Can You Make Croutons in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make crispy, golden croutons in an air fryer—quickly, evenly, and with minimal oil. This method transforms stale bread into flavorful, crunchy bites in under 10 minutes, outperforming traditional oven baking in both speed and texture. Perfect for salads, soups, or snacking, air fryer croutons are a game-changer for effortless, delicious homemade toppings.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers make crispy croutons quickly with minimal oil.
• Use stale bread: Dry bread cubes toast faster and stay crunchier.
• Season generously: Toss with oil, salt, garlic, and herbs for flavor.
• Shake the basket: Ensures even browning and prevents soggy croutons.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Can You Make Croutons in an Air Fryer? Discover How

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a well-made crouton. Whether you’re sprinkling them over a fresh Caesar salad, adding texture to a creamy tomato soup, or just munching them as a snack, croutons elevate any dish. But have you ever stood in front of your oven, waiting for store-bought or homemade croutons to toast, only to find them either burnt or soggy? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. That’s when I discovered a game-changer: making croutons in an air fryer.

When I first heard about air fryer croutons, I was skeptical. After all, the air fryer is known for crispy fries and chicken wings—not necessarily for transforming stale bread into golden, crunchy morsels. But after trying it, I was hooked. Not only is it faster than using an oven, but it also uses less energy, gives you more control over the crispness, and—bonus!—it’s incredibly easy. If you’ve been wondering, “Can you make croutons in an air fryer?”—the answer is a resounding yes. And today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer croutons at home, every time.

Why Make Croutons in an Air Fryer?

Let’s start with the “why.” Why choose an air fryer over a traditional oven or stovetop method? The truth is, the air fryer offers several advantages that make it ideal for crouton-making—especially if you’re short on time, want consistent results, or simply love crispy food without the fuss.

Faster Cooking Time

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer is speed. Traditional oven-baked croutons can take 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven and bread type. In contrast, air fryer croutons are ready in 8 to 12 minutes. The air fryer’s compact space and powerful convection fan circulate hot air more efficiently, meaning less preheating and faster toasting. I once made a batch of garlic croutons while my soup was heating on the stove—no waiting, no stress.

Even Crisping with Less Oil

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp food from all sides. This means you don’t need to flip or stir croutons as often. Plus, you can use just one to two teaspoons of oil per cup of bread cubes, compared to a tablespoon or more when baking. Less oil, same crunch—ideal for anyone watching their fat intake or trying to eat a bit healthier.

Energy Efficiency and Space-Saving

If you’re cooking for one or two, heating an entire oven just for croutons feels wasteful. The air fryer uses far less energy and takes up minimal counter space. It’s also perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. I’ve made croutons in my tiny apartment kitchen while working from home—no heat buildup, no mess.

Customizable Texture

With an air fryer, you can easily adjust the crispness. Want soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside croutons? Cook for 8 minutes. Prefer ultra-crispy, almost cracker-like bits? Go for 12. The small basket lets you monitor the process closely, so you’re never left guessing.

Perfect for Leftover or Stale Bread

Let’s not forget: croutons are the ultimate way to repurpose stale bread. Instead of tossing out that half-loaf of sourdough or day-old baguette, chop it up and turn it into something delicious. The air fryer handles slightly dry bread beautifully—just don’t use bread that’s moldy or overly tough.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Air Fryer Croutons?

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to crouton success. The type of bread you use affects flavor, texture, and how well it crisps. Here’s what I’ve learned after testing over a dozen varieties in my air fryer.

Best Bread Types

• Sourdough: My personal favorite. It’s sturdy, tangy, and toasts beautifully. The natural acidity adds depth to salads and soups.
• Baguette: Thin, crusty, and perfect for uniform cubes. It crisps evenly and absorbs seasonings well.
• Whole Wheat or Multigrain: Hearty and nutritious. Just make sure it’s not too soft—older loaves work better.
• Challah or Brioche: Sweet and rich. These make amazing croutons for fruit salads or creamy soups like butternut squash.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Works fine, but choose a firm variety. Softer gluten-free loaves can fall apart or become too dry.

