Homemade Croutons in the Airfryer – The Easy Way to Use Up Old Bread
There’s something very satisfying about turning leftover bread into crispy, golden homemade croutons in the airfyer. It’s one of those simple kitchen tricks that reduces waste while creating something genuinely delicious. With just old bread, olive oil, and salt, you can make crunchy homemade croutons that instantly elevate soups, salads, and all sorts of comfort food dishes.
Croutons have been around for centuries and were originally created as a practical way to use stale bread rather than throwing it away. In traditional European kitchens, wasting bread was almost unthinkable, so cooks would toast or fry leftover pieces to give them a second life. Over time, croutons became more than just a thrifty solution -they became an essential finishing touch for many dishes.
Using the air fryer to make croutons is a brilliant modern shortcut. Instead of heating up a large oven, or frying them, the air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly. Producing wonderfully crisp results with very little effort. The circulating hot air creates that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the croutons light rather than greasy.
Where to use croutons
One of the best things about homemade croutons is their versatility. They are, of course, famous as a topping for soups. A bowl of creamy tomato soup, French onion soup, or hearty vegetable soup instantly feels more complete with a scattering of crunchy croutons on top. They soak up just enough liquid to soften slightly while still retaining some bite, adding texture and flavour to every spoonful.
They are equally good in salads. Caesar salad is probably the best-known example, but croutons work beautifully in almost any green salad, pasta salad, or grain bowl. Their crunch adds contrast and makes simple dishes feel far more satisfying. Here is an avocado and bacon salad with croutons:
Even with only olive oil and salt, air fryer croutons have plenty of flavour. The olive oil helps them crisp beautifully while adding richness. And the salt enhances the natural flavour of the bread itself. Different breads will also produce different results – sourdough gives a rustic chewiness, baguette creates lighter crunches, and wholemeal bread adds a nuttier flavour.
Homemade air fryer croutons are proof that the simplest ingredients are often the most rewarding. They’re crisp, golden, deeply satisfying, and a fantastic way to give stale bread a delicious new purpose.
How to make your own Homemade Croutons
Croutons Homemade in Airfryer
Crispy air-fryer croutons made with old bread, olive oil and salt. Perfect for soups, salads and adding crunch to your favourite dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 slices of Stale bread (not mouldy though!!)
- Salt
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the bread into roughly 15mm squares. Pour some olive oil into a dish and carefully coat the bread squares in oil. Or brush them lightly.
- Place into your airfyer then lightly coat with salt. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until browned on all sides, giving them a shake halfway through. The time will depend on your airfryer so check the state halfway through when you shake them - you do not want to burn them!
Notes
Serve with salad or soup.
For more variation, feel free to add garlic granules or herbs for some extra special tastes to your croutons.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 25Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 48mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.