Panko bread crumbs are a type of light, airy bread crumb used in Japanese cooking, known for their larger, flakier texture compared to traditional Western breadcrumbs. Made from bread without crusts, panko crumbs are processed into larger, sliver-like pieces, creating a crisper, crunchier coating when cooked.
Chefs use panko bread crumbs for a variety of frying applications, such as coating for tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), katsu (breaded chicken), and seafood, where they absorb less oil and result in a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.