Air Fryer Croutons (With 5 Flavor Options)

Air fryer croutons are a tasty, budget-friendly option for those who want to avoid store-bought croutons. These are simple to make, very customizable, and can be prepared much faster in the air fryer compared to the oven.

You can easily make these croutons with either fresh or stale leftover bread. And while they may be the perfect addition to salads and soups, their irresistible crunch and flavor also make them a delicious snack you won't be able to put down.

Looking for more ways to use your air fryer?

Give these air-fried hot honey lemon pepper wings recipe a try. These wings are a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors and are just as good, if not better than deep-fried wings - but without all the oil.

What Are Air Fryer Croutons

Air fryer croutons are small, super crunchy, cubed pieces of bread that are used as a topping or garnish for salads or soups.

They are similar to (or dare I say better than) regular croutons in use, taste, and texture. However, they are cooked in an air fryer instead of an oven.

Why You'll Love Them

• Crunchiness: Air fryer croutons tend to be crunchier than oven croutons because air fryers use hot, circulating air to cook food, which can result in a drier and more crunchy texture.
• Less cook time: Croutons cook quickly in an air fryer, typically taking 5-7 minutes. However, in an oven, they may take twice or even three times as long to cook.
• Freshness: Unless you eat salads every day, your large bag of store-bought croutons is likely to go stale before you can finish it. With the small amount of time required to make these in an air fryer, you can make a fresh batch every time you feel like having a salad. That said, these air fryer croutons also store really well.
• Customization: You have the ability to customize the flavors and seasonings to your liking. Plus, you can choose from a variety of breads and buns. This allows you to create croutons that are tailored to your taste and health preferences.
• Cost: Homemade croutons are always cheaper than store-bought ones. This is especially true if you have stale or leftover bread that you can repurpose into croutons, as it allows you to use ingredients you already have on hand rather than having to purchase new ones.

So Many Breads to Choose From

Stale bread may produce slightly better croutons, as the bread has already dried out a bit, but fresh bread works just as well with a slight increase in cook time. Never use bread that has turned moldy, as it's not safe to eat.

And that's not all the versatility this air fryer croutons recipe offers! You can choose from a variety of breads or buns, both fresh and stale, to make these tasty croutons. Some options include:

• Sandwich bread
• Sourdough bread
• Baguette
• Brown, Whole Wheat, or Wholemeal Bread
• Ciabatta
• Gluten-Free Bread
• Challah
• French Bread
• Brioche Bread or Buns
• Hamburger Buns
• Hot Dog Buns
• Turkish Bread
• Focaccia
• Cornbread
• Multigrain, or Mixed Grain Bread
• Pumpernickel
• Boule
• Rye Bread
• English muffins

The cook time will vary depending on the bread you choose. After the first 5 minutes of cooking in the air fryer, keep a close eye on the croutons and cook until you achieve the desired crunch and texture. In general, the drier the bread, the less time it will take to cook.

Size Does Matter

If you like the croutons super crunchy throughout, with no give or chew in the center, cut the bread into small pieces (but no smaller than ½ inch).

If you prefer contrasting textures that come from a soft center and a crunchy exterior, cut the pieces to around 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some helpful notes on the ingredients you need to make these crunchy air fryer croutons. See the recipe card down below for the quantities of these ingredients.

Bread of Choice

You can use almost any kind of bread you like or have at home, whether it be sliced bread or a whole loaf. I've listed some common choices in the section above.

The important thing is to cut the bread into even pieces to ensure even cooking. Leave the crust of the bread on for added texture and flavor, or remove it if you prefer more uniform-looking croutons.

Olive Oil

I prefer to use olive oil, but you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point.

Some recipes call for butter, but the smoke point of butter is lower than the temperature at which these croutons cook. And when any fat, including butter, is heated past its smoke point, it begins to break down and release free radicals and harmful compounds.

If you're wondering how store-bought garlic and butter or other similar butter-flavored croutons are made, given butter has a low smoke point, look at the ingredient list on the pack/bag. You'll likely find "butter flavor" mentioned somewhere. So it's not real butter.

