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You can stop scrolling. These air fryer croutons are crunchy on the outside, light on the inside, and perfectly seasoned, so they actually add something to your salad rather than just sitting around. We focus on cube size, oil balance, and timing to ensure each bite turns golden brown without burning. Plus, the taste is clean and classic, so it’s perfect for everything you’re already making.
Ingredient notes + variations
This recipe has an intentionally short ingredient list. Each one holds its weight, delivering authentic flavor and crunchy air-fried croutons without the heaviness.
Day-old bread – Slightly dry bread crisps will bake faster and more evenly. Sourdough, French bread, or bakery bread all work well. Olive oil – enough to coat without soaking. This will help the croutons brown without getting oily. Garlic Powder – Adds a mild garlic flavor that won’t burn in the air fryer. Dried oregano or Italian seasoning – Oregano keeps things simple. Italian seasonings add a little personality. Salt + black pepper – season with confidence. Croutons should be delicious on their own.
How to make air fried croutons
This is one of those recipes that feels way too easy. All you have to do is toss it and air fry it for a short time.
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Heat air fryer to 375°F. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes so everything cooks at the same pace.
Step 2: Season
Add the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan and toss until all corners are coated.
Step 3: Air fry
Arrange the cubes in a single layer. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Cool
Let the croutons cool completely. Now lock that crunch in.
tips for success
Cut the bread into even pieces to avoid overcooking. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Airflow is your friend. Shake halfway through to ensure consistent browning. Allow to cool completely before storing. It will become even more crunchy as it cools.
What to eat with air-fried croutons
Once you make air-fried croutons at home, you won’t be tempted to buy store-bought croutons. Fast, flavorful, and exactly what croutons should be. Printable recipe cards are below. Have a great day, friends!
air fryer croutons
Air fryer croutons are crispy, golden, and ready in minutes with simple ingredients in your pantry and a big crunch. Made in the airfryer or oven, it’s an easy topping that instantly upgrades salads, soups, or casual snacks straight from the bowl.
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
Pour in the olive oil and stir in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper until coated.
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Allow to cool completely before storing or serving over salads or soups.
Precautions
Precautions for storage
Cooled croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months, then re-crisp for a few minutes in the air fryer.
nutrition
calorie: 126kcalcarbohydrates: 14gprotein: 3gfat: 7gSaturated fat: 1gPolyunsaturated fats: 1gMonounsaturated fats: 4gTrans fat: 0.01gsodium: 280mgpotassium: 47mgfiber: 1gsugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgcalcium: 38mgiron: 1mg
variations
Add cheesy flavor using Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Replace the olive oil with garlic-infused oil. Add smoked paprika for a hint of warmth. Use gluten-free bread if desired.
FAQ
yes. Expect it to become a little less crunchy, so add an extra minute or two in the air fryer.
Perhaps more air time or a full cooling period is needed. Both are important.
More recipes I want to try
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you could give me a star rating or leave a review in the comments! If you have a photo of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
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