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Turn any kind of bread into flavorful croutons! These Seasoned Air Fryer Croutons with olive oil are an easy way to make your own croutons out of any leftover bread you have! Ready in under 10 minutes, this seasoned croutons recipe works with all of your favorite salads. 

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How to make your own croutons in the air fryer in under 10 minutes!

I love making my own croutons. You can use up stale bread, or any bread you have to make them, and they taste way better than the bagged stuff. And while you can easily make them in your oven or even on the stove, I love to make mine in the air fryer. Not only is it faster and easier- its great for hot summer days so you can stay cool while the air fryer does all the work!

The homemade croutons in the air fryer are ready to go in about 10 minutes, and that includes air fryer preheating! If you’ve got some bread and a spice rack, you’ve got salad croutons any time.

Air Fryer Croutons

What kind of bread should I use for air fryer croutons?

Turn any kind of bread into flavorful croutons! You can make these seasoned air fryer croutons out of ANY bread. Just keep in mind that you will need to check the bread in the air fryer at around the 3 minute mark, as some breads take a bit more or less time. Standard white bread or sourdough toasts up faster than a sturdier bread, like a hearty Italian loaf.

Breads that work well for homemade croutons in the air fryer

  • Classic White Bread
  • Pane Toscano (my favorite!)
  • Sourdough
  • Rye, or marble rye
  • Sprouted whole grain
  • Italian 
  • Baguette
  • Pumpernickel 

Make as many (or as little) as you want!

You can make a small amount of a full air fryer tray full. Just keep time in mind. Less croutons will take less time, more croutons = more time.

Make your own croutons

What kind of seasonings are good for the croutons?

When I make these seasoned air fryer croutons with olive oil, I keep it simple and pantry friendly. I use:

  • Salt.
  • Freshly ground black pepper.
  • Garlic powder.
  • Onion powder.
  • Dried Rosemary.

You can add or remove any of the seasoning to taste! Some other great additions would be dried oregano, dry thyme, or even a favorite seasoning blend in place of the spices listed above.

Looking for great salad recipes to go with your croutons?

Try my Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado and Dijon Dressing, Chicken Cobb Salad with Herbed Greek Yogurt Dressing, Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, or Kale Salad with Toasted Chickpeas!

Seasoned crouton recipe used in a caesar salad

Preparing your croutons for the air fryer

Cut them Evenly

When you make your own air fryer croutons with olive oil, be sure to cut them into a relatively even, uniform size. If some are too small or too large, they may burn, or come out less toasty than the others.

Time Accordingly

The more croutons you are making, the more time you’ll need. At max, you’ll need about 6 minutes for a full tray. If you’re making just a small batch for a few salads, you’ll reduce the amount of oil and seasonings to match your bread volume, and cut the time.

Croutons in air fryer

How long should I cook the croutons in the air fryer?

Full tray. If you are making a full tray, with the recommended 4 slices of bread (approximately 4 cups cubed bread), you’ll need to aim for closer to the maximum cook time of 6 minutes. Give the croutons a peek at around 4 minutes, and see where they are.

Small batch. If making a small batch, adjust the oil, seasoning and time accordingly. Cutting the recipe in half? Use half the oil, half the spices, and give the croutons a peek at around the 3 minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. You can also time them for only 3 minutes.

casar salad with croutons

Salads that go great with this seasoned crouton recipe

Storing the croutons

These homemade croutons in the air fryer are a great meal prep recipe for the week! Make them ahead and store them for salads throughout the week for work lunches, or keep them on hand for easy dinners and lunches at home.

Storing leftovers

Make sure to allow them to fully cool before packing them up. Any heat will create steam, which is croutons arch nemesis. Once the croutons are fully cooled to room temperature, you can store them in in an airtight container or in Ziplock baggies for up to a week in the pantry.

Prepping for lunch? Portion them into individual sandwich baggies for easy assembly!

Can I freeze them?

Yes! To freeze, allow them to cool completely, and store in airtight freezer bags. They keep for up to 2 months in the freezer, but it’s best not to go past that amount of time, as they will degrade in texture and flavor.

Seasoned crouton recipe
air fryer croutons
Print Recipe

Seasoned Air Fryer Croutons

Prep Time1 min
Cook Time4 mins
Air fryer pre heat5 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Salad
Keyword: bread, crouton
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • air fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bread
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
    2. Slice bread into even, medium-sized cubes.
    3. In a large bowl, toss bread cubes in olive oil and spices until well coated.
    4. Transfer cubes to air fryer, and cook at 400 degrees for 3-6 minutes. Check cubes at 3 minutes, and continue cooking until bread is crips and golden brown.
    Allow to cool, and use in salads!
    To store:
    Make sure to allow the croutons to fully cool before packing them up. Any heat will create steam, which is croutons arch nemesis. Once the croutons are fully cooled to room temperature, you can store them in in an airtight container or in Ziplock baggies for up to a week in the pantry.
    To freeze, allow them to cool completely, and store in airtight freezer bags. They keep for up to 2 months in the freezer, but it's best not to go past that amount of time, as they will degrade in texture and flavor.

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