The distinction worth knowing is dry versus fresh. Dry crumbs are for coating things that get fried; fresh crumbs, made from soft bread and not dried at all, are for meatballs and gratin toppings where you want them to stay tender. Making panko-style means crusts off and a coarse pulse, so the flakes stay large and shatter rather than pack.
The ratioDry bread at 300°F for 20 min, then pulse. Crusts off + coarse pulse = panko-style.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Makes3 cups
CuisineBasics
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for3cups
Stale bread
Any bread past its best. Sourdough and country loaves make the best crumbs; soft sandwich bread makes the most panko-like.
Dry, don't toastTorn bread on a sheet pan at 300°F for twenty minutes. You want it dried through and barely coloured — browning now means burnt crumbs later when they fry.
Cool completelyWarm bread gums up in a processor instead of shattering.
Pulse to the size you needShort pulses. Stop coarse for panko-style, keep going for fine crumbs. A processor is better than a blender here, which over-grinds the bottom.
Store dryAirtight at room temperature for a month, or the freezer indefinitely. Fresh crumbs are freezer-only.
For toasted crumbsToss the finished crumbs with olive oil and salt and bake ten minutes more, stirring once, until gold. These go on pasta and are worth making deliberately.
Make it yoursGarlic, lemon zest and parsley through toasted crumbs makes pangrattato. Parmesan and black pepper for a gratin top. Chili crisp folded through is excellent on anything roasted.
Can you make How to Make Breadcrumbs in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze How to Make Breadcrumbs? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Breadcrumbs ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is How to Make Breadcrumbs gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is How to Make Breadcrumbs vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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