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–+ servings
air fried chicken katsu with tonkatsu sauce

Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

Air Fryer chicken katsu is so easy to make, without the mess of deep-frying. In this recipe, panko breadcrumbs are toasted in a pan before coating the chicken to achieve an evenly crunchy outer coating.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Japanese
Servings 4 people

Equipment

Air Fryer
Non stick pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (I used avocado oil)
  • 1 pound chicken breasts (about 2 filets)
  • salt
  • ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • katsu sauce

Instructions
 

  • Start with toasting the panko bread crumbs. In a nonstick pan, add panko and cooking oil and heat the pan over medium heat. Occasionally stir the panko until it becomes golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, transfer panko to a shallow bowl, and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
    toasting panko crumbs
  • Next, pound the chicken to get it an even thickness. Take out one chicken breast, place on a cutting board, and lay down a piece of plastic wrap over top. Using a meat pounder or rolling pin, pound the chicken so it is an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Once flattened, cut the chicken breast in half. Repeat with the second chicken filet. You should have four pieces of chicken.
    pounding chicken breast with rolling pin
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This is the only seasoning for the chicken, so be generous.
    salt and pepper on chicken breast
  • Time to set up the dredging station. In a shallow dish, add flour. In a second shallow dish, combine eggs, water, and whisk. The third dish will have the reserved toasted panko bread crumbs.
    Take a chicken piece and coat it in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Lastly, dip the chicken into the toasted panko, coating evenly. Set the chicken aside, and repeat with the other chicken pieces until all are coated.
    flour, eggs, and panko
  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces on the Air Fryer basket. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes, flip the chicken and bake an additional 5 minutes.
    air frying chicken katsu
  • When the chicken is done, transfer to a cutting board and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve with rice, katsu sauce, and shredded cabbage. Enjoy!
    chicken katsu air fryer

Notes

  1. You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs or pork loins. 
  2. Toasting the panko beforehand is highly recommended. However, if you don't have time, you can bake them untoasted. However, be sure to spray the katsu with cooking spray on both sides before cooking. 
  3. If you don't have an Air Fryer, bake the katsu in the oven. Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. 
  4. Other ways to enjoy chicken katsu: in a sandwich, with Japanese curry, or with dashi and eggs (called katsudon). 
Keyword Air fryer
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