Air Fry Croutons

Did you know you can air fry croutons in under 15 minutes? Buttery, crunchy, and golden croutons are a snap with any bread style, and without any oil, this topper is a must for your salad recipes. 

In the past few years, the air fryer has been a game changer for better-for-you ingredients with a delicious homemade taste. And its for more than just crisping up popcorn chicken or making Grande biscuits.

Ingredients for Homemade Croutons:

Everything you need to whip up the best croutons. Feel free to alter it based on our own recipe to make this one uniquely yours. 

• 2 slices each of the following: sourdough bread, pumpernickel bread and wheat bread (should be about 6 cups of cubed bread)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Air Fry Croutons (Instructions)

Slice bread into 1″ pieces and set in a large bowl. Mix well. Sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder and salt and toss well to coat. Drizzle with melted butter, mixing well.

Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees. Place bread cubes into the basket and set the air fryer to air crisp for 8 minutes, shaking basket and tossing bread cubes every 2 minutes until cooking is complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The cubed bread does shrink up in size as they cook/dry. You can put them in for an additional 2 minutes if you want them crunchier. This is a nice option to create the croutons you want!

Remove from air fryer basket and spread onto a baking sheet covered in paper towel, spreading croutons into a single layer to cool.

This recipe makes about 4 cups of croutons.

How to make Croutons that WOW your Family!

This recipe really is only limited by your own imagination.

Changing up the bread styles (I love Italian bread croutons) and adding new seasonings like onion powder, ranch, or even a packet of taco seasoning for those Tex-Mex inspired salads are two of the easiest ways to alter.

Do the croutons have to be in a single layer?

I know that having food in a single layer is standard practice when it comes to air frying food. And there are some foods that absolutely need that like making air fried chicken tenders.

I use an all-in-one Ninja Foodi that is one of those pressure cooker/air fryer/slow cookers in one. I have not found that, in the case of croutons, that it’s necessary.

Just make sure to shake midway as mentioned in the recipe, and your croutons should be fine. A few minutes extra may be necessary if you want them extra crunchy – totally up to you!

• As always, different kitchen gadgets, including air fryers, can operate differently depending on the brand and style. If necessary, consult your air fryers booklet for change in timing. Once you know the perfect timing for your croutons, jot down for future reference.

How to Store Any Leftovers for Later

You can add left-overs (if you have any!) in an airtight Ziplock bag or Tupperware. Use within a week for the best taste and texture.

Please note that if you add them to the fridge, the moisture will soften them. They are best left on the counter for crispness. You can also throw them back into the air fryer if needed.