You can however use clarified butter, also known as ghee, for this recipe. Ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter and is more suitable for high-temperature cooking. But it has its own distinct taste.

Seasonings of Choice

You can keep your croutons really simple and season them with a little salt and pepper. Or you can choose from any of the seasoning (flavor) options I've shared in the section here. The seasoning I have used in the photos and the video is Italian Medley.

Experiment with different seasonings and see what you enjoy the most. Consider the overall flavor profile of the dish the croutons will be served in or with, and choose a seasoning that will complement it.

Air Fryer Method for Making Croutons (Step-by-Step Photos)

To make these croutons, follow these easy, photo-assisted instructions. Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the printable version of this recipe, which includes detailed instructions and all the important tips and notes.

Make Bread Cubes

1. Start by cutting the bread into cubes. If you're using sliced bread, stack 2 to 3 slices of bread. Cut the bread lengthwise to get equal-sized strips. I prefer cutting the bread into 3 strips, as shown in the photo, but you can cut fewer or more strips depending on the size of the croutons you like.
2. Then hold the bread strips steady with one hand and make perpendicular cuts through the bread, creating cubes of equal size.

Prepare the Seasoning

I've used my Italian Medley seasoning mix for illustration here, but you can choose any of the 5 seasoning options I've shared.

3. In a small bowl, add olive oil and Italian seasoning.
4. Then add garlic powder.
5. Followed by salt and pepper.
6. Mix them all together with a spoon.

Season the Bread Cubes

7. In a large mixing bowl, add the bread cubes. Then add the seasoning paste on top.
8. Using a spatula or your hands, mix gently until all bread cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Air Fry the Croutons

9. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Transfer the seasoned bread cubes to the preheated air fryer basket. Shake the basket to spread out the croutons in a single layer. If the batch is too large to fit in the air fryer, divide it into smaller portions and cook in multiple rounds to ensure even cooking.
10. Cook the croutons for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer, bread, and crouton size. Once done, let them cool for 2-3 minutes to get a crunchier texture, then use as desired.

Oven and Stovetop Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, fret not! You can still make these yummy croutons by following either the oven or the stovetop method I've shared here.

Making Croutons in the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
• Spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet (cut and season the bread as you would for the air fryer method). To prevent the croutons from sticking to the baking sheet and for easy cleanup, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes (middle rack), or until they are golden brown and crispy. Don't forget to flip them over them halfway through for even cooking. The baking times may vary depending on the type of oven you have, the bread you are using, and the size of the croutons.
• Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Once they are cool, they are ready to be used or stored.

Making Croutons on Stovetop

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a wide skillet or pan. The pan should be wide enough to fit all your croutons in a single layer.
• Then add the seasoned bread cubes (cut and season the bread as you would for the air fryer method).
• Let the croutons cook for 6 to 8 minutes in total, stirring or tossing them every 90 seconds or so. This will ensure that each side of the crouton gets some direct heat from the pan.
• Once the croutons are done to your liking, turn off the heat and transfer the croutons to a plate lined with a paper towel.
• Let them cool down for 2-3 minutes so they can crunch up a little more, and then use them as you wish.

Beyond Salads: More Uses for Air Fryer Croutons

Croutons are often used as salad toppers, but there are more ways to enjoy these little crunchy treats. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Soup Topper: Croutons add texture and flavor to soups. Soups that pair well with croutons include creamy soups like tomato soup, bisques, and chowders. They can also add some extra oomph to broth-based soups like minestrone, cabbage or noodle soups.
• Casserole Topper: The crunchy, savory croutons add a satisfying contrast to the creamy, soft casseroles, creating a mouthwatering combination. They work especially well on top of baked pasta dishes, chicken casserole, and potato gratin.
• Breadcrumb Replacement: To turn croutons into breadcrumbs, pulse them in a food processor until they reach the desired consistency. Be mindful not to process for too long, as this can cause the crumbs to release their oils. Alternatively, place the croutons in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or kitchen mallet until they are broken down into even sized-crumbs. Then use as a substitute for breadcrumbs in recipes such as meatballs, as a topping or filling, or as a coating for baked chicken.
• Snack: If you're making these homemade croutons, good luck holding yourself back from munching on them. They taste amazing on their own and can also be enjoyed with dips or spreads.
• Stuffing or Dressing: Use croutons in place of bread in a traditional stuffing recipe. You may however need to adjust the amount of liquid you use, as croutons are typically drier than bread and may not absorb as much liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Top Tips for Making the Best Croutons

