Golden, crunchy croutons add bite, texture and savoury goodness to any dish. Whether you are topping a classic Caesar salad, finishing off a creamy soup or simply fancy a nibble with a bit of crunch, croutons are a brilliant way to use up leftover bread and elevate everyday meals. Making them in the air fryer is not only quick and easy, it also gives you perfect crispness every time without the need to turn on the oven.

Air fryer croutons are light, flavourful and wonderfully adaptable. You can season them to suit your dish, use different types of bread and have them ready in under ten minutes. Once you try them this way, it is hard to go back to shop-bought versions again.

What Are Croutons?

Croutons are small cubes or pieces of bread that are dried and toasted until crisp, usually with oil or butter and some form of seasoning. They are traditionally used to add texture to salads and soups, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack or scattered over stews and bakes.

The word crouton comes from the French word ‘croûte’, meaning crust, and they originated as a way to make use of stale bread. While the oven is often used for making croutons, the air fryer provides an even crisper result in a fraction of the time.

Choosing the Right Bread

Croutons are best made with day-old or slightly stale bread. The drier texture helps them crisp up rather than go soggy. Any bread will work, but sourdough, ciabatta, baguette, or a thick-cut white or wholemeal loaf all give excellent results. The crustier the bread, the more texture you will get.

Cut the bread into even cubes or tear it into rustic chunks, depending on your preferred look. Uniform pieces will cook more evenly, so aim for similar sizes.

Ingredients and Seasoning Ideas

To make classic croutons, all you need is bread, olive oil and a pinch of salt. For extra flavour, add garlic powder, onion granules, dried herbs such as oregano or thyme, or even grated Parmesan for a savoury kick. If you want to make them spicy, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper works beautifully.

Use a neutral oil if you do not want extra flavour, or choose something like garlic-infused olive oil for added depth. You can also use melted butter for a richer finish, or a mix of oil and butter to balance flavour with crispiness.

How to Make Croutons in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Toss your cubed bread in a large bowl with a tablespoon or two of oil and your chosen seasonings. Mix well to make sure every piece is coated.

Place the croutons in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for five to eight minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Depending on your air fryer and the size of your bread pieces, cooking time may vary slightly. They should be golden brown and crunchy on all sides when done.

Let them cool slightly before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, so do not worry if they feel slightly soft when you take them out.

Chef Tips and Extra Flavours

Chefs often customise croutons depending on the dish. For creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash, garlic and herb croutons are a perfect match. For Caesar salad, croutons made with a touch of anchovy oil or Parmesan add that umami richness.

You can also make sweet croutons by tossing bread cubes in melted butter, cinnamon and sugar. These make a fun topping for fruit salads or baked desserts.

For an even crunchier finish, use a little less oil and allow the croutons to cook a bit longer, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is using too much oil, which can leave the croutons greasy rather than crisp. A light coating is all that is needed. Overcrowding the basket is another issue, as it prevents proper air circulation.

Keep your cubes a consistent size for even cooking, and always give them a shake or stir partway through. If you leave them in without moving, they may brown unevenly or stick together.

Storage and Serving Ideas

Croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Let them cool completely before storing, or they may soften. If they do lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to refresh them.

Serve croutons over soups like leek and potato, chicken noodle or French onion. Add them to salads for crunch, or scatter over baked pasta dishes, roasted vegetables or savoury porridge bowls for added texture. You can also blend them into breadcrumbs for use in recipes like stuffing or coating fish and chicken.

Sustainability and Bread Waste

Croutons are one of the best ways to use up leftover bread and reduce kitchen waste. Instead of throwing out half a loaf, turn it into something crunchy and flavourful. If your bread is too stale to cube, soak it in milk and make dumplings or add it to meatballs instead.

By using up ingredients creatively, you can cut down on food waste while adding delicious extras to your meals.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer croutons are quick, easy and packed with flavour. They turn simple bread into something crunchy, golden and deeply satisfying. Whether you are topping a silky soup or adding bite to your salad, homemade croutons bring texture and flair to your food with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can enjoy them fresh, warm and tailored exactly to your taste.

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