Panko breadcrumbs are used to create a light, crispy coating for deep-fried meat and fish. The breadcrumbs are more coarsely cut than traditional Western breadcrumbs, so instead of compacting into a hard outer layer, they create an airier, textured coating. Deep-fry pork coated in panko for traditional Japanese Tonkatsu, or use them to create a delicate crisp around croquettes and scotch eggs.