• Preheat: Before you start cooking your croutons, be sure to preheat your air fryer or oven to ensure even cooking at a consistent temperature.
• Use a cooking oil spray: To give each crouton an even coating of oil, consider using an oil sprayer or store-bought cooking oil spray. This will help to give the croutons a nice, even color when they're cooked. If you don't have an oil spray, tossing the croutons directly in oil will also work just fine.
• Experiment with seasonings: Don't be afraid to get creative with your crouton seasonings! I've shared 5 great options, but feel free to get creative and try out your own combinations.
• Avoid overcrowding: Be sure to spread croutons in a single layer in the air fryer basket or the baking sheet to allow the hot air to reach all surfaces of the croutons evenly. Overcrowding will give you uneven results.
• Flip them over: Flip the croutons over at least once. However, don't flip them too frequently, as each time you open the oven or air fryer, the hot air that's cooking the croutons will escape. This can increase your cook time.

5 Flavor Variations

Here are 5 of my go-to seasoning variations for croutons. For exact quantities, scroll down to see the recipe card.

1. Italian Medley - Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
2. Garlic Parmesan - grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper
3. Spice Delight - ground paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (optional), garlic powder, and salt
4. Lemon and Herb - lemon zest, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper
5. Simple Ranch - dried parsley, dried dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Bonus! If you have any seasoning blends sitting in your pantry, you can give those a try too. Some fun options include za'atar spice blend, everything bagel seasoning, jerk seasoning, and chili seasoning.

Scaling the Recipe

To scale up this recipe, simply adjust the number of servings using the + sign on the recipe card down below. The quantities of ingredients will automatically adjust according to the new serving size.

If you are making a large batch of croutons and your air fryer or baking sheet isn't large enough to accommodate them all at once, consider cooking the croutons into smaller batches. This will help to prevent overcrowding and ensure that the croutons cook evenly.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Croutons

Storing Croutons

• Allow the croutons to cool completely after they have been air fried or baked.
• Line an airtight container or resealable plastic bag (ziploc) with kitchen paper.
• Place the cooled croutons in the container or bag. If using a bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible.
• Seal the container or bag tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the croutons in damp or humid areas.
• Do not store croutons in the refrigerator, because the humidity and moisture in the refrigerator can cause the croutons to become soggy or moldy.
• Properly stored croutons will typically stay fresh for 5-7 days. They could lose their crunch faster if you live in a very humid region. But you can always crisp them up again using the reheating instructions I have shared below.

Reheating Croutons

Reheating croutons in an air fryer or oven can help to restore their crunch, but keep a close eye as they can burn quickly.

Reheating in Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
• Place the croutons in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.
• Reheat for 2-4 minutes, or until the croutons are heated through and crispy again.
• After the first 2 minutes, check the croutons every minute or so, as the reheating time may vary depending on your air fryer.
• Let the croutons cool for 2 to 3 minutes, so they crunch up more. Then use as desired.

Reheating in Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
• Place the croutons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer.
• Bake for 4- 7 minutes, or until the croutons are heated through and crispy again.
• After the first 3 minutes, check the croutons every 2 minutes or so, as the reheating time may vary depending on your oven.
• Let the croutons cool for 2 to 3 minutes, so they crunch up more. Then use as desired.

Food and Cooking Safety

• When an air fryer is turned on, heat is released through air vents. To avoid any potential hazards, do not place the air fryer too close to a surface, such as a wall.
• Never leave an in-use oven or air fryer unattended.
• Use caution when handling hot surfaces, such as the air fryer basket or baking sheet, to avoid burns.
• If you're using any seasoning or herbs in your croutons, make sure they haven't expired to ensure optimal flavor and food safety.
• Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid the formation of harmful compounds during high-temperature cooking.
• Label food before storing it in the freezer.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.