How to Make Breadcrumbs at Home With an Oven and Air Fryer

The oven method is the classic way to make breadcrumbs. It is very easy and works well for all types of bread. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Prepare the Bread: Use stale bread if you have it. If the bread is still fresh, you can dry it out by toasting it. Cut the bread into small cubes or pieces to help it dry faster.

2. Spread on a Baking Tray: Place the bread pieces in a single layer on a baking tray. Do not stack them. This helps them dry evenly.

3. Bake at Low Temperature: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the bread for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the bread halfway through to make sure both sides are dry. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

4. Let It Cool: Once the bread is dry and crisp, take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.

5. Blend or Crush: Put the dried bread into a food processor. Pulse until you get fine or coarse breadcrumbs, depending on what you need. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a rolling pin to crush the bread in a plastic bag.

If you don't have an oven at home, you can still turn your stale bread into breadcrumbs with an air fryer. This method is also quicker than the oven one and works really well if you only want to make a small batch. Here's how to make breadcrumbs with an air fryer:

1. Cut the Bread: Cut the bread into small cubes. Stale bread works best, but fresh bread is also okay if dried well.

2. Air Fry the Bread: Place the bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 150°C (300°F) and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to dry all sides evenly.

3. Let It Cool: Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool completely before blending.

4. Process Into Crumbs: Place the cooled bread in a food processor and pulse until you get your desired breadcrumb texture.

You spent time making perfect breadcrumbs, but now they are getting soft and losing their crunch. This is a common problem that many home cooks face. Proper storage keeps breadcrumbs fresh and crispy for weeks or even months.

Before you store your homemade breadcrumbs, let them cool down completely after making them. If they are warm, moisture can build up and cause mold. Once cool, place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.

You can store breadcrumbs in the pantry for up to two weeks. For longer storage, put them in the freezer. They can last up to six months if frozen. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track. To use frozen breadcrumbs, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Breadcrumbs are very versatile. You can use them in many ways in your cooking. Here are some ideas:

1. Coating for Fried Foods: Coat meat, fish, or vegetables with breadcrumbs before frying or baking. This gives the food a crunchy texture and helps seal in moisture for a juicy bite.

2. Binding Agent in Meatballs and Patties: Mix breadcrumbs into ground meat when making meatballs or patties. They help absorb juices and bind ingredients together, keeping the mixture soft and easy to shape.

3. Topping for Casseroles: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top of baked pasta, casseroles, or gratins. This adds a golden, crispy topping that contrasts nicely with soft layers underneath.

4. Filling for Stuffed Vegetables: Combine breadcrumbs with cheese, herbs, and olive oil to stuff vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. It adds texture and a savory, baked flavor.

5. Thickener for Soup: Stir in a small amount of breadcrumbs to soups or stews to naturally thicken them. This method also gives your dish a more hearty and filling texture.

6. Crispy Baked Toppings: Toast breadcrumbs with garlic, herbs, or cheese and sprinkle them over roasted vegetables or salads. It adds crunch and extra flavor to plain dishes.

With these ideas and tips, you can now make, store, and use breadcrumbs with confidence in your kitchen.