Air-Fryer Breadcrumbs: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Making breadcrumbs in an air fryer is a simple process that can be done in under 15 minutes. All you need is bread and an air fryer, though a food processor is recommended for the best results. You can use any type of bread, including white, wheat, or even gluten-free. The bread can be fresh, but day-old or stale bread will result in drier breadcrumbs. Simply cut the bread into cubes or strips, place them in the air fryer, and cook at a temperature between 320-350°F for 6-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning. Once the bread is toasted, let it cool, then pulse it in a food processor until you reach the desired consistency. You can season the breadcrumbs or leave them plain, and they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two months.

How to cut bread for bread crumbs

To make breadcrumbs in an air fryer, you'll want to start with stale bread, as it is drier than fresh bread and will produce better breadcrumbs. You can use any type of plain bread, such as white bread, milk bread, sourdough, or even leftover buns.

When it comes to cutting the bread, there are a few different methods you can use:

• Cut the bread into cubes: This method ensures even toasting and is recommended if you want to make sure your breadcrumbs are a consistent size.
• Tear the bread into small pieces: This method is quicker and easier than cutting, but may result in slightly uneven toasting.
• Cut the bread into strips: This method is recommended if you want longer, thinner breadcrumbs.

Once you've cut or torn your bread into the desired size, place the pieces into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C) and cook for 6-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and golden brown. If you're using an air fryer that doesn't have a temperature setting, simply preheat the air fryer and then cook for 5 minutes.

After air frying, let the toasted bread cool down completely before turning it into breadcrumbs. You can then use a food processor, blender, or rolling pin to create the breadcrumbs. For a food processor or blender, pulse the toasted bread until you reach the desired consistency. If you're using a rolling pin, place the cooled bread in a ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper and crush with the rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.

Air fryer settings for bread crumbs

To make breadcrumbs in an air fryer, you can use any type of bread, including white, wheat, or gluten-free. Start by cutting the bread into small cubes or tearing it into rough pieces. You can choose to remove the crust or leave it on, as it won't make a significant difference to the final breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to between 320-350°F (160-177°C). Place the bread cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the cooking time and the dryness of the breadcrumbs.

Air-fry the bread cubes for 4-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the moisture content of the bread. The breadcrumbs are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the toasted bread cubes from the air fryer and let them cool down completely before processing. Place the cooled bread cubes into a food processor or blender and pulse until you achieve the desired crumb size. For a finer crumb, blend for longer; for coarser crumbs, pulse briefly.

You can now use your homemade breadcrumbs for breading, toppings, or as an ingredient in various dishes. Store any leftover breadcrumbs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.

How to store bread crumbs

Homemade breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months. To ensure the breadcrumbs remain fresh, it is important to keep them away from moisture, as this can cause mould to form.

Before storing, it is important to let the breadcrumbs cool down completely. If you are using an oven to make your breadcrumbs, set it to 250 F/120 C. For food air dryers, set the temperature to 120℃ and the timer to 15 minutes.

If you are using dried bread to make your breadcrumbs, you can store them in a pantry. However, if you are using fresh bread, it is best to store them in the refrigerator.

Bread substitutes for bread crumbs

If you're looking for a substitute for breadcrumbs, there are several options you can consider, depending on what you're using the breadcrumbs for. Here are some alternatives to breadcrumbs that you can use:

Cornflakes

Crushed cornflakes can be an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs, especially when coating meat or fish. They add a nice crunch and can be mixed with savory spices like oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor. However, it is important to ensure that you use unsweetened cornflakes to avoid adding unwanted sweetness to your dish.

Oats

Oats are a great option when used as a binder in dishes like meatballs or meatloaf. They are gluten-free and can be a healthy alternative to breadcrumbs. However, keep in mind that oats don't add much flavor, so you may need to adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Pretzels

Pretzels, when processed into coarse crumbs, can be a perfect substitute for breadcrumbs in various recipes. They have a nice crunch and a salty flavor that can enhance the taste of dishes like chicken or broccoli.

Potato Chips

If you're looking for a crunchy and flavorful coating for chicken or pork, potato chips can be a fun alternative to breadcrumbs. Simply process them into fine crumbs and use them in place of breadcrumbs. However, it is important to note that potato chips may add extra grease and saltiness to your dish, so they may not be suitable for all recipes.

Almonds

Finely crushed almonds can add a crunchy and nutty flavor to your dish when used as a coating for meat or fish. They also boost the nutritional profile of your meal by providing healthy fats and protein. Just be careful not to over-process the almonds, or you'll end up with almond butter!

Crackers

Saltine crackers, when crushed into fine crumbs, can be used in place of breadcrumbs in recipes like meatloaf or meatballs. They have a mild flavor and can provide a similar texture to breadcrumbs when processed properly.

Cooked Rice

Cooked rice is an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs when you need a binder in dishes like burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf. However, it is not suitable for crispy coatings on meat or fish due to its high moisture content.

Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, you can make your own breadcrumbs using gluten-free bread or gluten-free cereals like Chex or Cheerios. Just be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure the product is truly gluten-free.

Seasoning bread crumbs

Once you've made your breadcrumbs in the air fryer, you can season them in a variety of ways. Seasoned breadcrumbs can be used for breading, such as Salisbury steaks, or to add to recipes that require Italian or Cajun-style breadcrumbs.

Plain Breadcrumbs

First, you'll need to make your breadcrumbs. You can do this by cutting bread into cubes or tearing it into small pieces. Then, transfer the pieces to an air fryer and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 180°C or 350°F. You can also preheat the air fryer and fry for 5 minutes. Once the bread is toasted, allow it to cool, then pulse in a food processor until you have crumbs.

Italian Breadcrumbs

To make Italian-style breadcrumbs, add the following seasonings to one cup of plain breadcrumbs:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cajun-Style Breadcrumbs

Add the following seasonings to one cup of plain breadcrumbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs

Add the following seasonings to one cup of plain breadcrumbs:

• 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Other Seasoning Ideas

You can also experiment with other seasonings like salt, oregano, or red pepper flakes. For a stronger, spicier mix, use half the amount of breadcrumbs in your recipe.

Frequently asked questions