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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Toppings and Garnishes

Air Fryer Croutons

Published: Apr 26, 2023 · Modified: Apr 19, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

Whip up crispy air fryer croutons in under 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. They are perfectly golden and crunchy to top salads, soups, or snack on straight from the bowl. No more stale bites, plus foolproof tips to nail it every time.

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I have shamelessly snacked on croutons straight from the box...I bet you have too! But now I make these satisfying bite-sized, crunchy bread cubes at home in an air fryer, offering a much healthier, less expensive, and tastier option than the store-bought variety.

Whether using up the last bits of bread or grabbing a fresh loaf, these air fryer croutons combine with just a few pantry staples in mere minutes.

They are delicious and quick to make if you want to top vegan soups & stews like Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup and Kale Potato and Leek Soup, or a salad like Vegan Caesar Salad.

Jump to:
  • Why Make Homemade Croutons
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make Croutons in the Air Fryer
  • Top Tips
  • How To Use Air Fryer Croutons
  • Air Fried Croutons FAQS
  • Related Recipes
  • Air Fryer Croutons
  • Comments

Why Make Homemade Croutons

  • With just a few ingredients, you can turn forgotten bread heels, orphaned bun halves, or leftover slices into crunchy air-fried croutons in minutes, making this a no-waste recipe.
  • Many store-bought croutons contain dairy (not sure why), like Romano cheese, whey, natural butter flavor, or other milk ingredients.
  • You don't have to worry about consuming harmful preservatives that manufacturers add to store-bought croutons to increase their shelf life.
  • You can customize the flavor of your croutons by adding different spices and herbs.
  • Bread’s a kitchen staple, so you can effortlessly turn slices into fresh, homemade croutons for salads, soups, and more—no more relying on bagged brands that go stale before you get around to them.

Ingredients

Here is what you'll need to make delicious homemade croutons.

Olive Oil: Swap in avocado oil for olive oil, or go ultra-light with a quick spritz of cooking spray.

What Type of Bread Works Best for Air Fryer Croutons

Ideally, you want to choose a dense and sturdy bread that can hold its shape during cooking. That said, I have also made croutons with regular slices of white or whole grain bread, and they come out fine too.

By not preheating the air fryer, the gradual ramp up helps dry them out and gets them crispy.

Some bread options that work well for air fryer croutons include dense and sturdy bread like a French baguette, sourdough, and ciabatta. But again, use whatever you have on hand. You can even make it healthier by using whole wheat or whole grain breads.

Creative Seasoning Ideas

I use a basic seasoning mix, but here are a few more ideas you can incorporate for variety.

  • Use a Homemade Taco seasoning, Vegan Chicken Seasoning, or Cajun Seasoning for variety.
  • Vegan Parmesan and black pepper make delicious croutons.
  • Lemon pepper - Combine with lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
  • Add a smoky and spicy kick with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
  • Everything bagel seasoning is delicious on croutons.

How To Make Croutons in the Air Fryer

The measurements in the recipe can be modified easily depending on whether you are making a large batch or a small amount for one serving. Use the recipe as a general guideline. See the recipe card for details.

Step 1: Cut the bread into small cubes, around ¾ inch in size.

Step 2: Drizzle in the oil in stages—about a tablespoon at a time—tossing between additions so every crouton gets a perfect slick of flavor. Then,
sprinkle the bread cubes with seasonings, and toss or shake to coat evenly.

Step 3: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer.

Step 4: Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 2 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even crisping. Times may vary by model.

Top Tips

  • While stale bread’s lower moisture lets it soak up oil and seasonings for crispy results, this recipe also shines with fresh bread because it skips the preheating. The air fryer’s gentle, rising heat slowly draws out moisture, delivering evenly crunchy croutons even with fresh bread.
  • Air fryers differ in wattage, basket size, and airflow intensity, so cooking times and crispiness can vary significantly from one model to another. For reference, I'm using the Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL.
  • Smaller pieces will toast faster, so adjust the times if you change the recommended size.
  • Make sure the bread cubes are mostly spread out in a single layer. You can overcrowd the air fryer a little with good results, but shake the basket a few times throughout the cooking process for even browning.
  • Add seasoning to taste. Adjust the amount of salt and dried herbs to your liking.
spoon in vegan kale potato leek soup bowl

How To Use Air Fryer Croutons

Of course, these air fryer croutons shine as a crunchy salad topper or sprinkled over soups like Vegan Carrot and Ginger Soup or Butternut Squash Carrot Soup - but don’t stop there! Try them as:

  • A savory snack straight from the bowl.
  • Make them into bread crumbs with a quick blend in the food processor. Use the crumbs as a topping for pasta dishes like Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese or a binder in veggie ball mixtures. Add them as a salty, crunchy layer on avocado toast or for coating tofu cutlets or veggie fritters.

Air Fried Croutons FAQS

How do I store air fryer croutons?

To store air fryer croutons, cool them completely and store them in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for about 1 week.

Can I freeze air fryer croutons?

Yes, you can freeze air-fried croutons. When they are cool, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before using. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

Can I make croutons in the oven or on the stove?

Yes. For the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C), toss bread cubes with oil and seasonings, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. On the stove, heat a skillet over medium, toss the bread cubes with oil and seasonings, and cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until crispy.

Are store-bought croutons vegan?

It depends on the brand - some croutons sneak in butter, cheese powders, buttermilk, or even honey, while others are just seasoned bread cubes and oil. Always scan the ingredients for dairy (butter, cheese, whey), eggs, or honey, and if you see a vegan-certified label (or nothing but flour, oil, herbs, and salt), you’re in the clear.

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Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Air Fryer Croutons recipe. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

air fryer croutons in a bowl.

Air Fryer Croutons

Regi Pearce
Homemade air fryer croutons offer a delicious crunch in your soups and salads. So easy to make, you won't ever buy store-bought again!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 7 minutes mins
Course condiment
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 3 cups
Calories 257 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ounces bread about 3-4 heaping cups sliced into ¾ inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder to taste
  • cracked fresh pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Slice: Slice the bread into crouton-sized cubes, about ¾ inch cubes.
  • Combine: Drizzle in the oil in stages—about a tablespoon at a time—tossing between additions so every crouton gets a perfect slick of flavor. Then, sprinkle the bread cubes with seasonings and toss or shake to coat evenly.
  • Air fry: Place the bread cubes in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket before you turn it on. Set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and start the cycle—your cubes will warm up as the fryer preheats. Once it hits temperature, let them cook for 2 minutes (or until golden and crisp), then check and add 30 second bursts as needed—air fryers vary, and croutons can go from perfect to burnt in a flash.
  • Serve: Wait a few minutes to cool down before serving, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can skip preheating because croutons benefit from a gentle ramp up - especially fresher bread. The gradual heat dries them slowly and evenly. Preheating can make the outsides brown too quickly before the centers crisp up.
Air fryers differ in wattage, basket size, and airflow intensity, so cooking times and crispiness can vary significantly from one model to another. For reference, I'm using the Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL.
See the post for other ways to creatively season your croutons.
I have made croutons with all types of bread, even hamburger buns and basic white bread. They all work well, but ideally, you want to choose a dense and sturdy bread that can hold its shape during cooking.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. 

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 612mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords budget friendly, easy, kid friendly, quick
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Regi Pearce says

    March 02, 2025 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    These crispy, golden air fryer croutons are the easiest way to use up leftover bread while adding crunch and flavor to your favorite dishes. A simple, budget-friendly staple that takes minutes to make and instantly elevates soups, salads, and more!

    Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband Rob and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but still worth living.

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