Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
This Air Fryer Chicken Katsu gives you all the crispy, juicy goodness of traditional katsu with less oil and no deep frying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a healthier and hassle-free option for a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, enjoy it with rice, salad, or as a sandwich for a delicious, guilt-free treat.
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Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can of avocado oil spray or any neutral oil spray
For the egg and flour batter
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2-3 tbsp water as needed to loosen the batter
For the panko breading
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the homemade katsu sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For serving
- 4 servings cooked rice
- 1/4 head of cabbage or lettuce shredded
- Thousand Island dressing or dressing of choice
- Tonkatsu sauce I recommend the Bull-dog brand
Instructions
- Using a meat mallet or the back of your knife, pound the chicken breasts on both sides until the meat has an even thickness throughout. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- To a bowl, whisk together your ingredients for the egg and flour batter, then set aside.
- To a wide bowl or plate, add your panko bread crumbs and seasonings, then set aside.
- Use one hand to dunk a chicken breast in the egg and flour batter until it is well coated. Next, place the chicken into the panko breading and use your other dry hand to ensure it is fully coated. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Gently press the panko into the meat to ensure all areas are coated.
- Lay the breaded chicken breasts on a tray and let sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the breading to set.
- Spray the breaded chicken generously with avocado oil (or any neutral oil) on both sides. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip the breasts then air fry for another 5-6 minutes. The chicken katsu is ready when the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and strength of your air fryer.
- Let rest for 5 minutes and then slice into 1.5 inch strips.
- To a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the katsu sauce and mix. Alternatively, you can use store-bought katsu sauce.
- Drizzle with katsu sauce and serve with rice and your favorite sides. I recommend serving with shredded cabbage/lettuce tossed with thousand island or your dressing of choice.