This Air Fryer Shake and Bake is a delicious way to add a little crunch and flavor to your favorite meal. Not only is it packed with the classic crunch of a shake and bake but you can make it in an air fryer for even more convenience!
If are looking for a new homemade recipe to make to save yourself a trip to the grocery store, then this is a must make recipe for you. It’s simple and uses the items that you already have on hand in your pantry.
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Why I Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Shake and Bake is an incredibly easy and delicious way to give your favorite meal a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
- A great way to avoid the hassle of making a trip to the grocery store when you need something quick for dinner.
- Plus, since this recipe only uses basic pantry staples like bread crumbs and spices, it’s so simple to put together.
- And, it’s a excellent recipe to use stale bread instead of having excess kitchen waste.
If you love easy air fryer recipes you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Dinner Rolls recipe.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this easy air fryer recipe. All of these ingredients are easy to find your pantry or at the store. So, gather these basics and get ready to enjoy a simple meal with your family in no time at all.
sandwich bread – I always use my favorite white bread for this recipe. My preferred brand is Sara Lee but any brand will do.
panko crumbs – This adds a delicious crunch and texture to the dish.
seasoning – I like to use a combination of minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, minced onion, turmeric and parsley but you can use your favorite seasonings here.
olive oil – This helps bind the bread crumbs together and give them an extra crunchy texture.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Cheese: If you’re looking for some additional flavor, try adding some Parmesan cheese to the mixture or using a different type of bread crumbs.
Seasonings: You can also switch up the herbs and spices in this recipe to create a completely new flavor profile. You could add sage, rosemary or thyme to this delicious recipe.
How to Make Air Fryer Shake and Bake
Making this homemade shake and bake is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have a tasty breading for chicken or pork in no time at all.
Step 1: Dry out the bread cubes
Cut bread slices into 1” squares. Place bread into the air fryer basket. Cook at 300° for 10 minutes. Let bread cool for 1 minute.
Step 2: Make the bread crumbs
Place dried bread into a food processor and blend for 2 minutes until bread crumbs are formed.
Step 3: Add in the seasonings
Add bread crumbs to a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients except for the oil and mix.
Step 4: Add the oil
Once mixed, add oil and toss until crumbs are fully coated.
Step 5: Bread the protein
Use this breading on any meat for a shake-and-bake style protein.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve homemade shake and bake chicken or pork chops with a side like these Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes or these Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your air fryer shake and bake turns out perfectly every time that you make it.
- Make sure that the bread cubes are dried out completely before you make the crumbs.
- You can switch out the oil to use whatever you hand, like canola oil or vegetable oil. However, I prefer to use olive oil because I love the flavor.
- If you want to make a spicier shake and bake, try adding in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- You could also use store-bought plain crumbs if you want to save a little time. You will need two cups of the bread crumbs. But, I recommend making your own it’s delicious.
Storage
If you want to make this shake and bake ahead, then follow the instructions but do not add the oil. Store the seasoned bread crumbs in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to six months. Add the oil when you are ready to bread the chicken.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
If you find that the breading is not sticking to your chicken, try lightly coating it with a thin layer of egg white before adding the crumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better.
Yes, this recipe can be frozen for up to three months. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Yes, you can use any type of sandwich bread for this recipe. Just make sure it is cut into cubes that are approximately 1” square.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like air fryer, give these recipes a try:
Want to make this delicious recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin it so that you can come back to it later.
Air Fryer Shake and Bake
Equipment
- knife and cutting board
- Air Fryer
- food processor
- storage container – if not using right away
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried minced garlic or granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion or granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 2 teaspoons Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- Cut bread slices into 1” squares. Place bread into the air fryer basket. Cook at 300° for 10 minutes.
- Let bread cool for 1 minute.
- Place dried bread into a food processor and blend for 2 minutes until bread crumbs are formed.
- Add breadcrumbs to a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients except for the oil and mix.
- Once mixed, add oil and toss until crumbs are fully coated.
- Use this breading on any meat for a shake-and-bake style protein.
Notes
- Make sure that the bread cubes are dried out completely before you make the crumbs.
- You can switch out the oil to use whatever you hand, like canola oil or vegetable oil. However, I prefer to use olive oil because I love the flavor.
- If you want to make a spicier shake and bake, try adding in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- You could also use store-bought plain crumbs if you want to save a little time. You will need two cups of the bread crumbs. But, I recommend making your own it’s delicious.
- This makes two cups of shake and bake. It will coat about 4 – 6 pork chops or chicken breasts depending on the size.