If you’ve ever thought that making your own crunchy, flavorful croutons was a chore, I am here to prove you delightfully wrong with this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe. It turns a humble bread cube into a golden, crispy bite full of herbs and seasoning in just minutes, and with minimal effort. Whether you’re topping a fresh salad, adding texture to a soup, or just craving a savory snack, these air-fried croutons will quickly become your new go-to. The magic lies in the perfect balance of herbs and the air fryer’s incredible ability to make bread irresistibly crispy without any greasy mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients pack a punch in flavor and texture, ensuring your croutons are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with aromatic herbs. Each ingredient brings something essential to the table, whether it’s the heartiness of the bread or the savory twist from the spices.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: Using day-old bread like French or sourdough gives the croutons a perfect crunch without turning too dry.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the bread cubes and helps them crisp up beautifully while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses each bite with warmth and depth without overpowering the other herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a rustic, earthy note that elevates the seasoning profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with oregano and garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese: For those extra-special croutons, sprinkle on some Parmesan while hot to add a tangy, savory richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your croutons begin cooking immediately and evenly crisp up without absorbing too much oil or drying out.
Step 2: Season the bread cubes
In a large bowl, toss your bread cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated; this seasoning mix is what gives the croutons their delightful burst of flavor and aroma.
Step 3: Arrange bread cubes in the air fryer basket
Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them because you want air to circulate around each piece for maximum crispness. If you have a small air fryer, it’s best to cook in batches.
Step 4: Air fry until golden and crispy
Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll want to watch closely towards the end so they don’t burn—perfect croutons should be golden brown and crunchy but not too hard.
Step 5: Cool and add optional Parmesan
Remove your croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. While still warm, if you love a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top so it melts slightly into those crispy edges.
Step 6: Ready to serve
Now your Air Fryer Croutons Recipe has blossomed into irresistible bites that are ready to elevate any dish or satisfy a snack craving. Serve them immediately for the best crunch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These croutons are such a simple way to upgrade garnishes. Sprinkle them over creamy soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash to add texture and flavor. On salads, they bring a perfect contrast to crisp greens and tangy dressings.
Side Dishes
Think beyond salads: these croutons can be served alongside dips such as spinach-artichoke or warm cheese dips for a crunchy, satisfying accompaniment. They also complement pasta dishes where you want a little crunch).
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your croutons in small bowls at a brunch or party for guests to sprinkle on their own dishes. Another great idea is crushing them lightly to use as a flavorful breadcrumb topping for casseroles or baked vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though rare because they’re so addictive), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for 2 to 3 days, perfect for adding crunch on demand.
Freezing
You can freeze your homemade croutons easily. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw them completely before reheating to regain their crisp texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-made crunch, simply pop your croutons back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick refresh makes them taste just as good as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old French bread or sourdough works best for texture, you can use practically any bread you have on hand. The key is using bread that isn’t fresh to avoid soggy croutons.
Do I need to soak the bread in oil?
No soaking required. A simple toss with olive oil ensures each cube is lightly coated, which crisps up nicely in the air fryer without getting heavy or greasy.
Can I make these croutons without an air fryer?
You can, by baking them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. However, the air fryer is faster and yields a wonderfully even crisp.
How do I make the croutons more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or your favorite dried herbs to the seasoning mix. Don’t forget that sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Are these croutons healthy?
These homemade croutons are definitely lighter than store-bought versions since you control the amount of oil and avoid preservatives. Using whole grain or artisan bread can make them even healthier without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a quick, delicious way to add crunch and flavor to your meals, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe. It’s simple, speedy, and utterly transforming — turning ordinary bread into a snack or topping that feels downright special. Once you try making these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought croutons again!
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Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, flavorful air fryer croutons made with cubed day-old bread tossed in olive oil and herbs, perfect for adding a crunchy topping to salads, soups, or enjoyed as a snack. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve perfectly golden croutons in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Crouton Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or any bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the croutons cook evenly and become crispy.
- Season the bread cubes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the croutons: Cook the bread cubes at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and add cheese if desired: Remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. While still warm, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor if preferred.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade croutons over salads, soups, or simply as a crunchy snack.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread to ensure the croutons crisp up nicely.
- You can customize the herbs based on your preference, such as adding thyme or rosemary.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy texture.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
