How to Make Panko and Breadcrumbs: 2 DIY Methods to Not Waste Bread (Even Stale!)

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of reducing waste, finding innovative ways to repurpose everyday items is key—starting in your own kitchen. Bread, a staple in many households, often finds itself stale or unused. Instead of discarding those last few slices, why not give them a new life? Making homemade breadcrumbs and panko from leftover bread not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your cooking. Here’s how you can easily transform stale bread into something wonderfully useful.

How to Make Homemade Panko

Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb known for its light, airy texture, starts with plain white bread—preferably without the crusts for a finer quality. First, slice the bread into strips. If you have a food processor, pulse these strips until they reach a coarse texture. This roughness is what gives panko its unique crispy finish once cooked. Spread the coarse crumbs onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 100°C (210°F) using the fan setting.

After about ten minutes, stir the crumbs for even drying and bake for another ten minutes. Once they achieve a dry, crispy texture, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before storing in a jar. These homemade panko breadcrumbs are perfect for adding a light, crunchy coating to fried foods.

How to Make Traditional Breadcrumbs

For traditional breadcrumbs, stale bread is your best starting point. Cut the bread into small cubes and toss them into a food processor. Blitz until the bread turns into fine crumbs. These breadcrumbs can be stored directly in a jar with a bay leaf to maintain freshness. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—simply grate the bread slices using a coarse cheese grater, or crumble them finely by hand, though this will require more effort and time.

How to Substitute Panko and Breadcrumbs

If you find yourself without white bread for panko or stale bread for breadcrumbs, there are substitutes you can use. For panko, cornflakes or rice flakes processed in the same way can be an excellent gluten-free option. For breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs or rolled oats can be used, providing a different but equally effective texture in dishes.

How to Make Panko With an Air Fryer

For those who prefer using an air fryer, making panko is simple and quick. Spread the bread crumbs evenly in the air fryer basket and set it to a low heat (around 100°C). The air circulation in the fryer will dry and crisp the crumbs efficiently, often in less time than the oven. Monitor closely to ensure they do not burn.