Air Fryer Croutons
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These Homemade Air Fryer Croutons are crispy, crunchy, and flavorful. You’ve got to try them!
Bread cubes coated with olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder come together for a perfectly seasoned crouton, ideal for salads, soups, or snacks.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy recipe- In just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of crispy air fryer croutons.
Tastier than store-bought – Perfectly seasoned and with just the right texture, these croutons taste way better than store-bought croutons with simple ingredients you can pronounce.
Adaptable – Change up the seasonings, add more spice, and modify the recipe to suit your tastes.
Versatile – Crispy croutons aren’t just for the top of salads, you can add them to soups, and stews or make a casserole or bread pudding out of them.
Even cooking – The air fryer gives you the best results, so your croutons have the perfect crunch. Cooking time will vary from one air fryer to the next, so keep an eye on them.
Ingredients to make this air fryer croutons recipe
- Bread – Use a crusty bread, cut into cubes. My preference is sourdough bread, but any type of bread is good.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is best, but any kind will do, as will avocado oil.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter both work.
- Salt – Sea salt or table salt are good options.
- Black Pepper – I prefer fresh cracked pepper, but it is not absolutely necessary. Your table pepper will work just fine.
- Italian Seasoning – Use a store-bought pre-mix or make your own.
- Cayenne Pepper – Optional but adds a touch of spice.
- Garlic Powder – Do not use fresh garlic; it tends to burn. You can also use garlic salt and then modify the amount of salt you add.
How To Make This Air Fryer Crouton Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Combine melted butter, olive oil, and spices in a small bowl or measuring cup.
Step 3: Pour the butter mixture over the cubed bread. Gently combine until the bread is coated.
Step 4: Working in batches, place the cubed bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer and bake for 3 minutes. Toss the cubes and bake for an additional 3 minutes. Repeat with the rest of the croutons.
FAQs
Unfortunately, homemade croutons may get soft after you store them. You can pop them back in the air fryer to crisp them up again.
Yes, absolutely! You can place the croutons in a baking tray and follow this recipe to make them in the oven.
To make the best croutons, choose your favorite bread. It can be tough with so many different types of bread available, but choose your favorite or use whatever you have on hand.
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- Allow the croutons to come to room temperature before storing them or you’ll end up with soggy croutons.
- You don’t need fresh bread to make croutons. Keep your stale day-old bread and use it to make croutons. Croutons are a great way to use leftover bread and reduce food waste.
- You can also use Italian bread, French bread, fancy bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough, or even white bread. Any bread will work.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bread. It will help prevent the bread from tearing.
- Stir in some onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or any of your favorite seasonings if you want to change the flavor profile.
- For a cheesy flavor, add freshly grated parmesan cheese to the spice mix.
- When buying fresh bread, make sure to get one that is unsliced so you can cube it easily.
- For a southwest casserole, I would use ½ tsp cumin and ½ tsp chili powder instead of the Italian seasoning.
Storage
Fridge: Croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to two week. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing.
Freezer: Store these crunchy croutons in the freezer for up to 3 months to use in recipes in the upcoming months.
What to serve with croutons
These air fryer croutons are great to throw in your favorite soups like this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Soup or this Easy Hearty Hamburger Soup.
Or, add some croutons to your favorite salads: Perfect with my Pecan and Pear Salad, a Classic Wedge, or this Caesar Pasta Salad.
Looking for another air fryer recipe?
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Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cubed Bread
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Butter
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- pinch Cayenne Pepper Optional
Instructions
- Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are as uniform as possible for even cooking.6 cups Cubed Bread
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.¼ cup Olive Oil, ¼ cup Butter, 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, pinch Cayenne Pepper
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (190°C).
- Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the bread cubes in the preheated air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the croutons to prevent burning; they should be golden brown and crispy.
- Once the croutons are done, transfer them to a plate or baking sheet to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
This recipe is delicious, love it !!
Awesome! I hate throwing away food.
Fantastic in my Caesar salad!
Best ever!!
These are amazing. I need to remember to make them more often.
You will never buy box croutons again after you make this recipe. They are so good!!!