There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly seasoned croutons adding that irresistible texture and flavor boost to your salads, soups, or even just as a snack straight from the bowl. This Air Fryer Croutons Recipe transforms simple day-old bread into golden, crispy bites seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of pepper, making it a quick and delightful addition to any meal. With minimal ingredients and an effortless air fryer technique, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-made croutons from the store!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for authentic, delicious croutons that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Each component plays a vital role—olive oil adds richness and helps with crisping, while the garlic powder and herbs infuse wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: Using day-old French bread, sourdough, or your favorite variety ensures croutons that crisp up nicely without getting soggy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the cubes evenly, helping them brown beautifully with a lovely flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic seasoning that brings that irresistible savory note loved by all.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbaceousness for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Provides a sweet and slightly minty undertone that complements the oregano.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the herbs and garlic perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a mild kick that brightens the overall taste.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some on at the end for an extra burst of umami and richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures a perfect balance between crisping the bread cubes quickly without drying them out. Preheating is a simple step that sets the stage for achieving that ideal golden crunch.
Step 2: Toss Bread Cubes with Seasonings
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cubed day-old bread. Drizzle the olive oil over the cubes, then sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until every cube is evenly coated. This seasoning mix is what transforms basic bread into an explosion of flavor with each bite.
Step 3: Arrange Bread Cubes in the Air Fryer Basket
Place your seasoned bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It’s important to avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate properly, ensuring all the croutons crisp up evenly. If your basket is small, consider working in batches to get the best results.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Cook the bread cubes in the air fryer for about 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This shaking encourages even browning and prevents any cubes from sticking together. Keep an eye on them near the end—they should be a beautiful golden brown and satisfyingly crunchy.
Step 5: Cool and Add Cheese (Optional)
Remove the croutons carefully and let them cool slightly. If you love a cheesy twist, this is the perfect time to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top while they’re still warm—it will melt ever so slightly, adding a luscious finish.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Croutons
Your Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is ready to elevate your meals! Use them to top salads, soups, or snack on them straightaway—they bring a welcome crunch and flavor boost everywhere they go.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These croutons shine as garnishes thanks to their crunchy texture and herbaceous seasoning. Toss a handful on Caesar salad to add that classic crispness or scatter them over creamy tomato soup for enticing contrast. Their robust flavor also pairs perfectly sprinkled atop roasted vegetables or blended into savory grain bowls.
Side Dishes
Beyond salads and soups, Air Fryer Croutons add an exciting layer of texture to side dishes. Think along the lines of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a handful of these croutons for crunch or alongside roasted chicken where they serve as a flavorful bed. They also jazz up simple weekday dinners by adding a bit of gourmet flair in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Step up your presentation game by serving croutons in a small bowl alongside a fresh garden salad or drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs over the top just before serving. You can even mix them into dips like spinach-artichoke or hummus for an irresistible crunch. The versatility of this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe invites you to experiment and have fun serving them in many delightful ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra homemade croutons, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their crunch for up to a week, perfect for quick salad toppings or snack cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover croutons to extend their shelf life. Place them in a sealed freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready, defrost at room temperature or re-crisp them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Reheating
To refresh stored croutons and bring back their crispy goodness, pop them back into your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick reheat step restores their texture beautifully, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old bread works best because it’s slightly dried, which helps the croutons crisp up nicely. French bread, sourdough, or even a rustic country loaf all make excellent choices.
Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I bake croutons in the oven?
You can bake croutons in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. However, the air fryer offers a faster cook time and a more even, crispy texture thanks to the convection heat.
How do I make these croutons gluten-free?
Simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free option that holds up well when cubed, like a gluten-free baguette or sandwich bread. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Can I add different herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick. The Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is a great canvas for your creativity.
Is it necessary to use oil for this recipe?
Using olive oil helps the croutons get that golden brown exterior and carries the seasoning flavor. If you want to reduce fat, you can lightly spray the bread cubes with oil instead, but some form of fat is recommended for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making your own croutons with this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is a game-changer for adding crunch and flavor to all your favorite dishes. It’s quick, fun, and so rewarding to create these crispy bites right at home using simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer. Give it a try—you’ll never want to reach for store-bought croutons again!
Print
Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer croutons made from cubed day-old bread tossed with olive oil and herbs, perfect for salads, soups, or as a snack. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy texture without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
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 Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for cooking the croutons evenly and crisply.
- Toss Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until all cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding and promote even cooking.
- Air Fry: Air fry the bread cubes at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become golden and crispy evenly.
- Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the croutons from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese while still warm to add extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the crisp croutons over your favorite soups or salads, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may become too soft or chewy.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Cooking time may vary slightly based on the air fryer model and size of bread cubes.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