Breads to Avoid

• Very Soft White Bread: Like sandwich loaves. It tends to steam instead of crisp and can become chewy.
• Pre-Sliced Store Bread: Too thin and delicate. It burns easily and doesn’t hold up well.
• Freshly Baked Bread (Right Out of the Oven): Too moist. It needs to sit for at least a few hours or be slightly stale.

Pro Tip: Size Matters

Cut your bread into ¾-inch to 1-inch cubes. Smaller pieces crisp faster but can burn more easily. Larger cubes take longer but offer a better bite. I usually aim for 1-inch—it’s the Goldilocks of crouton sizes.

Bonus: Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix breads! I once combined sourdough and rye for a tangy, earthy crouton that paired perfectly with a beet and goat cheese salad. Variety adds complexity and keeps things interesting.

How to Make Croutons in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the fun part—making your own air fryer croutons. This method is simple, customizable, and yields consistent results. Here’s my go-to process, tested and tweaked over dozens of batches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2–3 cups bread cubes (about 1 medium loaf)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon black pepper, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut your bread into even cubes. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for 1–2 hours to dry slightly. For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast it in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before seasoning.

Step 2: Season the Cubes

In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with oil until lightly coated. Add your seasonings and mix well. I like to use my hands to ensure every piece gets a little love. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan after tossing—it melts into a savory crust.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and preheat for 3–4 minutes. This ensures consistent cooking from the start. Not all models require preheating, but I’ve found it helps with even browning.

Step 4: Cook in Batches (If Needed)

Don’t overcrowd the basket. For a 5-quart air fryer, 2 cups of bread cubes is ideal. Overfilling leads to steaming instead of crisping. If you have more, cook in two batches.

Step 5: Air Fry

Place the seasoned cubes in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3–4 minutes to promote even browning. I set a timer and shake gently—no need to flip each piece.

Step 6: Check for Crispness

After 8 minutes, start checking. Croutons should be golden brown and crisp on the outside, with a slight bite inside. If they’re still soft, cook 1–2 minutes more. Be careful—overcooking leads to burnt croutons (ask me how I know).

Step 7: Cool and Store

Let croutons cool completely in the basket or on a wire rack. This is crucial—they crisp up further as they cool. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Quick Flavor Variations

• Garlic & Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried parsley + ½ tsp thyme
• Spicy Sriracha: Toss with 1 tsp oil + ½ tsp sriracha + ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Cheesy Ranch: Mix in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan + 1 tsp ranch seasoning
• Sweet Cinnamon: For fruit salads—use 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp butter

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a foolproof method, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pitfalls I’ve encountered—and how to fix or avoid them.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When the basket is too full, hot air can’t circulate, and croutons steam instead of crisp. The fix? Cook in smaller batches. I once tried to make 4 cups at once—half were soggy, half were burnt. Lesson learned.

Using Too Much Oil

More oil doesn’t mean crispier croutons. In fact, excess oil can cause sogginess or smoking. Stick to 1–2 teaspoons per cup of bread. If you’re using butter, melt it first and use sparingly.

Not Shaking the Basket

Shaking ensures even browning. If you skip this step, some croutons will be golden while others are pale. I set a timer for every 3 minutes and give the basket a gentle shake. It takes seconds and makes a huge difference.

Using Wet or Fresh Bread

Wet bread steams instead of crisps. Always use bread that’s slightly stale. If you only have fresh bread, pre-toast it for 2–3 minutes at 350°F before seasoning.

Leaving Croutons in the Air Fryer After Cooking

Even after turning off, the air fryer stays hot. Leaving croutons inside can lead to overcooking or burning. Remove them immediately and let them cool on a wire rack.

Forgetting to Cool Before Storing

Warm croutons trap moisture, which leads to sogginess. Always let them cool completely—about 15–20 minutes—before sealing them in a container.

