It’s quick and easy to make delicious, well-seasoned Air Fryer Salad Croutons to add crunch and flavor to your favorite mixed green salad.
If you enjoy homemade croutons but want to avoid heating the oven on warm days, using an air fryer is a fast, efficient alternative. I’ve made baked croutons for years, but the air fryer keeps the kitchen cooler and the process takes just minutes.
Start with about four 1-inch slices of slightly stale French or sourdough bread. Cut the slices into bite-sized cubes, toss them in a buttery seasoning mixture, and air-fry until golden and crisp. The result is crunchy, well-seasoned croutons that elevate any salad.
Scroll down for a printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Seasoning Mix for Croutons
For the seasoning you’ll need melted butter, grated Parmesan, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and a bit of seasoning salt. Melt the butter gently, stir in the dry ingredients until evenly combined, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Bread
Use stale bread rather than fresh for the best texture; stale bread soaks up the buttered seasoning without becoming soggy. Cut four 1-inch slices of sourdough or French bread into roughly uniform, bite-sized cubes—about 2 cups total. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter and seasoning over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat every piece. Make sure the pieces are evenly covered so they toast uniformly in the air fryer.
Air Frying the Croutons
Preheat your air fryer following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket so air can circulate around each piece.
Cook at 300°F for 4 minutes, then remove the basket and quickly toss or turn the croutons to expose all sides. Return them to a single layer and continue cooking another 3–5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crisp. Watch them closely toward the end to avoid burning.
Note: I use a Cosori air fryer, and my croutons usually finish in about 8 minutes total. Your time may vary depending on cube size and your specific air fryer model.
Cooling and Serving
When the croutons are evenly browned and crisp, transfer them to paper towels to cool. Cooling helps them firm up and prevents steam from softening the crusts.
Once cooled to room temperature, sprinkle the croutons over mixed greens or your preferred salad. They add a crunchy, savory boost that complements dressings and fresh vegetables.
These croutons are simple, economical, and flavorful—perfect for elevating everyday salads.
Printable Recipe
- 4 — 1″ slices sourdough or French bread, slightly stale (about 2 cups cubed)
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese (shaker-style works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- Melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Cut bread into bite-sized cubes and place in a large bowl. Stale bread prevents sogginess after adding butter.
- Pour the butter-spice mixture over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer as recommended by the manufacturer. Arrange croutons in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook at 300°F for 4 minutes. Remove the basket, toss or turn the croutons, then return to a single layer and cook an additional 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Transfer croutons to paper towels to cool. When cooled, use them to top salads. Enjoy!
Calorie estimate is for the entire batch and will vary depending on the bread used and portion size. Cooking times can vary by air fryer and crouton size.
