Crispy Air Fryer Croutons – Easy 10-Minute Recipe

Store-bought croutons are often stale, overly salty, and loaded with preservatives. Making your own in the air fryer is not only faster but gives you complete control over flavor and texture. The hot circulating air crisps the bread evenly without deep-frying, using a fraction of the oil.

This recipe is designed for any type of bread you have on hand—stale baguette, sourdough, or whole wheat. The key is to toss the cubes with just enough oil and seasoning to coat, then air fry until golden and crunchy. The result is a versatile topping that elevates any salad, soup, or even a bowl of tomato bisque.

Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute crunch, these air fryer croutons are a reliable, foolproof method. No oven preheating, no watching like a hawk—just set it and forget it.

About the Ingredients

6 cups (about 300g) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Use a crusty bread like sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta. If bread is too fresh, dry it in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) before proceeding.

3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, but you can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point. For a lighter option, use cooking spray.

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic powder provides a savory base. Substitute with 1 teaspoon of onion powder or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. You can use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, or any dried herbs you prefer.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Fine sea salt works best. Adjust to taste, but note that some breads are already salty.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Use slightly stale bread for best texture. Fresh bread will become too soft inside.
• Cut bread into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, spread on a baking sheet and let dry for 30 minutes, or air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Season the cubes

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the bread cubes and toss gently until evenly coated.

3. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 2 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for crispiness.

4. Air fry in batches

Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

5. Shake and continue

After 5 minutes, shake the basket or toss the croutons with a spatula. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. The croutons should sound hollow when tapped.

6. Cool completely

Transfer the croutons to a plate and let cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.

Delicious Variations

Parmesan Herb

Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Chili

Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix.

Everything Bagel

Use 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning instead of Italian herbs.

How to Store Air Fryer Croutons

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you've mastered air fryer croutons, try them on your favorite salad or soup. Share your creative flavor variations in the comments below!

Air Fryer Croutons

Make crispy, golden air fryer croutons in 10 minutes. Perfect for salads and soups. Easy, homemade, and better than store-bought.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

10 minPrep time10 minCook time6Servings185 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 6 cups (about 300g) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prepare the bread — Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, spread on a baking sheet and let dry for 30 minutes, or air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. 2Season the cubes — In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the bread cubes and toss gently until evenly coated.
3. 3Preheat the air fryer — Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 2 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for crispiness.
4. 4Air fry in batches — Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
5. 5Shake and continue — After 5 minutes, shake the basket or toss the croutons with a spatula. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. The croutons should sound hollow when tapped.
6. 6Cool completely — Transfer the croutons to a plate and let cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and ensure your seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Snack

Nutrition (per serving): 185 kcal · 4g protein · 24g carbs · 8g fat

Written by Kenji Tanaka
Kenji covers tech productivity and digital minimalism for remote workers. He writes about streamlining workflows and cutting digital clutter with a focus on mental clarity, not just efficiency.