Pepper Me Up

Croutons are absolute game changers. When they get in on the action, your meals level up in every sense. They make a dish look more complete, their crunch can be heard from across the room, and of course their taste is their finest attribute—especially when they’re fresh.

In my experience, store-bought croutons often taste too stale, or their pre-determined seasonings don’t quite get along with the dishes you had planned for them. Air fryer croutons are my favorite homemade solution. This version keeps things simple so that you can incorporate them into a variety of dishes. They’re so easy to throw together, vegan/vegetarian friendly, and perfect for using up any bread that’s on its way out. Go on and give ’em a try!

How to make air fryer croutons

What you’ll need:

• Bread (slightly stale is great, but this recipe works with fresh bread too)
• Olive oil 
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Any dried herbs (oregano, parsley, basil, etc.)

Start by cutting your bread into bite-sized cubes. They don’t need to be perfectly uniform; some variation actually gives you a better mix of crunchy edges and softer centers. (If your bread is fresh, you can still use it, but slightly stale bread crisps up more easily.)

Place the cubes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Toss gently until everything is lightly coated. You’re not trying to soak them—just enough to help them crisp and carry the seasoning. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional herbs you like, then toss again.

Transfer the seasoned bread cubes to your pre-heated air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 390°F for about 3 minutes, shake the basket, then for another 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as they can go from golden to tragically charred if you get distracted and wander away for too long!

Once they’re crisp and lightly browned, remove them from the air fryer and hit them with some more flakey salt. Let them cool for a minute or two, then they’re good to go—done faster than it takes to preheat a whole entire oven.

Different ways to use air fryer croutons

For those nights when dinner feels a little too light, croutons add just enough substance and texture to round things out. 

• Top creamy soups like tomato bisque or leek and potato
• Add to a salad that could use some crunchy carbs, like a pesto caesar salad!
• Crush and sprinkle over roasted vegetables
• Crush slightly and use as a crunchy topping for pasta
• Toss into a spicy Caesar wrap for extra texture and bite
• Snack on ’em—they’re delicious by themselves, and they’d be great dipped into something like hummus or pesto

Crouton FAQs

Once you make croutons at home, it becomes hard to go back to store-bought. They’re easy, quick, and a great way to reduce food waste. Here are some answers to some common crouton-esque concerns:

Is it better to fry or bake croutons?

Well, I think air frying is the best! But you don’t need an air fryer to make great homemade croutons; it mostly comes down to preference. Pan-frying croutons in oil or butter gives you rich flavor and very crisp edges, but it requires more attention and has the potential to cook unevenly. Baking is more hands-off and tends to produce lighter, evenly crisp croutons. The air fryer in particular offers the best of both worlds—it mimics that fried crispness while using less oil and taking less time.

What bread makes the best croutons?

Sturdier breads tend to make the best croutons because they hold their shape and develop good texture. Sourdough, French bread, ciabatta, and rustic country loaves are all great options. That said, softer sandwich bread, leftover hamburger buns, or even hot dog buns still work just fine. Slightly stale bread is ideal because it dries out and crisps more easily, but fresh bread can still work—I’d just recommend cutting slightly larger cubes!

How long can these air fryer croutons store for?

Once completely cooled, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4–5 days. Keeping them dry is key, so avoid refrigerating them, which can introduce moisture and make them chewy. If they lose some crunch over time, you can revive them with a quick 1–2 minute trip back in the air fryer.

Small upgrade, big difference

Sometimes the smallest changes in the kitchen make the biggest impact, and homemade croutons are a perfect example. They turn a simple salad or soup into something you actually look forward to by adding crunch, flavor, and a little homemade charm.

Beyond texture, they let you control seasoning and ingredients, which means you can match your croutons to any meal or mood—smoky paprika for a chili topping, herby blends for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, or classic garlic and salt for everyday salads. Investing a few minutes to crisp up bread can elevate even the simplest weeknight dinner, making it feel thoughtful without requiring any complicated techniques.