These homemade air fryer ranch croutons are so easy to make and add so much flavor to your favorite salads.
Is there a better use of leftover buns or bread than to make croutons? I’ve made them in the oven for several years just because I really hate how hard-packaged croutons are. So when I got my air fryer, I knew I had to try making homemade croutons using my air fryer and see how different they would turn out compared to the oven method.
Let me say, these air fryer croutons did not disappoint. Not only did I shave off almost 15 minutes, but they were also a perfect balance of crunchy on top and soft in the middle with TONS of flavor coating all of the nooks and crannies.
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Ingredients
These homemade air fryer croutons have-
- Cubed bread. For this recipe, I like to use day-old bread that I pick up from my local bakery at a discount. Any bread will do but my favorites are brioche or ciabatta.
- Melted unsalted butter. Adds a rich buttery flavor and helps make the croutons crunchy.
- Dry ranch dressing seasoning. This comes in either individual packets or larger containers. A popular brand is Hidden Valley.
How to make croutons in the air fryer step-by-step
Take the bread and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the cubes into a bowl.
In a separate microwave-safe dish, place the butter into it and cover it with a paper towel.
Microwave the butter for 35 seconds. Remove the butter and add 1 Tbs dry ranch dressing mix.
Mix the butter and ranch dressing together, then drizzle over the top of the bread. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle an additional 1 Tbs of the powdered ranch dressing mix over the top and stir for a second time to coat everything evenly.
Add the bread to the basket of the air fryer. Set to 350 degrees and fry for 3 minutes.
Remove the basket and toss the bread with a spoon, then replace the basket and fry for another 2 minutes.
Take the basket and let cool completely.
Tips
- Have a leftover hot dog or hamburger buns? Use them to make these ranch croutons.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Follow directions 1-5. Heat the oven to 375 degrees then bake for 10 minutes. Remove and turn the croutons, then bake for another 10 minutes. Let cool.
Variations
- Make Ceasar croutons by replacing the ranch with this Caesar Salad Dressing Mix from Simply Scratch
- Garlic and butter croutons by just adding simple garlic powder
- Try different types of bread like rye or sourdough
Storage
Place leftovers in a sealed container, Ziploc bag, or pourable container and place on the counter. Eat within 1 week.
Croutons are a great topping for soup too!
These homemade croutons are great on salads and soups. And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
Air Fryer Ranch Croutons
Equipment
- air fryer
- tongs
- small bowl for melting butter
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch mix divided
Instructions
- Cut the bread into 1/2 inch cubes. Place the cubes into a bowl.4 cups bread
- In a separate microwave-safe dish, place the butter into it and cover it with a paper towel.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Microwave the butter for 35 seconds. Remove the butter and add 1 Tbs dry ranch dressing mix.2 tablespoons dry ranch mix
- Mix the butter and ranch dressing together, then drizzle over the top of the bread. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle an additional 1 Tbs of the powdered ranch dressing mix over the top and stir for a second time to coat everything evenly.2 tablespoons dry ranch mix
- Add the breadcrumbs to the basket of the air fryer. Set for 350 degrees and fry for 3 minutes.
- Remove the basket and toss the bread with a spoon, then replace the basket and fry for another 2 minutes.
- Let the croutons cool and add to salad or soup. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tips for making this recipe:
- Have a leftover hot dog or hamburger buns? Use them to make these ranch croutons.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Follow directions 1-5. Heat the oven to 375 degrees then bake for 10 minutes. Remove and turn the croutons, then bake for another 10 minutes. Let cool.
- How to store croutons: Add to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks.
- To store: add to a sealed container to help them stay fresh. Leave it on the counter or in the pantry. Eat within 1 week.
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Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by [email protected]
These look fantastic! I’m going to have to make these very soon!
Thank you, Brooke!
I really need to get an air fryer! Someone just made us some delicious wings in an air fryer and this recipe looks awesome for a fun addition to our salad nights.
I use my air fryer all the time, one of the best kitchen investments I’ve ever made.
I have been thinking of making croutons at home for a while. I never knew I could do it in air fryer. Totally love this idea.
So easy in the air fryer too!
What a fabulous idea! I love them, might try adding a bit of garlic and herb next time!
This recipe is very easy to adjust to taste which is great. Thank you, Kay!