Name: Air Fryer Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed day old bread (French, Italian, or sourdough); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Croutons Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes
• Perfect way to use up leftover or day-old bread
• Crispy on the outside with a light, airy interior
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings
• Healthier than many store-bought croutons
• Great topping for salads, soups, and pasta dishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups cubed day old bread (French, Italian, or sourdough)
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until all the cubes are evenly coated.
Place the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely before storing. Cooling helps them crisp up even more.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: About 18 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Croutons
Add 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese to the bread cubes before air frying for a savory, cheesy flavor.

Italian Herb Croutons
Mix in dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Italian-style seasoning blend.

Spicy Croutons
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Butter Garlic Croutons
Replace half of the olive oil with melted butter and add extra garlic powder for a richer flavor.

Ranch Croutons
Sprinkle a little ranch seasoning mix over the bread cubes before air frying for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Once completely cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

If they lose some crispness, you can refresh them by placing them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

Avoid storing them while still warm, as trapped moisture can make them soft.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, but day-old bread works best because it is slightly drier and crisps up more easily. Fresh bread may take a little longer to become crispy.

What type of bread works best for croutons?

French bread, Italian bread, and sourdough are excellent choices because they have a sturdy texture that holds up well during air frying.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps the croutons cook evenly and become crisp faster, so it is recommended for the best results.

Can I make these croutons without oil?

You can reduce the oil slightly, but a small amount helps the seasonings stick and gives the croutons their golden, crispy texture.

How do I keep croutons crunchy?

Make sure they cool completely before storing and keep them in a sealed airtight container.

Can I freeze homemade croutons?

Yes, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Why are my croutons not crispy?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket or not cooking them long enough can prevent proper crisping.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you should cook the croutons in batches so they stay in a single layer and cook evenly.

What dishes can I use croutons for?

They are perfect for Caesar salads, garden salads, creamy soups, tomato soup, or even sprinkled over pasta.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or grated cheese for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Air fryer croutons are a simple, flavorful way to upgrade everyday meals. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, they deliver crunchy, seasoned bites that pair perfectly with salads and soups. Once you try making homemade croutons in the air fryer, you may never want to go back to store-bought again.