Make crispy, flavorful croutons with this easy Low Sodium Air Fryer Croutons recipe! Perfect for topping salads, soups, or snacking, these crunchy bites are a quick and easy way to add crunch and flavor to your meals without worries about sodium content.
If you’re looking to add a little crunch to your salads or soups without excess sodium, these air fryer croutons are a perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up crispy, flavorful croutons that are not only better for you, but taste better, too. Using an air fryer makes them quick and easy, a delicious bonus!
Bread is included among the Salty Six, a list created by the American Heart Association that shares six foods we love that are extremely high in sodium. Some varieties of bread can contain as much as 200mg of sodium in just one slice, so making homemade croutons with store-bought bread can add tons of sodium to your meals. Making them with low sodium bread makes them.
Ingredients
Low Sodium Bread – Choose your favorite low(er) sodium bread. I use three slices of Pepperidge Farms Lite Whole Wheat, which contains 65 mg of sodium per slice.
Olive Oil – Olive oil gives these croutons great flavor, but your favorite sodium-free oil will also work.
Garlic Powder – Check the label to make sure your garlic powder doesn’t contain sodium.
Salt Free Seasoning – Choose a salt free seasoning with a flavor you love. I love the kick
Penzey’s Arizona Dreaming seasoning adds to the bread. I’ve also made this recipe using my
Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning and All Purpose Salt Free Seasoning.
Tools:
Air Fryer – I love this Ninja dual-basket air fryer. I use one basket for a small batch of croutons or both baskets if I’m cooking for a crowd or want to have some on hand to use later.
How to Make Low Sodium Air Fryer Croutons
Preheat the air fryer to 350F.
Cube the bread. Be sure to cut the bread into pieces that are about the same size so they’ll cook evenly. Place cubed bread in a medium bowl.
Whisk olive oil, garlic powder, and salt free seasoning together in a small bowl. It’s important that you season them well. I love this blend of seasonings, but you can use your favorite no-salt or low sodium seasonings.
Pour oil over the bread and toss until the bread is evenly coated.
Place seasoned bread in the air fryer basket in an even layer. It’s important not to crowd the basket. If the croutons are on top of each other or the basket is overloaded, they won’t cook evenly and won’t crisp.
Cook for 5- 6 minutes, stirring halfway, until croutons are golden brown. Check the croutons midway through cooking to monitor their progress. All air fryers and ovens are different and yours may take a little more or less time to cook.
Cool before using.
Variations on a Delicious Theme
To switch up your low sodium air fryer croutons, try using different low sodium bread for unique flavors and textures. You can also experiment with low sodium seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or a blend of Italian herbs to create different taste profiles. Adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can give your croutons a savory, cheesy flavor without the added salt.
Low Sodium Air Fryer Crouton FAQs
How much sodium is in this recipe?
These croutons contain 25 mg sodium per two-tablespoon serving.
What’s the best way to store these croutons?
Store the croutons in an airtight container. If you’re using a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air. Your croutons will last about a week.
Are there any breads that don’t work well for croutons?
Thinly sliced breads aren’t the best choice for croutons. Choose a sturdy bread for making croutons. They’re less likely to fall apart when they’re cooked.
Do I have to let the croutons cool before using them?
Yes, the croutons will continue to crisp as they cool so for maximum crunch, don’t skip this step.
Can I make these croutons without an air fryer?
You can make croutons in your oven. Season them and toss them in olive oil then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake them in a 375F oven until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
More recipes for your low sodium salads
Check out my low sodium salad dressing recipes or if you’re on the hunt for store-bought salad dressings, check out this list.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Let me know how much you loved the recipe by leaving a rating or comment. Share a picture of this recipe on Facebook or Instagram with #SaltSanity.
Low Sodium Air Fryer Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 oz low sodium bread, cubed (I use Pepperidge Farms Lite Soft Wheat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt free seasoning (I love the kick Penzey’s Arizona Dreaming seasoning adds to the croutons.)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350F.
- Whisk olive oil, garlic powder and salt free seasoning together in a small bowl.
- Placed cubed bread in a medium bowl. Pour oil over bread and toss until bread is evenly coated.
- Place seasoned bread in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 5- 6 minutes, stirring halfway, until croutons are golden brown.
- Cool before using.
Nutrition Facts
Low Sodium Air Fryer Croutons
Serves: 8
|
Amount Per Serving: 2 tablespoons
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 34 calories | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 2g | 3.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0 | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0 | |
| Sodium 25mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 4g | 1.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% | |
| Sugars 0g | ||
| Protein 1g | ||
| Vitamin A 0% | Vitamin C 0% | |
| Calcium 1% | Iron 2% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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