Chicken Katsu Air Fryer with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce

Make this crowd-pleasing Chicken Katsu Air Fryer Recipe in less than 30 minutes! This mouthwatering Japanese dish combines tender, golden brown chicken cutlets with a tangy and savory sauce that will leave you wanting more. With the help of your best friend, the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. So much better and healthier for you! 

Jump to:

• What is Chicken Katsu?
• What is Chicken Katsu Sauce made of?
• Why you will love this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
• What you need
• How to make air fryer chicken katsu
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• How to store and reheat
• 3 Top Tips for Success
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Chicken Katsu Air Fryer with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
• Super Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter
• Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – kinda healthy
• Food safety

What is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlets. The chicken is typically pounded or sliced thin, coated in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and then coated with panko breadcrumbs. The dish is commonly served with a side of white rice and accompanied by a special chicken katsu sauce known as Tonkatsu sauce, which adds a sweet and savory flavor.

What is Chicken Katsu Sauce made of?

Chicken Katsu sauce, also known as Tonkatsu sauce, is a savory and slightly sweet condiment that is commonly served with Chicken Katsu and other Japanese dishes. It is a key component in enhancing the flavors of the crispy chicken or pork cutlets.

The sauce typically has a thick and smooth consistency with a rich umami taste. 

The main ingredients of Chicken Katsu sauce include:

1. Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the sauce.
2. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor with its blend of vinegar, molasses, spices, and anchovies.
3. Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty and savory element to the sauce.
4. Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
5. Garlic Powder: Infuses a hint of garlic flavor into the sauce.

Why you will love this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe

Cooking Chicken Katsu in an air fryer is definitely better than deep-frying methods. Here are a few reasons why using an air fryer is considered better:

1. Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep-frying. It is significantly better for you.
   
2. Reduced Mess: Deep-frying can be messy and leave behind oil splatters and lingering odors.
   
3. Time-Saving: Air fryers typically cook food faster than other traditional methods. This chicken is cooked for 15 minutes. Unreal! 

4. Versatility: Air fryers can be used for a variety of dishes beyond Chicken Katsu. They are capable of frying, baking, grilling, and roasting, making them a versatile kitchen appliance that can be utilized for multiple cooking needs.

What you need

• Chicken breast
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Avocado oil 
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs 
• Panko bread crumbs
• Ketchup 
• Worcestershire sauce 
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Sugar
• Garlic powder

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make air fryer chicken katsu

• CHICKEN: Slice the chicken breasts in half. You should have 4 pieces. Season with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside. 
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. 
• Prepare the flour, beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. 
• Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour. Shake off the excess flour. 
• Dredge in beaten eggs then the panko breadcrumbs. Press the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs to make sure the panko adheres well. 
• AIR FRY: Spray avocado oil on top of the chicken, then air fry the breaded chicken breasts for 15 minutes at 400 degrees - flip halfway and spray more avocado oil on the other side to ensure both sides get a crispy texture. 
• CHICKEN KATSU SAUCE: While the chicken is air frying, make your tonkatsu sauce. Combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside. 
• Rest the chicken, slice and top with chicken katsu sauce. Serve with rice.  

Substitutions

1. Chicken:
   • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound): You can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs or tofu for a vegetarian version.
     
2. Salt and Black Pepper:
   • 1 teaspoon salt: Replace with kosher salt or sea salt.
   • 1 teaspoon black pepper: White pepper.
     
3. Avocado Oil:
   • 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Substitute with vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-tasting cooking oil.
     
4. All-Purpose Flour:
   • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Gluten-free flour blends like rice flour or almond flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
     
5. Eggs:
   • 3 eggs: For an egg-free option, you can use a mixture of 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.
     
6. Panko Breadcrumbs:
   • 1 cup Japanese panko breadcrumbs: Replace with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or crushed potato chips for a crunchy panko coating.
     
7. Ketchup:
   • ½ cup ketchup: Tomato paste mixed with a small amount of vinegar, sugar, and spices can be used as a substitute for ketchup. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired flavor.
     
8. Worcestershire Sauce:
   • 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon molasses or honey, and a pinch of ground cloves as a replacement for Worcestershire sauce.
     
9. Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:
   • 2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
     
10. Sugar:
    • 2 tablespoon sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
      
11. Garlic Powder:
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Use 2 cloves of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of garlic paste as a substitute for garlic powder.

Equipment

• Air Fryer 
• 3 Shallow bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Knife 
• Cutting board
• Meat mallet (optional)

How to store and reheat

1. Storage:
   • Chicken Katsu: Allow the leftover chicken katsu to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
   • Chicken Katsu Sauce: Transfer the sauce to a sealed container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
     
2. Reheating Chicken Katsu:
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the Chicken Katsu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the Chicken Katsu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy.

FAQ

Related

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Pairing

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.