Homemade croutons can turn a simple salad or soup into something crave-worthy. And the best part? Learning how to make croutons in the air fryer takes just 10 minutes. They come out golden, crunchy, flavorful, and far better than anything from the store.
I’ve tested this method with all kinds of bread—sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, whole wheat, gluten-free, and even leftover buns. The air fryer never fails. Whether you use a standard model or a Ninja Foodi, this easy air fryer crouton recipe works every time.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make perfect croutons, including essential tips, flavor variations, and storage instructions. Let’s upgrade your salads, soups, and snacks with crisp, homemade goodness.
Why Make Croutons in the Air Fryer?
Faster than baking
Croutons crisp in minutes instead of 20+ minutes in the oven.
Even browning
Hot air circulation gives you a perfect golden crunch.
Works with any bread
Sourdough, gluten-free, rye, hamburger buns—everything works.
Customizable
Change the oil, herbs, and flavors to match your recipe.
Ideal for Ninja Foodi users
If you’re wondering how to make croutons in the air fryer Ninja style, the timing and temperature are exactly the same.
Once you try this method, store-bought croutons won’t compare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few basics:
Bread
Use any of these:
- Sourdough
- White sandwich bread
- Whole wheat or multigrain
- Rye or pumpernickel
- Gluten-free bread
- Leftover hamburger or hot dog buns
Fat
Choose one:
- Olive oil
- Melted butter
- Oil + butter mix
- Bacon grease (rich, savory option)
Seasoning Ideas
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Chili flakes
- Grated parmesan
- Onion powder
Use what fits your meal—classic, spicy, garlicky, or herb-forward.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Croutons in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crisp, golden croutons.
Step 1: Cut the Bread
Cut bread into ½–1-inch cubes.
Or tear into rustic chunks for a homemade look.
Tip:
Torn sourdough absorbs oil and seasoning better, creating extra crispy edges.
Step 2: Season the Bread
Place your bread pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
Add:
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Any herbs you like
Shake or toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F.
Make a single layer out of the bread cubes:
- Cook 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Smaller cubes cook faster; larger chunks may need another minute.
Ninja Foodi Users:
Same time and temperature—just shake well at the halfway mark.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Place the croutons on a cooling rack.
Cooling prevents steam from softening them and locks in crunch.
Store only when fully cool.
Pro Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Croutons
1. Don’t skip the cooling step
Cooling is essential for crunch that lasts all week.
2. Adjust the crunch level
- Softer: 8 minutes
- Crispy: 10–12 minutes
- Extra crunchy: 13–15 minutes
3. Use the right fat
- Butter = rich & golden
- Olive oil = classic savory
- Bacon grease = deep, bold flavor
4. Season generously
Bread soaks up seasoning fast—don’t under-season.
5. Perfect for gluten-free bread
Your air fryer makes gluten-free croutons taste incredible, not dry.
These tips take your croutons from “good” to “restaurant-crisp.”
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you learn the basic method, the variations are endless.
Sourdough Croutons (Air Fryer Style)
Tear sourdough into rough pieces for extra crispy edges. Perfect for Caesar salads.
Rye or Pumpernickel Croutons
Deep flavor ideal for tomato soup or creamy potato soups.
Parmesan Garlic Croutons
Add garlic powder + grated parmesan before air frying.
Savory, aromatic, and addictive.
Chili & Herb Croutons
Chili flakes + Italian seasoning + butter = spicy comfort.
Oil-Free Croutons
Mist with broth or water, add herbs, and air fry.
They won’t be as golden but still crisp.
Every variation uses the same base method—simple and flexible.
Serving Ideas: What to Use Croutons On
Croutons make everything better. Try them on:
Salads
- Caesar
- Kale
- Greek
- Garden salads
Soups
- Tomato
- Potato chowder
- Split pea
- Broccoli cheddar
Snacks
Eat them straight from the jar—they’re that good.
Toppings
Crushed croutons make:
- A crunchy chicken coating
- Crispy mac and cheese topping
- Breaded zucchini rounds
Once you start, you’ll add them to everything.
How to Store Air Fryer Croutons
Store
Place fully cooled croutons in an airtight:
- Jar
- Container
- Zip-top bag
They stay crisp 5–7 days.
Re-crisp
Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes if they soften.
Conclusion: Crispy, Easy, and Homemade
That’s it—fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. Once you know how to make croutons in the air fryer, you’ll never need the store-bought kind again. The air fryer makes the job quick, easy, and stress-free.
The fun part is making them your way. Go classic with garlic and butter, or try sourdough, rye, or even a gluten-free croutons air fryer recipe. If you use a Ninja Foodi, or any other model, the method is the same. The taste is always golden and crisp.
I often sneak a few before they even hit the salad bowl. That’s the joy of a homemade croutons recipe air fryer style—simple bread turned into a snack.
So give it a try. Mix flavors, test textures, and find what you love most. Once you taste a fresh croutons in air fryer recipe, you won’t go back. Crispy, easy, and homemade—it’s that simple.
FAQs about on crouton air fryer recipe
Even when you know how to make croutons in the air fryer, little things can trip you up. Don’t worry—it happens to everyone. Here are some quick fixes to the most common crouton problems.
Why are my croutons soft?
They probably didn’t cook long enough, or you stored them while still warm. Let them cool on a rack before sealing. That way they stay crunchy instead of steaming in their own heat.
Can I make croutons without oil?
Yes! You can. They’ll be lighter in color and flavor, but still crisp. For a healthier twist, spritz with a little water or broth, then season. This works well if you’re aiming for a low-fat croutons air fryer recipe.
Can I freeze homemade croutons?
Absolutely. Let them cool, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about two months. Just re-crisp in the air fryer for a few minutes when you’re ready to use them.
How long do they last on the counter?
In a sealed jar or bag, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. After that, they can lose their crunch. That’s why I like to make small batches—especially when testing a new flavor, like a sourdough crouton recipe air fryer style.
Does this work with a Ninja Foodi?
Yes! If you came looking for how to make croutons in the air fryer Ninja style, you’ll be happy to know the steps are the same. Any model works, whether it’s Ninja, Philips, or another brand.
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Hi, I’m Rob Newaz Khan. I share practical, experience-based guidance on kitchen appliances such as air fryers and coffee makers. My content is built around real home use, common user questions, and manufacturer best practices, with the goal of helping readers use their appliances safely, fix everyday issues, and make better decisions in the kitchen.
