Air-Frying Breadcrumbs: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy, and tasty breadcrumbs at home. You can use any type of bread, from white to whole wheat, and even make them gluten-free by opting for gluten-free bread. The process is simple: cut the bread into small pieces, place them in the air fryer basket, and fry until golden brown. You can then use these breadcrumbs to coat chicken or fish, add a crunchy topping to casseroles, or include them as an ingredient in other dishes.

How to make breadcrumbs in an air fryer

Making breadcrumbs in an air fryer is a simple process. You can use any type of bread, including white, multigrain, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Start with stale bread for drier breadcrumbs.

Preparation

First, cut the bread into small, equally-sized pieces. You can remove the crusts, but this is optional. If you want to add seasoning, you can do so now, or wait until the breadcrumbs are finished.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can spray a bit of olive oil on top for enhanced toastiness. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until the bread is toasted and golden brown.

Blending

Let the toasted bread cool down, then blend it in a food processor or blender until you get your desired crumb size. For smaller crumbs, blend for longer.

Storage

Allow the breadcrumbs to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week.

What kind of bread to use

You can use any type of bread to make homemade breadcrumbs in an air fryer. This includes white bread, whole wheat, multigrain, or oat bread. You can also use gluten-free bread to make gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Bread loaded with pieces of grains or seeds on the top layer might give a more nutty taste to the breadcrumbs.

For drier breadcrumbs, it is recommended to use day-old or slightly stale bread.

How to store breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container or bag. If you want to store dried breadcrumbs for a long time, use a desiccant material such as food-safe silica gel. You can also freeze breadcrumbs, although this is less common.

Fresh breadcrumbs should be stored in a clean, airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will start to get stale or attract mould if kept for longer. A long-term storage solution is to put them in a freezer bag and freeze them. It is not advisable to refrigerate fresh breadcrumbs because the cool temperatures can make them go stale faster.

Dry breadcrumbs will last up to six months in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid environment, it is best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.

Panko breadcrumbs are a type of dry breadcrumb that can be stored at ambient temperatures for at least six months. However, if you live in a humid area, it is best to keep them in the fridge or freezer to prolong their life.

Breadcrumbs can be frozen for up to three years. Put them in a sealed plastic bag and remove all the air before putting them in the freezer. If you are storing them for several weeks or months, double-bag the breadcrumbs or wrap the bag in aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn.

Can you freeze breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can freeze homemade breadcrumbs! Once they have cooled, add them to a Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also store them in a vacuum-sealed bag to help with freezing.

When you're ready to use them, defrost the breadcrumbs in the fridge and then add them to the air fryer for a short time to regain some crispiness before using.

If you're using the breadcrumbs as a crumb coating, you might want to thaw them before use. You can do this by spreading them out on a baking sheet and leaving them overnight. If you want to use them directly from the freezer, you can dry them out a little first by spreading them on a baking sheet and leaving them in a warm, dry place overnight, or in a low oven for 30 minutes to an hour (depending on the quantity).

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson recommends always keeping a stash of breadcrumbs in the freezer, so they're ready to use when you need them.

Tips for making breadcrumbs in an air fryer

Making breadcrumbs in an air fryer is a simple process. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Choosing the right bread

Opt for a loaf of white sandwich bread if you want light and crispy breadcrumbs. For heartier breadcrumbs, choose a rustic sourdough or country loaf. Wheat or honey wheat bread will add a bit of extra flavor. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed.

Preparing the bread

Start with stale or day-old bread for drier breadcrumbs. Cut the bread into equal-sized cubes or slices to ensure even toasting. There is no need to remove the crust unless you prefer to.

Air-frying the bread

Preheat your air fryer to 340-350°F (175°C). Place the bread cubes or slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer to promote even cooking and air circulation. You can spray a bit of olive oil on top for enhanced toastiness. Air fry for 4-8 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

Processing the breadcrumbs

Let the toasted bread cool down completely before processing. Use a food processor or blender to pulse the bread into coarse or fine crumbs, depending on your preference. You can also place the toasted bread in a bag and crush it with a rolling pin.

Seasoning the breadcrumbs

Add your desired seasonings to the food processor or blender and pulse until evenly mixed. You can also season the bread before air frying or leave the breadcrumbs unseasoned.

Storing the breadcrumbs

Allow the breadcrumbs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or jar and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also freeze the breadcrumbs for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions