mad spatula
Golden, crispy air fryer croutons made from cubed bread, lightly seasoned and toasted.

Crispy Air Fryer Croutons

Time10 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings1

Contains: Wheat/Gluten

About allergens

If you’ve ever had a salad ruined by soggy, store-bought croutons - this recipe is your fix. These air fryer croutons are perfectly golden, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

They come together in under 10 minutes and add the perfect texture to everything from Caesar salad to creamy soups. Once you try them, you probably won’t go back to packaged ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy - ready in under 10 minutes
  • Crispy every time thanks to the air fryer
  • Minimal ingredients you already have at home
  • Customizable flavors (garlic, herbs, parmesan, and more)

Tips for Perfect Croutons

  • Use slightly stale bread (day old) for the best texture
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket - cook in batches if needed
  • Shake halfway through for even crispiness
  • Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning

Flavor Variations

Want to take them up a notch? Try adding:

  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Grated parmesan
  • Black pepper or chili flakes

How to Use Croutons

These crispy bites are perfect for:

  • Caesar salad
  • Creamy soups (like tomato or pumpkin)
  • Wraps and bowls for extra crunch
  • Snacking straight from the bowl (no judgment)

Common questions

Can I make croutons without an air fryer?

Yes, bake on a sheet tray in a 200°C (400°F) oven for about 8 - 10 minutes, tossing halfway.

What bread works best?

Slightly stale, day-old bread holds its shape and crisps better than very fresh bread.

Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Croutons

4mPreparation
6mCooking
10mTotal
Servings
1

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice your bread into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate.

  2. 2

    Add the bread cubes to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss well so every piece is lightly coated.

  3. 3

    Place the bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.

  4. 4

    Let the croutons cool for a few minutes - they'll get even crispier as they sit.

Nutrition Facts

per 100 g
Calories
378
kcal
Fat
21.6g
Saturated
3.8g
Carbs
38.8g
Fiber
1.8g
Sugar
4.2g
Protein
7.4g
Salts
0.7g

Nutritional values are approximate estimates intended for informational purposes only. If you have dietary restrictions or medical conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Glycemic Estimate

per serving
Glycemic Index
83
LowMediumHigh
Glycemic Load
22.1
LowMediumHigh
Blood Sugar Response
LowMediumHigh

Peak rise expected around 45m after eating

This is an estimated glycemic response and may vary based on individual metabolism and ingredient preparation. Learn more about GI and GL.

Storage & Reheating

  • 1

    Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week - they're essentially dried bread, so they hold well.

    Reheating: If they've softened, a quick 1 - 2 minute blast back in the air fryer re-crisps them.

You might also enjoy