Air Fryer Croutons: 5 Easy Steps for Crunchy Perfection

Name: Air Fryer Croutons: 5 Easy Steps for Crunchy Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups of cubed bread; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 teaspoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning; Salt to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 17, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh, let me tell you about air fryer croutons! These little golden-brown bites of deliciousness are an absolute game changer for your salads and soups. I mean, who doesn’t love a crunchy topping that adds that perfect texture? Making air fryer croutons is a breeze, and the best part is you can whip them up in no time. Just imagine tossing some homemade croutons into your favorite Caesar salad or sprinkling them over a warm bowl of tomato soup. They’re not just crunchy; they’re bursting with flavor thanks to a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian herbs. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to buy store-bought croutons again! Get ready to elevate your meals with this simple yet satisfying snack!

Ingredients List

Making air fryer croutons is super simple, and you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that you probably have on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups of cubed bread: You can use any type of bread you love—sourdough, baguette, or even whole grain! Just make sure it’s cut into bite-sized cubes for that perfect crunch.
2 tablespoons of olive oil: This helps the croutons get that golden-brown color and adds a rich flavor. Feel free to use extra virgin olive oil for a more robust taste.
1 teaspoon of garlic powder: This is where the magic happens! Garlic powder gives your croutons a delicious savory kick that’s hard to resist.
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will elevate your croutons with a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with salads and soups.
Salt to taste: A sprinkle of salt is essential! It enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

That’s it! Just these five simple ingredients can transform your meals. And remember, using stale bread gives your croutons a fantastic texture, so don’t worry if your bread isn’t fresh!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Croutons

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part – making those crispy, crunchy air fryer croutons! Trust me, the process is as easy as pie, and the results are absolutely worth it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious topping for your soups and salads in no time!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! This step is crucial because it helps the croutons cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and give it about 5 minutes to warm up. While it’s preheating, you can get everything else ready. It’s like giving your croutons a warm welcome before they start their crunchy journey!

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cubed bread, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt. I like to use my hands for this part because it really helps ensure that every little piece gets coated evenly. Just grab those cubes and gently squeeze them together with the oil and seasonings until they’re all nicely dressed. This step is key because the oil and spices will cling to the bread, giving it that irresistible flavor. Don’t be shy—make sure each cube is glistening with olive oil and seasoning magic!

Air Frying Process

Once your bread cubes are all coated and ready to go, it’s time to place them in the air fryer. Lay them out in a single layer in the basket. This is super important because overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and nobody likes soggy croutons! Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, but don’t forget to give the basket a little shake halfway through. This helps them crisp up evenly and prevents any sticking. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt! Once they’re ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make your own croutons that are way tastier than store-bought!

Tips for Success

Want to take your air fryer croutons to the next level? I’ve got some handy tips that’ll make your crouton game even stronger! First off, using stale bread is key. It’s drier and will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. If you don’t have stale bread, just let fresh bread cubes sit out for a few hours or pop them in a low oven for a bit to dry them out.

Now, let’s talk seasonings. Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap out the Italian seasoning for something like smoked paprika or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory twist. Experimenting is half the fun! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Storage is super important too. Once your croutons have cooled completely, keep them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crispy for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If they start to lose their crunch, just pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to revive that delightful crispiness. Happy crouton-making!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! While I’m not a nutritionist, I can give you a rough estimate of what you’re getting in those delicious air fryer croutons. Each serving size is about half a cup, which packs in around 150 calories. You’ll find about 7 grams of fat, with just 1 gram being saturated. As for carbs, you’re looking at roughly 19 grams, along with 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of protein. And don’t worry, there’s no cholesterol here!

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the exact numbers can vary based on the type of bread and the specific ingredients you use. But hey, they’re a tasty addition to your meals without the guilt. Enjoy those crunchy bites knowing they’re not just delicious, but also a relatively healthy choice for your salads and soups!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh bread?

Absolutely, you can use fresh bread to make air fryer croutons! However, keep in mind that fresh bread has higher moisture content, which can affect the final texture. If you want that perfect crunch, it’s best to let the fresh bread cubes sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit. Alternatively, you can place them in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes to help them become less moist before tossing them with oil and seasonings. This way, you’ll still get that delightful crispiness you crave!

How to store croutons?

Storing your homemade air fryer croutons is crucial for maintaining their delightful crunch. Once they’ve completely cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep moisture out and preserve that crispy texture. Ideally, they’ll last about a week on your kitchen counter. If you notice them losing their crunch, don’t fret! Just pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to revive that irresistible crispiness. You’ll be snacking on them in no time!

Can I customize the seasonings?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making air fryer croutons is not just quick and easy; it’s a delightful way to enhance your meals! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love whipping up this simple snack:

Quick Preparation: You can have crispy croutons ready in just 17 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute meal upgrades.
Customization Galore: Feel free to play around with seasonings and bread types. Want spicy? Add cayenne! Prefer cheesy? Toss in some Parmesan!
Healthy Snacking: Unlike store-bought versions loaded with preservatives, these homemade croutons are made from wholesome ingredients, making them a guilt-free addition to your salads and soups.
Minimal Waste: Use up stale bread instead of tossing it out. It’s a smart way to reduce food waste while creating something delicious!

Trust me, once you start making your own air fryer croutons, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind!