Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Quick and easy with only a few ingredients
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Perfectly crispy and golden every time
- Great way to use leftover bread
- Customizable with different seasonings and herbs
- Works with many types of bread
- Healthier and fresher than packaged croutons
- Easy to make oil-free with aquafaba
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
¼ of a large loaf bread (about 4 slices)
2 tablespoons olive oil or 1½ tablespoons aquafaba for oil-free
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, onion powder, or parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cut or tear the bread into chunky bite-sized cubes.
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or aquafaba, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Add any optional seasonings you like.
- Toss the bread cubes thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until evenly coated.
- Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space around each cube so the air can circulate properly.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Keep an eye on the croutons during the final minutes since air fryers can vary slightly in cooking time.
- Once golden brown and crispy, turn off the air fryer and allow the croutons to cool in the basket.
- Transfer the cooled croutons to an airtight container or glass jar for storage.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Croutons: Add garlic powder or freshly minced garlic before air frying.
- Italian Style: Toss with dried oregano, basil, and parsley.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Cheesy Croutons: Add grated parmesan during the final minute of cooking.
- Herb Butter Croutons: Replace olive oil with melted herb butter for extra richness.
- Whole Wheat Croutons: Use whole grain bread for a heartier flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Croutons: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Glass jars work especially well for keeping them crisp.
If the croutons lose some crunch, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 2 minutes until crispy again.
Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can make them soft.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for croutons?
French bread, sourdough, ciabatta, and sandwich bread all work very well. Slightly stale bread gives the crispiest results.
Can I make these croutons oil-free?
Yes, aquafaba is a great oil-free alternative that still helps the seasonings stick to the bread.
How do I keep croutons crispy?
Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Can I freeze croutons?
Yes, you can freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Why are my croutons burning?
Your air fryer may cook hotter than others. Lower the temperature slightly or reduce the cooking time.
Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but slightly stale bread tends to crisp up better and faster.
What seasonings can I add?
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, parmesan cheese, and dried herbs are all excellent choices.
How long do homemade croutons last?
They typically stay fresh and crispy for about 5 days when properly stored.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, but cook them in batches so the basket is not overcrowded.
Are air fryer croutons healthier than store-bought?
Homemade croutons usually contain fewer preservatives and allow you to control the amount of oil and salt used.
Conclusion
Air fryer croutons are a simple and delicious way to elevate everyday meals with crispy homemade texture and flavor. They are quick to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for using up leftover bread. Whether you add them to soups, salads, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack, these easy croutons are sure to become a kitchen favorite.
Air Fryer Croutons
These crispy air fryer croutons are quick, flavorful, and perfect for topping soups and salads. Made with just a few pantry staples, they turn golden and crunchy in minutes.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ¼ of a large loaf (6 oz or 170 grams) bread, about 4 slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or 1½ tablespoons aquafaba for oil-free
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
Instructions
- Cut or tear the bread into chunky bite-sized pieces.
- Place the bread cubes into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or aquafaba, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss well with your hands until evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each piece so they crisp evenly.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary by air fryer. The croutons are done when golden brown, dry, and crispy.
- Turn off the air fryer and allow the croutons to cool completely in the basket before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight glass jar for best freshness.
- Use slightly stale bread for extra crispy croutons.
- Aquafaba works well as an oil-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
