Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest due to their distinctive physicochemical properties. However, their practical utility is often limited by their tendency to agglomerate. This study presents a green synthesis of stable AgNPs using phytonutrients from Ginkgo biloba fruit, devoid of toxic reagents. The one-variable-at-a-time method optimised the bio-reduction kinetics, establishing ideal synthesis conditions. A pronounced absorption peak at 418 nm in the UV–vis spectrum confirmed AgNPs formation. The nanoparticles exhibited a predominantly spherical morphology, high crystallinity, and a small size of 16.5 ± 2.1 nm. Catalytic tests demonstrated the efficacy of AgNPs in degrading azo dyes, achieving ∼92% degradation of reactive yellow 179 (RY179) and ∼86% of p-aminoazobenzene. Antibacterial assays showed significant inhibition zones against four bacterial species, with a reduction rate of 87%–100%, surpassing standard antibiotics. This synthesis is applicable for creating catalytically active AgNPs for industrial uses, including azo- and bacteria-contaminated wastewater treatment.