Air-Fryer Panko Bread Crumbs: Quick, Easy, And Crispy!

Panko breadcrumbs are a must-have for cooks who love to fry. They are light, crispy, and perfect for coating meat or vegetables. If you don't have any to hand, you can make them from scratch using an air fryer. All you need is some fresh bread, olive oil, and seasoning. This introduction will cover how to make panko breadcrumbs in an air fryer, and how to use them to make delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken.

Choosing the right bread

If you want light and crispy bread crumbs, opt for a loaf of white sandwich bread. White bread is the classic choice for panko and will yield a delicate, crispy texture. It's best to choose a crustless variety, as the crusts can affect the final consistency.

For a heartier option, go for a rustic sourdough or country loaf. These breads will add a chewier, more substantial texture to your crumbs. If you're looking for something with a bit more flavour, wheat or honey wheat bread is a great choice. They will impart a nutty, slightly sweet flavour to your crumbs.

When selecting bread, look for a loaf that is slightly stale or dried out. This will make it easier to crumble and result in a better texture for your panko. Avoid fresh, soft bread, as it can be challenging to work with and may not yield the desired coarse crumb.

Additionally, consider the size of the loaf. A larger loaf will provide more surface area to work with, making it easier to create a uniform crumb size. Ensure the bread is free of any seasonings or toppings that may affect the flavour of your panko.

Once you've selected your bread, follow the steps to make panko bread crumbs in an air fryer:

• Remove the crusts from the bread.
• Cut or tear the bread into small pieces.
• Place the bread pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to a high temperature, around 380-400°F (190-200°C), and cook for 2-5 minutes until golden brown.
• Let the bread cool completely before processing it into crumbs using a food processor or blender.
• Season your panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or other herbs and spices of your choice.

Preparing the bread

Firstly, select your bread of choice. It is recommended to use white sandwich bread for light and crispy crumbs, or a rustic sourdough or country loaf for a heartier crumb. Wheat or honey wheat bread can also add a unique flavour.

Next, trim the crusts off the bread. This step is important as it ensures the crumbs have a consistent texture and appearance.

Then, toast the bread lightly. This will help dry out the bread, making it easier to process into crumbs and giving a crunchier texture.

Now, you are ready to air fry the bread. Place the slices into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer to promote even cooking. Set the temperature to 380°F (or 190°C) and cook for 2-5 minutes, until the bread is nicely browned.

Once the bread is toasted, let it cool completely before proceeding. This step is important for food safety and to prevent any burns.

Finally, it's time to process the bread into crumbs. You can use a food processor or blender for this step. Simply pulse the cooled, toasted bread until it reaches the desired crumb size and texture. For panko bread crumbs, you are aiming for a coarse, even crumb.

And there you have it! Homemade panko bread crumbs, ready to be used in your favourite recipes or stored for later use.

Making the coating

To make the coating for your air-fried food, you will need panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are made from white bread, which is ground into a coarse crumb. They are light, airy, and extra crispy, making them perfect for fried foods. You can find them at most supermarkets or online.

If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs. However, panko is preferred as it creates a lighter and crispier coating.

In addition to the breadcrumbs, you will need some seasonings to add flavour to your coating. Here are some options:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Simply mix the breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings in a shallow bowl or plate. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for extra flavour.

If you want a thicker coating, you can also add an egg to the mixture. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl, then dip the food into the egg before coating it with the breadcrumb mixture.

For gluten-free options, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free pasta.

Cooking the crumbs

Now that you have assembled all the ingredients, it's time to cook the crumbs. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• First, you need to prepare the bread. Start by removing the ends of the bread and the crust.
• Next, toast the bread by placing it in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. Set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is nicely browned.
• Once the bread is toasted, let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
• The key step is to process the bread into crumbs. You can do this by using a food processor or a blender. Simply pulse the bread until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• If you want to season your panko breadcrumbs, now is the time to add your chosen seasonings. For a basic panko, you can use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. However, feel free to experiment with other flavours and add dried herbs or seasonings of your choice. Give the crumbs a final pulse in the food processor to ensure that everything is evenly mixed.
• If you prefer your panko breadcrumbs with a finer texture, you can sift them through a fine-mesh strainer to break down any larger crumbs.
• Finally, it is important to store your homemade panko breadcrumbs properly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy them within two weeks.

By following these steps, you will have delicious, crispy panko breadcrumbs that are perfect for coating chicken, fish, or any other dish that needs a crunchy coating. Enjoy experimenting with different types of bread and seasonings to create your own unique blend of panko breadcrumbs!

Storing the panko

Storing your panko breadcrumbs correctly is essential to preserving their freshness and crunchiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your homemade panko:

Choosing the Right Container

Use an airtight container to store your panko. Bread crumbs can quickly become stale if exposed to air, so ensure the container is sealed tightly. You can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid, a resealable plastic bag, or a container with a snap-tight lid.

Labelling the Container

Before storing your panko, don't forget to label the container with the date and the type of breadcrumbs. This simple step will help you keep track of when you made the panko and whether they are plain, seasoned, or unseasoned.

Storage Location

The ideal location to store your panko container is in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or a cupboard. Bread crumbs can become mouldy if exposed to a warm, humid environment, so keeping them in a dry, controlled-temperature environment is crucial.

Shelf Life and Usage

Properly stored panko will stay fresh for a few months. However, over time, they will eventually lose their flavour and texture. Therefore, it is best to use them within a few months of preparation. If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to two weeks.

Freezing Panko

If you want to extend the shelf life of your panko, consider freezing them. Place the panko in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer. They will keep well in the freezer for several months, and some sources suggest they can last for over a year. When you need to use the frozen panko, you can scoop them directly from the freezer container into your recipe – there is no need to defrost them first.

Frequently asked questions