Air Fry Croutons

If you’ve never made croutons in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. Homemade croutons are buttery, crisp, and loaded with flavor — and the best part is, you can make them in under 15 minutes! Once I started making croutons this way, I stopped buying the store-bought kind.

Whether you’re topping a salad, a bowl of soup, or just snacking (yes, they are that good), these croutons are a quick way to elevate any dish. Plus, you don’t even need oil — butter does all the work for a rich, delicious taste.

Quick Time/Temp Glance

• Ninja Foodi / Air Fryer Temp: Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Air Fry / Air Crisp for 8 Minutes. See below for personalized suggestions on timing, seasoning, and what bread to use.

Why Air Fryer over Baking?

There are plenty of ways to make croutons, but air frying them has some serious perks. As a note, when I air fry a recipe, I use a Ninja Foodi All In One.

• Fast and easy — done in about 10 minutes.
• No oven needed — I love in Florida and need to keep the kitchen cool.
• No oil — just butter for rich flavor.
• Perfect way to use up leftover bread — works with almost anything!
• Customizable — season them your way, with herbs, garlic, or spice blends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly you can use whatever butter and seasoning you have, but this is my classic recipe that gives you the crouton you are used to.

• 6 cups cubed bread — I love using a mix of sourdough, pumpernickel, and wheat bread (about 2 slices of each).
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted — Adds buttery flavor and helps seasonings stick.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley — For a herby, fresh touch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder — A must for flavor!
• 1 teaspoon salt — Adjust to taste.

Tip: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for a perfect crunch, but honestly this recipe can use what you have. It is very forgiving!

How to use the Air Fryer to make Croutons

Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle parsley, garlic powder, and salt over the bread cubes and toss to coat.

Drizzle melted butter over the seasoned bread cubes and toss again until evenly coated.

Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Place bread cubes in the air fryer basket. No need to do a single layer — just make sure to shake halfway through. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes for even cooking. Optional: If you want extra crunchy croutons, air fry for 2 more minutes.

Spread croutons on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to cool completely. They will harden a little more as they cool.

Do You Have to Use a Single Layer?

You might wonder if croutons need to be in a single layer to cook evenly — and the answer is, not really. I make these in a Ninja Foodi and usually just toss the bread cubes in without worrying too much about layers. Shaking the basket every couple of minutes makes sure they crisp up evenly.

If you’re using a smaller air fryer or prefer ultra-crunchy croutons, you can do smaller batches in a single layer. Either way, they turn out great!

Best Bread for Croutons

One of my favorite parts about making homemade croutons is using a mix of different breads for more flavor and texture. You can literally just pull out whatever you have leftover in the pantry and get started. If you are buying bread specifically for this recipe, here are some of my suggested options:

• Sourdough — for a hearty, chewy bite.
• Pumpernickel — adds a rich, dark flavor (perfect for fall and winter).
• Wheat bread — for a classic, everyday crouton.
• Italian or French bread — light, fluffy, and crisps up beautifully. I use Italian bread most often in my home.

Storage and Leftovers

Croutons store surprisingly well if you don’t eat them all right away (which is rare in my house!). Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag on the counter for up to a week. Don’t refrigerate — they’ll get soft. If they lose a little crunch, just toss them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to refresh.

Fun Ways to Season Croutons

Once you master the basic recipe, the seasoning possibilities are endless. Here are a few favorites I’ve tried but feel free to invent your own:

• Garlic Parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan before air frying.
• Spicy: Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Italian Herb: Use Italian seasoning or a mix of basil, oregano, and onion powder.
• Tex-Mex: Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning for salads with a southwestern twist.
• Ranch Croutons: Toss with a packet of ranch seasoning before cooking.

What to Serve Croutons With (More Than Just Salad!)

Of course, salads are the most popular way to use croutons, but here are a few other ideas to put them to good use:

• Toss onto soups like red pepper gouda soup, broccoli cheddar, or Italian Penicillan soup.
• Sprinkle over casseroles for a buttery, crunchy topping.
• Add to a charcuterie or snack board for savory bites.
• Crush and use as breadcrumbs for baked mac and cheese or stuffed chicken.

Adjusting for Different Breads

Not all bread is created equal, so here are a few quick tips on timing based on what you use:

• Soft sandwich bread? Reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes — it crisps faster.
• Thicker rustic bread? Add 1-2 minutes if needed — it takes a little longer to fully crisp.
• Very stale bread? Keep an eye on it — it may cook quicker than fresh.

These air fryer croutons are one of those recipes that seem simple but totally transform your meal. Whether you’re tossing them on a salad or sneaking a few straight from the bowl (guilty!), they’re buttery, crispy, and so much better than anything in a bag.