Storing, Reheating, and Using Air Fryer Croutons

Great croutons are only half the battle—knowing how to store and use them ensures they stay fresh and flavorful.

How to Store Croutons

• Room Temperature: In an airtight container or resealable bag. Lasts up to 1 week. I use a glass jar with a silicone lid—keeps them crisp and looks nice on the counter.
• Refrigeration: Not recommended. The moisture in the fridge can make them soft or moldy. Only refrigerate if you’re using perishable add-ins like fresh herbs or cheese (and use within 3–4 days).
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze croutons! Spread cooled croutons on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. No need to thaw—just use straight from the freezer.

How to Reheat Croutons

If your croutons get a bit soft, don’t toss them. Re-crisp them in the air fryer:

• Spread in a single layer
• Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes
• Shake once halfway

They’ll come out as good as new—no need to re-season.

Clever Ways to Use Croutons

• Salads: Caesar, Greek, cobb, or grain bowls. I love adding them to kale salads—they add crunch and soak up dressing beautifully.
• Soups: Tomato, butternut squash, or French onion. Drop a handful in just before serving.
• Snacks: Eat them plain, toss with melted butter and garlic, or pair with hummus or cheese.
• Topping for Casseroles: Use in place of breadcrumbs on mac and cheese or green bean casserole.
• Breakfast Bowls: Add to avocado toast or breakfast salads for texture.

Pro Tip: Make a Big Batch

I usually make 4–6 cups at a time. I store them in labeled jars—garlic herb, spicy, cheese—and grab what I need. It’s a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners.

Air Fryer Crouton Success: A Quick Reference Table

Factor	Ideal	What to Avoid
Bread Type	Sourdough, baguette, challah, whole grain	Soft white bread, fresh-out-of-oven bread
Cube Size	¾ to 1 inch	Too small (burns) or too large (undercooked inside)
Oil Amount	1–2 tsp per cup of bread	Excess oil (leads to sogginess)
Cooking Temp	370°F (188°C)	Below 350°F (too slow), above 400°F (burns quickly)
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes, shaken every 3–4 min	Overcrowding or not shaking
Storage	Cooled, in airtight container at room temp	Warm or humid storage (leads to softness)

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Make Croutons in an Air Fryer

So, can you make croutons in an air fryer? Absolutely. And not just “can”—you should. It’s faster, more efficient, and gives you better control than any other method I’ve tried. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a way to use up stale bread, air fryer croutons are a simple, delicious solution.

What I love most is how versatile they are. One batch can be garlicky and savory, the next sweet and cinnamon-spiced. They’re a blank canvas for your creativity. Plus, making them at home means no mystery ingredients, no preservatives, and total control over flavor and texture.

And let’s not forget the environmental bonus: turning leftover bread into something delicious is a small but meaningful way to reduce food waste. I’ve gone from tossing out half a loaf to making croutons every other week—and my salads have never been better.

So grab that loaf of bread, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. I promise, once you taste that first crunchy, golden cube, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way. Happy toasting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make croutons in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make crispy, golden croutons in an air fryer with minimal oil. The air fryer’s rapid circulation cooks them evenly in 8–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What’s the best way to make air fryer croutons?

Cut bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and seasonings, then air fry in a single layer for even crispness. Shake the basket halfway through for uniform browning.

Do air fryer croutons stay crispy longer than oven-baked?

Yes, air fryer croutons tend to stay crispier due to the intense, even heat circulation. Store them in an airtight container to maintain texture for up to a week.

Can you use stale bread for croutons in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Stale bread is ideal for croutons in an air fryer since it dries out quickly. Fresh bread works too but may need a few extra minutes.

How long do air fryer croutons take to cook?

Air fryer croutons typically cook in 8–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Time varies based on bread type and desired crispness—check after 8 minutes.

What seasonings work best for air fryer croutons?

Garlic powder, dried herbs, paprika, and Parmesan are popular. Toss bread cubes with your favorite flavors before air frying for restaurant-quality croutons.