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Enjoy these homemade crispy croutons in just 10 minutes with this easy air fryer recipe. No oil needed—just wholesome ingredients and bold flavor!
There’s something magical about homemade croutons—especially when they’re crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, all without a single drop of oil.
These WFPB Air Fryer Croutons are everything you love about classic croutons, but with a whole food plant-based twist that makes them healthy and delicious.
The inspiration? I was craving a crunchy topping for my favorite salad and didn’t want to rely on store-bought options full of oil or preservatives. So, I whipped these up with a tangy tahini-lemon coating, and wow—my whole family couldn’t stop munching on them! 🥗✨
They’re quick, satisfying, and so good you might snack on them straight from the bowl. Ready to give your soups and salads an instant flavor upgrade? Let’s do it!
WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?
This Recipe is vegan and:
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Nut-Free
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free bread)
- Refined Sugar-Free
- Oil-Free
- Free of Soy
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU
These croutons are more than just a salad topper—they’re little crunchy bites of plant-based goodness! I love crunchiness in my salads.
Using tahini instead of oil adds healthy fats and a creamy texture, while lemon juice brightens everything up with a tangy zing. Nutritional yeast brings a cheesy, savory flavor; the herbs round it out with warmth and depth.
They’re also super versatile: perfect for soups, pasta bowls, grain salads, or just snacking by the handful. Plus, they’re ready in under 15 minutes or less!
HOW TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
📌(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes)
This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly. All you need to do is cut your bread, whisk the coating, toss, and air fry! The ingredients are pantry staples, and the process couldn’t be simpler.
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Find all my plant-based kitchen’s essential tools and ingredient staples in my Amazon Storefront.
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Cutting Board and Knife – For cutting the bread.
- Mixing Bowls – To coat the bread cubes evenly.
- Air Fryer – For that quick, crispy finish with no oil needed.
- Whisk – To mix the tahini and lemon juice into a creamy base.
- Spatula – To gently fold and toss the cubes.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this recipe:
- Whole Grain or Gluten-Free WFPB Bread – The base of your croutons; choose something hearty and oil-free.
- Tahini – Adds creaminess and helps the seasonings stick; a healthy, whole-food fat source.
- Lemon Juice – Adds tang and thins out the tahini for easier coating.
- Nutritional Yeast – For that cheesy, umami-packed flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Classic flavor boosters make these croutons irresistible.
- Dried Parsley or Italian Seasoning – Adds a savory, herby finish.
- Salt (optional) – Enhances flavor if your bread is low-sodium.
DIRECTIONS
To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cube the bread into even ½-inch pieces for consistent crispiness.
Make the coating: In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, and salt (if using). The mixture should be creamy and pourable. Then toss the cubes: Add bread cubes to the bowl and gently mix until every piece is well coated.
Air fry: Spread the coated cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 6–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Cool: Let them sit for 5 minutes after cooking—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool!
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
- No Air Fryer? You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Just use certified gluten-free WFPB bread.
- Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They re-crisp beautifully in the air fryer or toaster oven.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and store them in advance. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them at room temperature in a sealed jar or container. If they lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
What can I serve with this recipe?
They’re great topped on your favorite green salad, sprinkled over soup, or tossed into a grain bowl. They’re even great as a crunchy snack!
DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPES TO TRY!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY HOMEMADE CRISPY CROUTONS, VEGAN AND OIL-FREE
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 Air-Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread (whole grain or gluten-free WFPB, cubed)
- 3 Tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Prepare the bread: Cut bread into small, even cubes (about ½ inch).
- Make the coating: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and salt if using. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
- Toss the cubes: Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently mix until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Spread the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp (for oven method, see in the notes).
- Cool: Let them cool for 5 minutes—they’ll get even crunchier.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Bread options: Use Ezekiel bread, sprouted grain, or any oil-free WFPB bread you love.
- Flavor twist: Add smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest for variety.
- No Air Fryer? You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
DID YOU MAKE THESE VEGAN HOMEMADE CRISPY CROUTONS?
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