.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the rest of your dish.
Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that gives the croutons that signature “can’t-stop-eating-these” flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To bring everything together and add a little punch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This helps the croutons start crisping up the moment they hit the basket.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all the cubes are evenly coated.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Dish: Place the coated bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—give them space to crisp!
Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they should be golden and crispy but not burnt.
Finishing Touches: Let the croutons cool slightly before serving. They’ll crisp up even more as they sit.
Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle over salads, soups, or eat them by the handful like the crunchy, herby snacks they are.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons
These croutons are small but mighty. Here are a few ideas for serving them:
Fresh Salads: Toss onto a classic Caesar, a Greek salad, or even a simple garden salad for an instant upgrade.
Crusty Bread Alternative: Skip the toast—sprinkle these on top of your morning avocado or egg bowls for crunch.
Creamy Accompaniments: Perfect in a velvety soup like tomato basil or butternut squash. They soak up just enough liquid without getting soggy.
Vegetable Sides: Add some crunch to a roasted veggie medley or sautéed greens.
As a Standalone: Yep—they’re that good. Keep a jar on the counter for snacking. Warning: they disappear fast.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Cube your bread the night before and store in a sealed container. You’ll be halfway done before you even begin.
Spice It Up: Toss in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free bread or vegan butter as needed.
Storage Tips: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if needed.
Double the Batch: Trust me—one batch never lasts. Make extra and thank yourself later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
A1: Absolutely! Just be sure to toast it a little longer to dry it out and achieve that perfect crunch.
Q2: Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A2: Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid the fridge—it makes them go stale faster.
Q4: Can I freeze air fryer croutons?
A4: Yep! Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp them back up.
Q5: What kind of bread works best?
A5: Any sturdy bread—French, sourdough, ciabatta, or even rye if you want to get fancy.
Q6: Can I make them cheesy?
A6: Totally! Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan before air frying for a cheesy twist.
Q7: Are these vegan?
A7: If you use plant-based oil and bread, then yes! Just double-check your ingredients.
Q8: Can I make them spicy?
A8: Go for it! Add chili powder or cayenne for that extra zing.
Q9: How long do they stay crispy?
A9: Up to 5 days if stored properly. After that, they may lose a little crunch—but still taste great.
Q10: Can I use flavored oils?
A10: Yes! Garlic-infused or herb-infused oils add an amazing depth of flavor.
And there you have it—homemade air fryer croutons that are crunchy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. Once you taste how good these are, you’ll never toss those extra bread ends again. Whether you’re jazzing up a salad or sneaking a handful as a snack, these little bites are a total game-changer. Happy crunching, my friend!
Print
Air Fryer Croutons
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and golden air fryer croutons are the perfect quick and easy way to upgrade your soups, salads, or even enjoy as a snack. Made with just a handful of pantry staples and ready in 10 minutes, they offer all the crunch with only a fraction of the fat compared to store-bought versions. Ideal for anyone looking for healthy recipes, quick high protein meals, or simple recipes to try, these homemade croutons are a must-have in your kitchen. Try them as recipes appetizers and snacks or add them to your list of quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef—they go with everything!
Ingredients
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3 cups (1/2 pound) bread
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1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
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2 twists black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, Italian seasoning, or other)
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1/4 teaspoon spices (garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or other)
Instructions
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Prep the Bread: Cut the bread into slices and remove the crust, especially if using sourdough or rustic loaves. Dice into bite-sized cubes (⅓-inch to ¾-inch).
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Preheat: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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Season: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and spices. Mix until evenly coated.
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Air Fry: Add the seasoned bread cubes to the air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 5 minutes. Shake the basket once around the 3-minute mark.
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Adjust if Needed: For extra crunchy croutons, continue to air fry in 2-minute increments, shaking the basket in between. Croutons are done when golden and crunchy.
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Cool: Let the croutons cool for a few minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
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Use any bread you have on hand—sourdough, baguette, or sandwich bread all work well.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
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You can adjust herbs and spices to match your meal—try curry powder, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for variety.
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Great as a crunchy topping for soups, Caesar salad, or even mac and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 batch
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg