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.
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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.
Ingredients
These homemade air fryer croutons have-
- Cubed bread
- Melted unsalted butter
- Dry ranch dressing
How to make air fryer ranch croutons
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 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.
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 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
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
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!
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 another 10 minutes. Let cool.
- How to store croutons: Add to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks.
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Last Updated on February 22, 2022 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!