Panko bread crumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb made from white bread without crusts. They are light, airy, and have a crispy texture that makes them perfect for coating fried foods to add extra crunch. In 11 simple steps, you can make your own panko bread crumbs at home.

1. Choose the right bread: Panko bread crumbs are typically made from crustless white bread, so opt for a loaf of sandwich bread or a light and airy French baguette.

2. Remove the crusts: Using a serrated knife, carefully trim off and discard the crusts from the bread.

3. Tear the bread into small pieces: With your hands, gently tear the crustless bread into small pieces or chunks.

4. Dry the bread: Arrange the bread pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting (around 200°F or 90°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about an hour, checking occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn or overcook.

5. Allow to cool: After an hour, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it sit on a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Break up larger pieces: If you find any larger dry chunks after letting them cool down, break them up with your hands or with a rolling pin slightly so that they’re more manageable for processing.

7. Process into crumbs: Transfer the cooled and dried bread pieces into a food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve your desired crumb size (remembering that panko crumbs should be larger than regular breadcrumbs).

8. Sift the crumbs: Pass your processed breadcrumbs through a fine mesh sieve placed over a bowl to eliminate any fine particles that aren’t suitable for panko-style crumbs.

9. Store properly: Once you’re satisfied with the breadcrumb size and consistency, transfer the panko bread crumbs to an airtight container for storage. They can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

10. Use your panko crumbs: Incorporate your homemade panko breadcrumbs into recipes such as breaded chicken, fish or vegetables for frying

11. Experiment with flavors: Feel free to enhance your panko breadcrumbs with additional flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.

In 11 steps, you’ve made your very own panko bread crumbs that are easy to customize according to your recipe needs. Next time you’re planning some crispy fried foods or need breadcrumbs for a casserole topping, try using your homemade panko crumb