These crispy, golden-brown Air Fryer Croutons are a game-changing addition to your salads and soups. In just 13 minutes, day-old bread transforms into perfectly seasoned, crunchy bites that’ll make every dish more exciting.
With only 115 calories per serving, these homemade croutons pack more flavor and fewer preservatives than store-bought versions. The air fryer ensures each cube gets evenly toasted, delivering that satisfying crunch you crave, while using minimal oil.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Croutons
- Bread: 5 slices, can use regular or gluten-free variety
- Butter: 3 tablespoons melted, dairy-free option available
- Garlic salt: 1 teaspoon for savory flavor
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried
- Parsley: 1 teaspoon dried
- Onion powder: ½ teaspoon for extra depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut bread slices into even-sized cubes and transfer to a mixing bowl
- Add moisture: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the bread cubes
- Season: Sprinkle all seasonings over the buttered bread cubes and mix thoroughly until well-coated
- Air fry: Transfer seasoned bread mixture to air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 6-8 minutes, stirring once or twice until golden and crispy
- Cool and serve: Remove from air fryer and let cool before using as a delicious salad topping
Variations & Substitutions
Love making these croutons your own way? Try these simple swaps! Replace the regular bread with sourdough or whole wheat for extra flavor. If you’re keeping things dairy-free, coconut oil or olive oil work beautifully instead of butter. Play with different seasonings too – Italian seasoning, ranch powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can create exciting new flavors. For a cheesy kick, sprinkle some grated parmesan on the croutons during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Storage Tips
These crispy little cubes stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks when stored right! Let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Keep them in a cool, dry spot in your pantry – avoid the fridge as moisture can make them soggy.
If they lose their crunch after a few days, just toss them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp them up again!
Serving Suggestions
These golden, crunchy croutons are so versatile! Toss them on your favorite Caesar salad or add some crunch to a warm bowl of tomato soup. They’re amazing on top of French onion soup or crumbled over mac and cheese for extra texture. You can even crush them up to use as a crispy coating for chicken or fish. Make a double batch – you’ll find yourself sprinkling these on everything!
Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 5 slices bread can be gluten free
- 3 tablespoons butter melted, can be dairy free
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cut the bread into cubes and set in mixing bowl.
- Pour melted butter over bread cubes.
- Add spices to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add bread cube mixture into air fryer basket or onto air fryer tray. Cook at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 6 to 8 minutes or until crunchy. Stir croutons once or twice during cooking.
