Air Fryer Croutons

Homemade air fryer croutons are so delicious and simple to make you'll never want to buy store-bought again.

As a child, I discovered the magic of croutons - tiny, crunchy, flavor-packed bread cubes impossible to resist! While my family ate their salads and soups, I shamelessly snacked on croutons straight from the box, leaving them crouton-less. And you know what? I still do! But now I can now make these satisfying bite-sized, crunchy bread cubes at home in an air fryer, offering a much healthier and tastier option than the store-bought variety.

They are delicious and quick to make to top Vegan Soups & Stews like Broccoli Cheese Soup and Kale Potato and Leek Soup, or a salad like Vegan Caesar Salad.

Why Homemade Croutons?

• Many store-bought croutons contain dairy in the form of Romano cheese, whey, natural butter flavor, or other milk ingredients.
• You can use the leftover bread no one wants to make your croutons like the ends no one eats or the lonely leftover hamburger bun that will never fulfill its original purpose.
• You don't have to worry about consuming harmful preservatives that manufacturers add to store-bought croutons to increase their shelf life.
• Customize the flavor of your croutons by adding different spices and herbs to suit your taste, such as Italian seasoning.
• Bread is a staple in our house, so I can always whip up a quick batch for salads, soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes to add texture and crunch.

What Type of Bread Works Best for Croutons?

Certain types of bread do work better than others. Ideally, you want to choose a dense and sturdy bread that can hold its shape during cooking.

Some bread options that work well for air fryer croutons include dense and sturdy bread like a French baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat. But again, use whatever you have on hand.

Creative Seasoning Ideas

• Garlic and herbs: Mix with minced garlic, dried herbs, and salt.
• Vegan Parmesan and black pepper: Sprinkle with grated vegan Parmesan and black pepper.
• Taco seasoning: Toss with taco seasoning for a spicy twist.
• Lemon pepper: Combine with lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
• Smoked paprika and cayenne: Add a smoky and spicy kick.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
• Italian seasoning: Mix with dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

How To Make Air Fryer Croutons

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.

Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Croutons

• If you have stale bread, use it, but fresh bread works too.
• Cut the bread into small pieces. Smaller pieces will toast faster and more evenly, but you'll need to watch them closely so they don't burn.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure the bread cubes are mostly spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding the air fryer will result in unevenly toasted croutons. 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, garlic powder, and dried herbs to your liking.

Air Fried Croutons FAQS

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