Pin it
If you need a quick upgrade for soups salads or snacks these air fryer croutons truly deliver rich crunch and intense flavor in just minutes. Homemade croutons were always my simple secret for using up leftover bread and the air fryer makes them almost effortless. Their fresh toasty aroma fills the kitchen and they turn any meal into something special.
My kids always helped toss the bread cubes and loved watching them transform in the air fryer. These croutons disappeared almost as fast as I made them.
Ingredients
- Bread: use any loaf from rustic sourdough to sandwich bread the fresher the bread the chewier the crouton for a drier result use dayold bread
- Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and flavor choose a good oil for the best result
- Salt: intensifies the other flavors use fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Fresh cracked black pepper: brings mild heat
- Dried herbs: such as Italian mix oregano or thyme lend a lovely savory note
- Spices: this is your place to play try smoked paprika garlic powder or cayenne for a kick
Instructions
- Dice the Bread:
- Cut your bread into slices and use a serrated knife to remove the crust if needed. This prevents the croutons from turning rock hard especially when working with sourdough or rustic bread. Then dice each slice into evenly sized cubes aiming for about onethird to threequarter inch squares for consistent cooking.
- Season the Bread:
- Place all bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle in the salt black pepper dried herbs and any spices you like. Toss thoroughly so every piece is lightly and evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Turn your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and let it heat up for three minutes. Preheating jumpstarts the crisping process so the outsides get golden before the centers overcook.
- Air Fry for Crunch:
- Transfer the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket. It is fine if they overlap a bit they will still crisp up. Set the temperature to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for five minutes. Pause to shake the basket or stir the cubes at the three minute mark. If you want extra crunchy croutons continue to air fry in twominute increments shaking each time until your ideal crispiness is reached. Once golden and crunchy transfer to a plate to cool and enjoy.
I am partial to using sourdough for its chewy interior and deep flavor. Once my daughter helped season them and we both laughed as she invented a “pizza crouton” with oregano and garlic powder.
Storage Tips
After completely cooling store croutons in an airtight container in a cool dry place. They will stay crisp for up to two weeks. If they start softening simply pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to revive them.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of olive oil try melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. Use glutenfree bread for an allergyfriendly batch. Experiment with spice mixes like curry or taco seasoning if you want to create unique flavors for different occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Toss a handful over Caesar salad or creamy tomato soup for a delicious crunch. Use them as a fresh topper for roasted veggies or even as a quick snack on their own. Some mornings I toss croutons in with softscrambled eggs for texture.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Croutons originated as a practical way to use up bread past its prime. In French kitchens old bread was never wasted instead it was transformed into these addictive crispy bites. Whether tossed in rich soups or scattered on a fresh salad croutons turn frugality into something elegant.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch up the herbs based on what you have. Use sun dried tomato or basil for a summer twist. Add cinnamon and a pinch of sugar for a sweet version for desserts.
Success Stories
A good friend started making these for her family using whatever bread she could find and now croutons are always part of their Sunday dinner. My children beg for homemade croutons and never want the store bought ones again.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze baked croutons in a zip top bag for up to three months. Thaw and then refresh quickly in the air fryer for best crunch before serving.
Homemade croutons are one of the simplest and most satisfying kitchen upgrades you can make on a whim. Enjoy the crunch and big flavor every time
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old or slightly stale bread holds up well, but any loaf like sourdough, baguette, or sandwich bread can be used. Removing crust helps avoid overly hard croutons.
- → How do I ensure the croutons are evenly crispy?
Cut bread into uniform cubes, toss very well with oil and seasoning, and shake the air fryer basket partway for even browning.
- → Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely. Experiment with different dried herbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or grated cheese for various flavors.
- → How long do homemade croutons stay fresh?
Once cooled completely, store in an airtight container for up to one week. They remain crisp and ready for use.
- → How do I get extra crunchy croutons?
Cook a little longer in the air fryer, shaking the basket every couple of minutes, until reaching your preferred crunch.