These Air Fryer Croutons are the easiest way to make crispy homemade croutons in under 10 minutes. With just bread, olive oil, and a few simple seasonings, they're perfect for topping salads, soups, or grain bowls.
They're quick to make, a great way to use leftover bread, and much better than store-bought croutons.
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Ingredient Notes
The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients: bread, olive oil, dried herbs, and basic seasonings.
Bread: Use any sturdy bread like baguette, sourdough, or French bread. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it crisps up more easily in the air fryer.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the croutons brown and crisp while coating the seasonings evenly.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Recipe
Making croutons is easier than ever using this air fryer method!
Step 1: Place 4 cups of cubed bread into a large bowl or spread on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the bread and mix until it is thoroughly coated then toss with seasonings.
Step 3: If needed, divide the croutons and air fry in two batches.
Step 4: Air Fry at 400F for 4-5 minutes, no need to preheat the air fryer.
Substitutions & Variations
Bread: Ciabatta, whole grain, multigrain, rye, or sandwich bread can also work, but cooking time may need adjusting.
Dried Herbs: Parsley and oregano are a simple option, but basil, rosemary, thyme, or an Italian seasoning blend work as well.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil works well, but avocado oil or melted vegan butter can be used instead.
Serving Ideas
These air fryer croutons add a satisfying crunch to soups and salads!
- Soups: My favorite soups to serving with croutons are this classic vegan tomato basil soup or this creamy vegan potato cauliflower leek soup.
- Salads: They work well on most salads, especially vegan Caesar salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- They can also be used for homemade stuffing, breadcrumbs, or eaten as a snack.
Tips & Tricks
You can use day-old or fresh bread. Day-old bread is firmer and easier to cube, while fresh bread may need an extra minute in the air fryer.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave space between the cubes so they brown evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fryers vary, so cooking times may need adjusting. Shake the basket often and check every 1-2 minutes to prevent burning, especially during the second batch as it will cook quicker.
Let the croutons cool briefly after cooking. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Storage
Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture.
Transfer to an airtight container or ziploc bag and store for 5-7 days.
If they lose crispness, reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to refresh.
Homemade croutons do not contain preservatives, so they won't last as long as store-bought versions
Frequently Asked Questions
They may need more time in the air fryer. Continue cooking for an extra minute or two. They will also continue to crisp up slightly as they cool.
Air fryers cook quickly and bread can brown fast. Lower the temperature slightly or shorten the cooking time for future batches.
Yes, but they may not brown as evenly or have the same crisp texture. A small amount of oil helps them crisp and hold seasoning.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
10-Minute Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cubed Bread see note
- 2 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place 4 cups of cubed bread into a large bowl or spread on a baking sheet. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the bread and mix until it is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the dried parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper onto the bread. Toss together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Air Fry at 400F for 4-5 minutes, no need to preheat the air fryer. If needed, divide the croutons and air fry in two batches- this depends on the size of your basket. Note that the second batch will cook quicker, I recommend checking and shaking the basket every 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind they will crisp up a bit more after air frying.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container or Ziplock bag, at room temperature, for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture.
Notes
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