This air fryer chicken katsu means no frying and only minimal oil is needed to make your favorite Japanese chicken cutlets Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – and the best part is that this AIR FRYER CHICKEN KATSU is just as good as the deep-fried version! ! It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner under 30 minutes!
What is Chicken Katsu? Easy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu With
Chicken Katsu (チキンカツ), also known as tori katsu, is a Japanese crumbed and fried chicken cutlet served with a tonkatsu sauce or with Japanese curry. It’s popular cousin is Tonkatsu aka the pork cutlet version.
Chicken Katsu is not just popular in Japan, you’ll also find it in restaurants in Australia, Hawaii and London!
Why you Love This recipe
No deep frying, no mess. Just the crispiest and crunchiest chicken katsu slices you can think of! While tonkatsu is usually a pork cutlet, we love this with chicken – and we’ve usually got some in the fridge or freezer ready to go.
Aside from crumbing the chicken, the air fryer does most of the work so you can relax, or pop together a couple of side dishes – such as a Japanese potato salad or miso soup.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Chicken katsu
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- salt to taste
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¾ pound chicken breast cutlets
- avocado oil cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (Optional)
Directions
- Step 1
Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. - Step 2
Beat egg and salt lightly in a shallow bowl or a small casserole dish. Place panko
bread crumbs on a plate. - Step 3
Dip each cutlet into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Turn
cutlets in panko bread crumbs so both sides are coated well, pressing the cutlets
gently into the crumbs. Set on a piece of parchment paper. Spray each side with
cooking spray and place in the basket of the air fryer. - Step 4
Air-fry for 5 minutes, turn, and air-fry for an additional 4 minutes. Serve with
barbecue sauce and garnish with green onions.
Cook’s Note:
Use tonkatsu sauce instead of barbecue sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
HOMEMADE KATSU SAUCE:
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 2½ tsp Vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp oyster sauce
- 1⅛ tsp sugar
FAQ’S
WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN CAN I USE?
Skinless boneless breast or thigh works well. Breast is healthier but tends to be “drier” depending on air frying time. Thigh is more forgiving and comes out juicier even if you overcook it but it is fattier. So, the choice is up to you!
WHAT KIND OF OIL SHOULD I USE TO AIR FRY WITH?
Any oil with a high smoking oil of 400 degrees F and above. I used avocado oil or vegetable oil works too.
WHAT KIND OF BREADCRUMBS SHOULD I USE?
Japanese style panko breadcrumbs.
WHERE CAN I BUY PANKO BREADCRUMBS?
Any Asian grocer will carry this. You may get lucky and find it at your Western grocer in the international aisle.