• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Bottom Left of the Mitten
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • ‘Celebrate with 8’
    • Celebrate with 8
    • Gift Guides
  • Contact
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter

Air Fryer Ranch Croutons

May 27, 2020 by [email protected] 8 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

side view of air fryer ranch croutons in a bowl
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • How to make air fryer ranch croutons
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Croutons are a great topping for soup too!
  • Air Fryer Ranch Croutons

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.

overhead shot of air fryer ranch croutons with lettuce, tomatoes, and bell pepper

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.

overhead shot of cubed bread and melted butter in a dish off to the side with dry ranch mix in it

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.

closeup of bread covered with powdered ranch mix

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!

  • Aspargrus Soup
  • Gnocchi, Sausage & Spinach Soup
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

These homemade croutons are great on salads and soups. And here you are……

overhead shot of air fryer ranch croutons with image text

From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!

side view of air fryer ranch croutons in a bowl

Air Fryer Ranch Croutons

Air fryer ranch croutons add so much flavor to your favorite salads. They can be made with any bread and two simple ingredients.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

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.
Tried this recipe?Mention @mittenmommy or tag #mittenmovienight!

*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.

Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by [email protected]

Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, Mitten Meals

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brooke

    May 28, 2020 at 10:25 am

    These look fantastic! I’m going to have to make these very soon!

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      May 28, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Thank you, Brooke!

      Reply
  2. Melanie

    May 28, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      May 29, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      I use my air fryer all the time, one of the best kitchen investments I’ve ever made.

      Reply
  3. GUNJAN C Dudani

    May 29, 2020 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      May 29, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      So easy in the air fryer too!

      Reply
  4. Kay

    May 30, 2020 at 5:02 am

    5 stars
    What a fabulous idea! I love them, might try adding a bit of garlic and herb next time!

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      June 2, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      This recipe is very easy to adjust to taste which is great. Thank you, Kay!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Game Day Recipes

  • Walking Chili Cheese Tacos
  • Out of a Can Chili (7-Can Chili)
  • Pickle Brined Chicken Wings
  • Thick Crust Sausage Pizza

Fall Flavors

  • Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream {No-Churn}
  • Chunky Applesauce Cheesecake
  • Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Donuts
  • Sugar Cookie and Apple Cobbler

Footer

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter

Visit the Disclosure Page for more site information.

My Favorites

pork burgers with Gouda and caramelized onions on a brioche bun on a plate.

Copyright © 2023 Bottom Left of the Mitten on the Foodie Pro Theme