How to Make Croutons in the Air Fryer: Easy, Crispy, and Perfect Every Time

Craving crunchy, golden croutons to elevate your salads and soups? Making them in the air fryer is a total game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and gives you perfectly crisp results without the need for excessive oil or heating up your oven. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite seasonings for that extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

4 cups of bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (use any type: French, sourdough, or whole-grain for variety).
3 tablespoons olive oil.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs of choice.

Make sure the bread is slightly stale for the best texture, as it holds up well to oil and seasonings during cooking. Adjust spices based on your preferences for perfect, flavorful croutons.

Tools And Equipment Needed

To make croutons in the air fryer, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure the process is smooth and efficient. Gather these items before starting:

Air Fryer: The key appliance for achieving perfectly crisp and golden croutons. Make sure your air fryer has a temperature setting and enough space for even cooking.
Large Mixing Bowl: Use this to toss the bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings for even coating.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for mixing bread cubes without crushing them.
Measuring Spoons: To measure seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning accurately.
Sharp Bread Knife: Essential for cutting stale bread into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the bread.
Tongs: Handy for removing the croutons from the hot air fryer safely.

Having these tools and equipment ready will make the crouton-making process straightforward and hassle-free.

Directions

Follow these quick and easy steps to make perfectly crispy and flavorful croutons in your air fryer. Ensure you prepare all the ingredients and tools before starting for a seamless process.

Prep The Bread

Start by cutting your slightly stale bread into 1-inch cubes. Use a cutting board and a sharp bread knife for precise, uniform pieces.
Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl to prepare them for seasoning.

Season The Bread

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the bread cubes. Toss gently using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to coat evenly.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper over the bread.
Toss the bread cubes again to ensure each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Adjust seasoning for your preferred taste if needed.

Preheat The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the croutons cook evenly and quickly.

Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Cook the croutons at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Check the croutons for a golden-brown color and crisp texture. Add 1-2 additional minutes if needed for your desired level of crispness.
Once done, use tongs to carefully remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Croutons

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for slightly stale bread as it absorbs oil and seasonings better and crisps up beautifully. Avoid bread that’s overly soft or too fresh as it may become soggy.
Cut Uniform Cubes: Ensure your bread is cut into 1-inch cubes. Uniformity guarantees even cooking and consistent crunch.
Don’t Skip Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating ensures the croutons begin crisping immediately, delivering a perfectly golden texture.
Season Thoroughly: Toss the bread cubes well to evenly coat them with seasonings and oil. Use a large mixing bowl to make sure every piece is covered for consistent flavors.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper crisping and lead to uneven cooking.
Shake Halfway Through: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the croutons. This promotes uniform browning on all sides.
Monitor the Cooking Time: Start with 6 minutes and check for doneness. Depending on the size of your cubes and air fryer model, you may need an extra 1-2 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a crunchy texture.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the croutons to cool for a few minutes before serving. This step solidifies their crispness, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Store Properly: Keep leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them stale or chewy.

How To Store And Reheat Croutons

To maintain the crisp texture of your air fryer croutons, proper storage and reheating are essential.

Storing Croutons

Cool Completely: Allow the croutons to cool fully after air frying. This prevents moisture buildup and sogginess during storage.
Use An Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled croutons to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Ensure it is sealed tightly to keep air out.
Room Temperature Storage: Store the croutons at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They remain fresh and crispy for up to one week.
Freezing (Optional): For longer storage, place the croutons in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spread the croutons in a single layer in the basket. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they regain their crispness.
Oven Method: Place the croutons on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning.
Avoid The Microwave: Microwaving is not recommended, as it causes croutons to become chewy instead of crispy.

Keep your croutons flavorful and crunchy by storing and reheating them properly.

Conclusion

Making croutons in the air fryer is a simple and rewarding way to elevate your meals. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can create perfectly crisp, flavorful croutons in minutes. Whether you’re adding them to salads, soups, or enjoying them as a snack, their homemade taste and texture will impress every time.

By following the tips and techniques shared, you’ll achieve consistent results while customizing flavors to suit your preferences. With proper storage and reheating, your croutons will stay fresh and crunchy, ready to enhance any dish. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade croutons made effortlessly in your air fryer!