Say Goodbye To Dry, Boring Chicken Katsu! How To Make It In The Air Fryer.

Crispy, golden-brown chicken katsu is a beloved Japanese dish that has become a favorite around the world. Traditionally made with panko breadcrumbs, chicken katsu is known for its satisfying crunch and savory flavor. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can now enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of how to make chicken katsu air fryer, ensuring a perfect result every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for greasing

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tonkatsu sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Set Up the Breading Station:

1. In separate shallow bowls or plates, prepare three stations: flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

Bread the Chicken:

1. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip the floured cutlets into the beaten eggs and allow any excess to drip off.
3. Finally, coat the egg-dipped cutlets in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil.
3. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Make the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the tonkatsu sauce, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve:

1. Serve the air fryer chicken katsu immediately with the tonkatsu sauce on the side.
2. Garnish with shredded cabbage, lemon wedges, and Japanese mayonnaise (optional).

Tips

• For a crispier katsu, double-coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent even cooking.
• If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, run it empty for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
• To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the cutlet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Variations

• Chicken Katsu Curry: Serve the chicken katsu over a bed of Japanese curry rice.
• Chicken Katsu Sandwich: Place the chicken katsu on a toasted bun with shredded cabbage, tonkatsu sauce, and Japanese mayonnaise.
• Chicken Katsu Donburi: Serve the chicken katsu over a bowl of rice with a side of tonkatsu sauce.

Conclusion

Making chicken katsu air fryer is a simple and rewarding process that will impress your family and friends. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this Japanese delicacy in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other breadcrumbs besides panko?
A: Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes.

Q: What if I don’t have tonkatsu sauce?
A: You can substitute a mixture of equal parts soy sauce, ketchup, and honey.

Q: Can I make chicken katsu ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Q: How do I reheat chicken katsu?
A: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with chicken katsu?
A: Shredded cabbage, Japanese curry rice, or miso soup are all great options.