Forget those pricey bags of store-bought croutons - these air fryer sourdough croutons are crispy, golden, and ready in minutes. They’re the perfect way to use up leftover bread, and once you try them, you’ll never go back to boxed!
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🧑🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As someone who’s deep in her frugal saving era, I love making the most of what I already have - and these croutons are a pantry star. You can toss them in this Tortellini Ceasar Salad.
- Frugal-friendly: Uses up leftover or stale sourdough bread
- Quick: Ready in under 10 minutes. Super easy to make croutons using your air fryer. I also have sour dough bread at home for sandwiches. Kind of like these Air Fryer Tortilla Chips (Low Carb)
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings
- Crispy + delicious: Crunchy on the outside, chewy in the center (if you like it that way)
🛒 Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Croutons
- 3 - 4 slices sourdough bread – Slightly stale or leftover sourdough works best for croutons! It holds its shape and crisps up beautifully. I always love the sour dough bread from Aldi.
- 1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the croutons crisp and gives that golden, toasty finish. You can use avocado oil or spray oil, too.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs (usually oregano, basil, thyme) that gives your croutons a flavorful boost.
- Pinch of sea salt – Just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese – For a savory, cheesy twist—adds a little richness and crisp texture.
- Optional: smoked paprika – Adds a slightly smoky, warm flavor that makes the croutons next-level delicious.
📝 Substitution Tips:
- No sourdough? Use French bread, whole wheat, or any crusty loaf.
- Want it dairy-free? Skip the parmesan cheese—still amazing.
How to Make Croutons in the Air Fryer
Step 1 Cut bread into cubes and add them to a bowl. About ¾-inch is a good size.
Step 2 Toss with oil and seasonings. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix until evenly coated.
Step 3 Air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes. Shake halfway. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes—crispiness comes fast!
Step 4 Let cool for 5 minutes. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best—holds its shape and crisps beautifully.
- Want extra crunch? Air fry 1–2 minutes longer.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long 😄).
- Perfect for topping salads, soups, or snacking straight from the jar.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Top your favorite salad - I love these on a burger salad with avocado and shredded carrots. Big Mac in a Bowl (or Salad) or Taco Salad with Doritos (replace the doritos with croutons)
- Sprinkle on soup - try Air Fryer Tomato Soup, Broccoli Cheddar Soup Weight Watchers, or roasted veggie.
- Use in stuffing or casseroles - hello frugal holiday meals!
Recipe FAQs for Air Fryer Croutons
Yes! Just mist with a little water and toss in seasonings, but they won’t be quite as golden.
Optional, but I usually do for a minute or two for even cooking.
Add minced garlic or a sprinkle of garlic salt before air frying!
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Air Fryer Croutons
- Prep Time: 3 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Total Time: 11 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Forget those pricey bags of store-bought croutons—these air fryer sourdough croutons are crispy, golden, and ready in minutes. They’re the perfect way to use up leftover bread, and once you try them, you’ll never go back to boxed!
Ingredients
3–4 slices sourdough bread
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Cut bread into cubes and add them to a bowl. About ¾-inch is a good size.
Toss with oil and seasonings. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix until evenly coated.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes. Shake halfway. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes—crispiness comes fast!
Let cool for 5 minutes. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best—holds its shape and crisps beautifully.
- Want extra crunch? Air fry 1–2 minutes longer.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long 😄).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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