Using Breadcrumbs In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

You can definitely put breadcrumbs in an air fryer! In fact, you can make your own breadcrumbs in an air fryer by frying bread slices or cubes for around 5 to 10 minutes at 340°F to 350°F (175°C). You can use any type of bread, including white, whole wheat, gluten-free, or multigrain. Once cooled, you can pulse the toasted bread in a food processor to get your desired breadcrumb consistency. These homemade breadcrumbs can be used as a crunchy topping or coating for various dishes, such as chicken, fish, or casseroles.

How to make breadcrumbs in an air fryer

Homemade breadcrumbs in an air fryer are a great alternative to store-bought breadcrumbs. They are easy to make, and you can use any type of bread, including white, whole wheat, multigrain, or gluten-free. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make breadcrumbs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start with day-old or slightly stale bread for drier breadcrumbs. You can use the crust or remove it, depending on your preference. Cut the bread into equal-sized cubes to ensure even toasting.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4 minutes. You can also spray a bit of olive oil on top of the bread cubes to enhance the toastiness.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bread Cubes

Place the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the bread cubes are golden brown and crispy. You can also do this step in a hot skillet or oven.

Step 4: Cool the Bread Cubes

Once the bread cubes are toasted, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down completely. This step is important to ensure that your breadcrumbs do not become soggy when stored.

Step 5: Pulse the Bread Cubes

Transfer the cooled bread cubes to a food processor or blender. Pulse until you reach the desired consistency. For finer breadcrumbs, blend for a longer duration, and for coarser breadcrumbs, blend for a shorter time.

Step 6: Add Seasonings (Optional)

If desired, you can add seasonings to your breadcrumbs. Smoked paprika, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese are some popular options. However, you can also leave the breadcrumbs unseasoned and season them according to specific recipes later.

Step 7: Store the Breadcrumbs

Store your homemade breadcrumbs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and homemade breadcrumbs that you can use for breading, toppings, or as an ingredient in various dishes.

What type of bread to use

When making breadcrumbs in an air fryer, you can use any type of bread, including white, whole wheat, gluten-free, or multigrain. You can also use stale bread to make drier breadcrumbs.

If you are making bread from scratch in an air fryer, you can use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

If you are using breadcrumbs to coat chicken, it is recommended to use fine breadcrumbs instead of coarse panko to coat the chicken more easily.

How to store breadcrumbs

Homemade breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a year. When preparing them for storage, it is important to ensure they have cooled down completely. They can be used for breading, casseroles, or as a crunchy topping for various meals and recipes.

• Allow the breadcrumbs to cool down: Before storing your breadcrumbs, it is important to let them cool down completely. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage.
• Choose an airtight container: Breadcrumbs can quickly become stale if exposed to air. Therefore, it is best to store them in an airtight container, such as a jar with a tight-fitting lid, a resealable plastic bag, or a container with a snap-tight lid.
• Label the container: Before storing, label the container with the date and the type of breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, etc.). This helps you keep track of when you made them and their specific use.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Breadcrumbs can become moldy if stored in a warm, humid environment. Therefore, it is best to store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
• Use within a few months: Properly stored breadcrumbs will stay fresh for a few months. However, over time, they will lose their flavor and texture.
• Consider freezing: If you have a large quantity of breadcrumbs or want to store them for an extended period, consider freezing them. They can be stored in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to a year.
• Defrosting: When using frozen breadcrumbs, take out the amount you need and defrost them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also add them directly to your air fryer or oven for a short time to regain some crispiness.

By following these steps, you can ensure your breadcrumbs stay fresh and ready for use in your favorite recipes!

How to make gluten-free breadcrumbs

Yes, you can put breadcrumbs in an air fryer. In fact, making breadcrumbs in an air fryer is an easy and quick process.

You can make gluten-free breadcrumbs using a similar method to that used for regular breadcrumbs. The key difference is that you will need to use gluten-free bread. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 340-350°F (175°C).
• Cut the gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use stale, fresh, or frozen bread, and there is no need to remove the crusts.
• Place the bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can add a spray of olive oil for extra crispness.
• Air fry for 6-8 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the toasted bread cubes from the air fryer and allow them to cool.
• Transfer the cooled bread cubes to a food processor or blender and pulse until you reach the desired crumb size. For a finer crumb, blend for longer.
• Use the breadcrumbs immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

You can also make gluten-free breadcrumbs in the oven, following a similar process. Additionally, if you don't have a food processor or blender, you can put the toasted bread into a bag and crush it with a rolling pin or another heavy object.

Breadcrumb substitutes

Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in many recipes, adding a crispy crunch to coatings, acting as a binding agent in meatballs and meatloaf, and providing a tasty topping for casseroles and pasta dishes. But what if you don't have any breadcrumbs to hand? Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use instead. Here are some breadcrumb substitutes that you can use in a pinch:

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are a perfect gluten-free binding agent, making them a great substitute for breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf. However, they don't work well as a coating agent as they tend to go soggy.

Potato Chips

Crushed potato chips offer another gluten-free alternative. Go for salted chips for a more subtle flavour, or experiment with flavoured crisps for something a little different. Just be aware that potato chips will add extra grease, so they may not be suitable for all recipes.

Cornflakes

Sugar-free cornflakes make a great breadcrumb or panko substitute, especially for coating chicken. They add amazing crunch to fried chicken and are even a great coating for pork chops. Just crush them with a rolling pin in a large plastic bag first.

Almonds

Almonds can add a crunchy, nutty flavour when used as a coating for fish, chicken, or pork. They're also gluten-free and add healthy fats and protein to your dish. Just be sure to crush them finely before using, but not too much or you'll end up with almond butter!

Pretzels

Pretzels have a nice crunch and a salty flavour, making them a perfect substitute for breadcrumbs. Process them into coarse crumbs and use them in any recipe that calls for traditional breadcrumbs.

Crackers

Crackers like Ritz, Saltines, or Club crackers add a buttery and salty edge to dishes like meatloaf and meatballs. They can also be used as a crispy coating.

Croutons

Croutons, seasoned or plain, store-bought or homemade, are an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs. Simply blend them in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.

Cooked Rice

Cooked rice is a great binder, making it a good substitute for breadcrumbs in dishes like black bean burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf. However, it doesn't work well as a coating as it has too much moisture.

Parmesan Cheese

If you're looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, finely grated or shredded parmesan cheese is a tasty alternative. It's perfect for coating chicken or topping baked pasta dishes, but it won't work as a binder.

Frequently asked questions