Air Fryer Croutons

Name: Air Fryer Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 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

Air fryer croutons are one of those little kitchen wins that make salads, soups, and even snacking way more fun. They’re golden, crunchy, and ready in under 10 minutes, with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

A white bowl filled with golden-brown croutons sits on a wooden surface, with a bowl of lettuce and a small dish of grated cheese in the background.

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I love making these on days when our bread is getting a bit too chewy and needs a new lease on life. There’s something so satisfying about turning scraps into something craveable and homemade. Plus, it’s a great excuse to avoid the store-bought stuff that’s loaded with preservatives.

If you love quick air fryer recipes like this one, check out our Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread, Air Fryer Dinner Rolls, or Air Fryer Pepperoni Roses. They’re just as easy and totally snack-worthy.

A white bowl filled with golden, seasoned croutons sits on a wooden surface.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Done in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
Waste-Free: Perfect way to use up day-old or leftover bread.
Customizable: Use your favorite seasonings to match any meal.
Crispier Than Oven-Baked: The air fryer gets every cube perfectly golden and crunchy.

Ingredients

A bowl of bread cubes with small dishes of olive oil, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, and salt arranged on a white surface, each labeled with its name.

A white bowl filled with seasoned, golden-brown croutons, with part of a salad and a dressing bowl visible in the background.

Air Fryer Croutons

These crispy air fryer croutons are the perfect way to level up your salads and soups. Made with day-old bread, olive oil, and simple seasonings, they come together in just 10 minutes for a homemade crunch you’ll love!

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 18

Servings: Servings

Calories: 248kcal

Author: Wendy

Equipment

Air Fryer
Mixing Bowl
Measuring spoons
Airtight storage container

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Place the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Use hearty bread for the best results.
Avoid overloading the air fryer basket.
Mix seasonings thoroughly for even coating.
I used about 1/4 serving size for the nutritional information.

Storage

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Reheating: Pop in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to crisp up again.
Freezing: Not recommended because they lose their crisp texture.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Wendy’s Tips

Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. You will need a little room between the pieces so they crisp up nicely.
Use day-old bread for the best texture and flavor. You can also dry out fresh bread if you are in a hurry.
Let croutons cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.

A bowl of croutons sits on a wooden table next to fresh romaine lettuce, a bowl of greens, shredded cheese, and a small pitcher of salad dressing.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I use fresh bread?

Yes, but day-old bread works better because it holds up to the oil and air frying without getting soggy.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to cube and toss without falling apart.

Can I make these croutons ahead of time?

Yes! These croutons are great for meal prep. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before storing in an airtight container to keep them crispy for up to a week.