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Making air fryer croutons gives you that irresistible crunch without turning on the oven, and the seasoning possibilities are endless. In less than 10 minutes, you can have golden, crunchy, perfectly seasoned croutons that taste better than anything from a box.
“The best croutons are the ones you make yourself. They are crispy, flavorful, and warm from the air fryer.”
-Becky
Making homemade croutons is one of the easiest ways to take any salad or bowl of soup from simple to unforgettable. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have warm, golden, crunchy bites that taste fresher than store-bought croutons. They’re perfect for topping creamy soups, hearty stews, crisp Caesar salads, or even enjoying as a quick snack right out of the basket.
If you’re looking for more air fryer snack and topping ideas, check out my Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, Air Fryer Garlic Bread, and Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- cubed bread: Day-old bread works best! Try different types of bread like, sourdough bread, baguette, French bread, or even gluten-free bread.
- extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisps the bread without deep frying. (Can also use avocado oil)
- garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- onion powder: Enhances flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herb flavor to every bite.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Smoky Kick: Add smoked paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Butter Croutons: Swap olive oil for melted butter and add minced garlic.
- Cheesy Croutons: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan right after cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons
- Cut bread into ½ to 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, let the cubes sit out for 30 minutes to dry slightly. In a large bowl, drizzle bread cubes with olive oil, and toss together. Then add in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt, tossing until evenly coated.
- reheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (193 degrees C). Place bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Let croutons cool completely before storing.
If you are looking for more air fryer recipes using bread, try our Air Fryer Toast, Air Fryer French Toast, Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls or this homemade Air Fryer Bread recipe. Air Fryer Croutons can be used as seasoned bread crumbs to make many recipes, like air fryer stuffing, casseroles, air fryer meatloaf, and so much more.
Expert Tips
- Dry bread works best: It soaks up the oil and seasoning without getting soggy.
- Shake halfway: This ensures even browning.
- Watch closely: Smaller cubes can cook faster—start checking at the 5-minute mark.
- Use fresh herbs: Add chopped parsley or basil after cooking for a fresh pop of flavor.
Air Fryer Croutons FAQs
Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To re-crisp, pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Yes, but they won’t brown as evenly. You can use a light spray of cooking oil instead for a lower-fat option.
Sourdough, baguette, or any rustic bread gives the best texture. Gluten-free bread also works if cut into larger cubes to avoid crumbling.
Yes, but cook in batches so the croutons crisp evenly. Overcrowding will make them steam instead of crisp.
More Easy Air Fryer Appetizers
Appetizers
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Appetizers
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Appetizers
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread, cut into small pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cut bread into small pieces, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch cubes. Add bread pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Toss bread pieces with olive oil until each piece is well coated.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and parsley flakes. Toss with the bread cubes to coat with the seasonings.
- Transfer the coated bread to the air fryer basket, spreading out as much as possible to avoid overlapping.
- Air Fry at 390 degrees F for 6-7 minutes, tossing or shaking the croutons halfway through the cooking time.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is my favorite crouton recipe. So simple and good. I use a small sourdough boule that I get cheap on the day old rack at my local grocery store. Itโs just about the right size to make 4 cups of croutons.
Love it!!! ๐
Excellent recipe. After searching and looking through other air fryer crouton recipes, yours looked the best and after making them I can attest they are perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I am so glad you liked them!