Skip the oven and try making these addictive air-fried sourdough croutons instead – they’re quick, easy, and delicious.
I’m a big sourdough fan. It’s pretty much always in my kitchen, whether it’s fresh, a few days old, or somewhere in between. But one thing I can’t stand? Wasting bread. That’s how these crunchy, golden croutons came to life. They’re my go-to way of using up sourdough odds and ends—and bonus, they’re ready in just 10 minutes thanks to the air fryer (which I’m borderline obsessed with).
These little beauties are super versatile too. Toss them into a bowl of soup for a flavour boost, add crunch to your favourite salad, or—no judgment—snack on them straight from the container like I do. Once you try them, you’ll never look at a bag of store-bought croutons the same way again.
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Croutons
- Crispy, golden, and full of flavour
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Made with just a few ingredients you probably already have
- Healthier than store-bought (no additives, no weird oils)
- Stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week in an airtight container
Ingredients
- 200g (about 3 cups) leftover sourdough, ideally 2–4 days old
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Swap Ideas:
No rosemary or thyme? Use Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
How to Make Air-Fried Sourdough Croutons
- Cut it up – Slice your sourdough into thick slices, then into bite-sized cubes (about ½ inch works great).
- Season – Toss the cubes into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over your herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Air fry – Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Spread the croutons in a single layer (you might need two batches depending on the size of your fryer). Air fry for 7 minutes, shaking halfway through to get that all-over crispiness.
- Cool & store – Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They’ll stay crunchy for up to a week.
Pro Tip: every air fryer has different settings, you may need to experiment a little before you find the best setting to cook these bad boys.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- If your sourdough is super dense or has big air pockets, cut slightly smaller or uneven chunks for extra crunch.
- These work just as well with white bread, whole wheat, or even a rye mix.
- If you’re using extra fresh sourdough, try drying it out slightly in the oven first for better crisping.
Serve With…
- My Sourdough Grilled Cheese for a crunchy side
- Toss over a Caesar or Greek salad
- Add to pumpkin, tomato, or French onion soup
- Or just enjoy as a snack (seriously, they’re that good)
From My Kitchen to Yours
Hey, I’m Paul! I’m a home chef, recipe tester, and full-on food obsessive who believes cooking should be fun, never stressful. At Scoffs & Feasts, I share recipes that are tested, tasty, and totally doable. Whether you’re a weekend foodie or just trying to waste less bread, I hope this crouton recipe brings a little extra crunch to your day.
FAQ’s
Absolutely. Any crusty bread works, but sourdough gives the best texture and a tangy flavour that really shines when crisped up.
You can use the oven instead. Spread the cubes on a baking tray and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let them cool fully before storing. A paper towel in the container can help absorb any leftover moisture.
They’re much healthier than pre-packaged ones. You’re in full control—no preservatives, low oil, and they can even be made with whole-grain sourdough.
Try Another Recipe
Air Fried Sourdough Croutons
Ingredients
- 200 g leftover sourdough 3 cups
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ thyme
Instructions
- Cut the sourdough into slices then into ½ inch cubes
- Place in a bowl with olive oil, salt, thyme and rosemary and stir thoroughly to combine
- Place the bread cubes in one layer into a preheated air fryer at 190°C for around 7 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness and shaking the air fryer tray to ensure even cooking
- Seal in an airtight container and use within a week
Hi, I’m Paul! I’m a passionate home chef, recipe developer, and food lover who believes that cooking should be fun, rewarding, and stress-free! Through Scoffs & Feasts, I share my favorite tried-and-tested recipes, cooking tips, and troubleshooting advice to help home cooks gain confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced foodie, I hope my recipes inspire you to try something new.