Making bread crumbs in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to create a versatile topping for a variety of dishes. Bread crumbs can add a crunchy texture to salads, casseroles, and much more! Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make air fryer bread crumbs in no time.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make your bread crumbs, you’ll need old, stale bread. The bread should be dry enough for it to crumble easily, so try to find a loaf that’s been sitting out for several days. All types of bread can be used, but if you prefer a sweeter flavor try using a challah or brioche-style bread instead of regular sandwich bread. You’ll also need an air fryer, butterknife or pastry cutter, and a sieve or food processor.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also use a baking sheet and oven to dry out the bread. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the bread cubes out on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring the cubes halfway through, until the bread is dry and crunchy. Once the bread is dry, let it cool before crumbling it into crumbs.
Prepare and Toast the Bread
Once you’ve gathered the necessary ingredients, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cut the bread into cubes that are about ½ inch thick. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn light golden brown. Remove the cubes from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, the cubes can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you plan to use them for a recipe, you can also freeze them for up to three months. To use the cubes, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and use as directed in your recipe.
Grind the Bread into Crumbs
After the toast has cooled, grind the cubes into crumbs using a food processor or a butter knife or pastry cutter. It’s important to ensure that the crumbs are as fine as possible, as this will ensure that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Once the crumbs are ground, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This will help to dry out the crumbs and make them crispier. Once the crumbs are done baking, let them cool before transferring them to the air fryer.
Place the Crumbs in the Air Fryer
Once the crumbs are ground, spread them evenly on the air fryer basket. Make sure there are no pieces sticking together or overlapping, as this can cause them to cook unevenly. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
When placing the crumbs in the air fryer, make sure to leave some space between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the crumbs evenly. Additionally, you may want to lightly spray the crumbs with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
Set the Temperature and Timer
Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F and set the timer for 2 minutes. Make sure that there is enough space between the crumbs so that they cook evenly.
When setting the timer, it is important to keep in mind that the air fryer will continue to cook the food even after the timer has gone off. To avoid overcooking, it is best to check the food periodically and adjust the timer accordingly.
Monitor the Cooking Progress
Keep an eye on the crumbs while they’re cooking. They should become crispy and golden brown after 2 minutes. If they’re not done to your liking, you can always add an additional 30 seconds.
Be sure to keep the oven door closed while the crumbs are cooking. Opening the door will cause the temperature to drop, which can affect the cooking time and the overall texture of the crumbs.
Cool Down and Store the Bread Crumbs
Once the crumbs are done cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. The bread crumbs will last up to three months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your bread crumbs, you can also store them in the freezer. When stored in the freezer, the bread crumbs will last up to six months. To freeze the bread crumbs, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once the crumbs are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Bread Crumbs
When making air fryer bread crumbs, it’s important to start with stale bread. This will ensure that your crumbs cook evenly in the air fryer. Always make sure to spread the crumbs out so that they don’t overlap or stick together, and don’t forget to set the timer for 2 minutes before you start cooking!
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