Can You Make Chicken Katsu In An Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you probably know and love Chicken Katsu. This breaded and deep-fried chicken dish is incredibly delicious and has gained popularity all over the world. However, traditional Chicken Katsu recipes require a considerable amount of oil for frying, which can be a bit of a turn off for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of this dish.

But fear not, because you can actually make Chicken Katsu in an air fryer! Using an air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy and golden exterior that we all crave, but with significantly less oil. This means you can enjoy the same mouthwatering taste of Chicken Katsu, but with a healthier twist!

Using an air fryer to make Chicken Katsu is also incredibly convenient. With its rapid air circulation technology, an air fryer evenly cooks the chicken, ensuring that it’s tender and juicy on the inside while still achieving that perfect crunch on the outside. Plus, it cuts down on cooking time, making it a great option for quick and easy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

So, if you’re looking to satisfy your cravings for Chicken Katsu while still maintaining a healthier lifestyle, give the air fryer a try. You won’t be disappointed with the results. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying a plate of crispy, flavorful Chicken Katsu right in the comfort of your own home – guilt-free!

How to Cook Chicken Katsu in an Air Fryer

If you love the crispy and crunchy texture of chicken katsu, but want to make a healthier version at home, using an air fryer is a great option. Air frying allows you to achieve the same crispy results as deep frying, but with much less oil. Follow these simple steps to make delicious chicken katsu in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
On a flat surface, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate dishes.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they adhere to all sides.
Place the breaded chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Chicken katsu is typically served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of steamed rice and shredded cabbage. Enjoy your homemade chicken katsu, guilt-free!

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Serves
10 minutes	15 minutes	25 minutes	2 servings

What is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlets. The word “katsu” in Japanese refers to a cutlet that is dipped in egg, coated with breadcrumbs, and then fried until crispy. It is similar to the western dish “chicken schnitzel” or the Japanese dish “tonkatsu” (which is made with pork instead of chicken).

The chicken for Chicken Katsu is typically pounded thin to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. It is then seasoned with salt and pepper before being dipped in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. The breaded chicken is then deep-fried until golden brown and cooked through.

Chicken Katsu is often served with a thick and tangy sauce called “tonkatsu sauce,” which is made from Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients. It is commonly garnished with shredded cabbage and accompanied by a side of rice.

Origins

Chicken Katsu is believed to have originated from the Western dish “chicken schnitzel,” which was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century during the Meiji era. As Japan embraced Western cuisine, the dish was adapted to use local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the creation of Chicken Katsu.

Variations

While Chicken Katsu traditionally uses chicken breast, there are variations that use other proteins such as pork, beef, or even seafood. Additionally, some variations may incorporate different seasonings or sauces to add unique flavors.

Chicken Katsu has gained popularity not only in Japan but also worldwide. Its crispy and flavorful nature makes it a favorite among people of all ages, and it is commonly found in Japanese restaurants and bento boxes.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken Katsu in an Air Fryer

Chicken Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that typically involves deep-frying breaded chicken cutlets. However, using an air fryer to cook Chicken Katsu can offer several benefits:

1. Healthier Option

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, reducing the need for excessive oil. By using an air fryer for Chicken Katsu, you can enjoy a healthier version of this delicious dish with less fat and fewer calories. It’s a great alternative for those looking to make healthier choices without sacrificing taste.

2. Convenience and Ease

Using an air fryer to cook Chicken Katsu is much more convenient and easier than traditional frying methods. Simply prepare the breaded chicken cutlets, place them in the air fryer basket, and set the cooking temperature and time. The air fryer does all the work, providing a hassle-free cooking experience.

Additionally, air fryers are compact and do not require much counter space, making them ideal for those with small kitchens or limited storage options.

3. Crispy Texture

Despite using less oil, cooking Chicken Katsu in an air fryer can still result in a crispy and golden-brown crust. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps achieve a crunchy exterior, similar to the traditional deep-frying method.

Whether you’re a fan of the crunchy texture or simply prefer a lighter coating on your Chicken Katsu, using an air fryer can provide the perfect balance.

In conclusion, cooking Chicken Katsu in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including a healthier option with less oil, convenience and ease of use, and a crispy texture. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful Japanese dish with all its deliciousness and a healthy twist!

