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This Air Fryer Croutons recipe allows you to easily make your own croutons in the air fryer with just a piece of bread, olive oil, and some simple spices.
We love these little cubes of golden, crispy bread on top of our Caesar salads and in homemade tomato soup. And let me tell you, the air fryer can really elevate them to a whole new level. There’s no reason to buy stale packaged croutons again.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: In just 6 minutes, you’ll have perfectly toasted croutons, without the need for preheating an oven.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means less oil is needed, making these croutons a lighter, healthier addition to your meals.
- Customizable: Experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
» You might also like Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
Ingredients You Need
- Bread – You can use just about any type of bread you want. You can use a loaf that you cut into cubes or you can use sliced bread, cut into cubes. I’ve found that for a loaf, day-old bread works best.
- Olive oil – Use a good tasting olive oil, because it does add a lot of flavor to the croutons.
- Seasoning: Onion powder and garlic salt is what I usually use. If you only have garlic powder, you’ll want to also add a little bit of salt.
Equipment Information
- Air fryer: I use this 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s large enough to fit a meal for 4-6. But some things need more space in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Kitchen tongs: It’s very easy to remove food from your air fryer with kitchen tongs. I use these kitchen tongs that are silicon coated so they don’t scratch the interior.
- Bread knife
Helpful Tips
- Every air fryer cooks differently, due to varied wattages, so yours might cook faster or slower than mine. For this reason, it’s wise to keep an eye on the croutons during cooking so you don’t burn them. Check halfway through and each minute thereafter.
- You don’t want to soak the bread in olive oil, just drizzle it on.
- If you want to use fresh garlic, it’s best to cut the garlic and rub it onto the bread before you cube it. Adding minced garlic to the bread will likely burn and it gives a very bitter taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
Step 1: Cube the Bread
The great thing about this recipe is that you really can use any kind of bread. My family loves sourdough so that is what I used.
Cut the bread into cubes. These 1 inch by 1 inch cubes work well, but they can be whatever size you like. Make sure to keep them consistent so they cook the same.
Step 2: Coat the Bread Cubes
Add the bread cubes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, onion powder, and garlic salt until they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 4: Air Fry
Once the air fryer is ready, place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the croutons for 5 to 6 minutes, making sure to toss them halfway through, until they turn a delightful golden brown and become crispy. They should be dry and crispy on the inside. If they aren’t continue cooking at 1-2 minute intervals until done.
It’s important to keep a close eye on the croutons, especially the first time you make them, as air fryer temperatures can vary. This will ensure they reach the perfect level of crispiness without overcooking.
How to Store Croutons
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for a minute to refresh.
Flavor Variations
These croutons have a very mild and delicious flavor that can go with so many different things. Trust us, we eat them all the time. You will want to give some of these other flavor combos a try too!
- Italian seasoning – You can grab your trusty seasoning mix from the spice cabinet or try your favorite Italian salad dressing. Yum!
- Parmesan cheese – Shake on some finely grated parm as soon as the croutons come out of the air fryer basket.
- Ranch powder – It’s great on anything!
- Cinnamon/Sugar – A sweet version? Why Not!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old bread, whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or whole wheat, works best as it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
How can I avoid the croutons from flying around in the air fryer?
If your air fryer has a powerful fan, you can prevent the croutons from flying around by placing a metal trivet or rack over them.
Can I make these croutons in the oven?
Yes, you can. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Now, imagine a bowl of your favorite soup or a fresh salad, topped with these homemade, perfectly seasoned croutons. Not only do they add a delightful crunch, but they also bring a burst of flavor that’s customized to your liking. Give this air fryer croutons recipe a try, and you might find yourself making batches just to snack on!
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Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
- Kitchen Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 slices country white or sourdough bread cut into 1” pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic salt
Instructions
- Cut bread into cubes.
- Toss the bread, olive oil, onion powder and garlic salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Pour the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket, in a single layer.
- Cook, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and toasted, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Air fryer models vary and some cook hotter than others. Keep an eye on the croutons the first time you make this recipe, in case yours cooks faster. Adjust the time as needed.
Notes
- Every air fryer cooks differently, due to varied wattages, so yours might cook faster or slower than mine. For this reason, it’s wise to keep an eye on the croutons during cooking so you don’t burn them. Check halfway through and each minute thereafter.
- You don’t want to soak the bread in olive oil, just drizzle it on.
- If you want to use fresh garlic, it’s best to cut the garlic and rub it onto the bread before you cube it. Adding minced garlic to the bread will likely burn and it gives a very bitter taste.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.