Forget store-bought! These air fryer croutons are golden, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection — all made in under 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re topping soups, salads, or snacking straight from the bowl, homemade croutons just taste better. And with the air fryer, they’re quicker and healthier too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
✅ Uses leftover or day-old bread
✅ Customizable with your favorite seasonings
✅ Super crispy without deep frying
✅ Saves money and reduces food waste
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cubed bread (any type – sourdough, white, whole wheat, baguette)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
– Grated Parmesan
– Paprika
– Dried parsley
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
Total Time: 8–10 minutes
Yields: ~3 cups
Step 1: Cube the Bread
Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes. No need to trim crusts unless preferred.
Step 2: Season
In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway.
Check at 5 minutes — they should be golden and crisp.
Step 4: Cool & Store
Let cool completely before storing. Croutons crisp up even more as they cool.
Pro Tips & Flavor Variations
| Add-In | Result |
|---|---|
| Grated Parmesan | Savory and cheesy crunch |
| Smoked paprika | Smoky depth and color |
| Ranch seasoning | Tangy, herby twist |
| Everything Bagel | Perfect for bold salad toppings |
Best Ways to Use Air Fryer Croutons
- On Caesar salads 🥬
- With tomato soup 🍅
- In creamy broccoli cheddar soup 🥦
- Sprinkled on casseroles or pasta bakes
- As crunchy snack bites!
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to 1 month
- Re-Crisp: Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 mins if they go soft
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes — just adjust cooking time slightly based on density.
Can I use fresh bread?
You can, but day-old bread gives better crunch.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
👉 Love homemade kitchen hacks? Don’t miss our Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe — fresh, creamy, and ready in under an hour!