Ingredients for Chicken Katsu

Chicken Katsu is a delicious Japanese dish that can be made easily in an air fryer. Here are the ingredients you will need:

1. Chicken breast: You will need boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Make sure to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness before breading and frying.

2. Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in Chicken Katsu. They are light and airy, which gives the chicken a crispy texture.

3. Flour: Flour is used to coat the chicken before dipping it in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.

4. Eggs: Beaten eggs are used to create the egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

5. Salt and pepper: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper before breading and frying.

6. Oil spray: To achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer, it is recommended to lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil.

7. Tonkatsu sauce: Tonkatsu sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is traditionally served with Chicken Katsu. You can find it at Asian grocery stores or make your own.

8. Optional toppings: You can garnish your Chicken Katsu with green onions, sesame seeds, or shredded cabbage for added flavor and presentation.

With these simple ingredients, you can make a crispy and flavorful Chicken Katsu in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Chicken Katsu in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Cooking spray

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Tenderize the chicken breasts by pounding them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it completely.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken in the basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole. Serve with a side of rice, cabbage salad, and tonkatsu sauce.

Enjoy your homemade chicken katsu made in the air fryer!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Katsu

Chicken katsu is a delicious Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlets. While traditionally, this dish is deep-fried in oil, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy and flavorful results. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect chicken katsu in an air fryer.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

The key to a tender and juicy chicken katsu is selecting the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this dish as they are more flavorful and don’t dry out easily during cooking. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.

2. Pound the Chicken

Pounding the chicken helps to tenderize it and ensures even cooking. Place the chicken between two layers of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and result in a crispier coating.

3. Use Panko Breadcrumbs

To achieve that signature crispy and light texture, it’s essential to use panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and coarser compared to regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for creating a crunchy coating. You can find panko breadcrumbs in the Asian section of most grocery stores.

4. Don’t Forget to Preheat

Preheating the air fryer is crucial to ensure that the chicken katsu cooks evenly and gets that golden brown color. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature before adding the chicken.

5. Lightly Oil the Chicken

While the air fryer uses minimal oil, lightly spraying or brushing the chicken with oil helps to enhance the crispiness of the coating. You can use cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil on both sides of the chicken before adding it to the air fryer basket.

Following these tips and tricks will help you achieve a perfectly crispy and delicious chicken katsu in your air fryer. Serve it with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and some tonkatsu sauce for an authentic Japanese meal right at home!

Enjoying Your Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

Once your air fryer chicken katsu is cooked to perfection, it’s time to sit down and enjoy this delicious Japanese dish. Here are a few tips to make the most of your meal:

1.	Serve it hot: Enjoy your chicken katsu while it’s still hot and crispy. The air fryer ensures that your chicken stays moist on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside, so don’t wait too long before digging in!
2.	Sauce it up: Chicken katsu is traditionally served with a tangy and slightly sweet Japanese sauce called tonkatsu sauce. Drizzle this sauce over your chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. If you don’t have tonkatsu sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce as a tasty alternative.
3.	Pair it with rice: Chicken katsu is often enjoyed as a main dish with a side of steamed rice. The combination of crispy chicken and fluffy rice makes for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
4.	Add some veggies: To add freshness and color to your plate, serve your chicken katsu with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. Options like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work well to complement the flavors of the dish.
5.	Try a Japanese twist: For an authentic Japanese experience, serve your chicken katsu with a bowl of miso soup and a side of pickled vegetables known as tsukemono. These additions will elevate your meal and provide a taste of Japan.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your air fryer chicken katsu to the fullest. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its crispy texture and delightful flavors. So go ahead, grab your chopsticks, and savor each bite of your homemade chicken katsu!

Q&A

Can I make chicken katsu in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make chicken katsu in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.

How do I make chicken katsu in an air fryer?

To make chicken katsu in an air fryer, start by coating chicken breasts with flour, dipping them in beaten eggs, and then coating them with panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is chicken katsu cooked in an air fryer as crispy as deep-fried?

While chicken katsu cooked in an air fryer may not be as crispy as deep-fried, it still achieves a satisfying crunch. The panko breadcrumbs help add texture to the chicken.

What are the advantages of cooking chicken katsu in an air fryer?

Cooking chicken katsu in an air fryer has several advantages. It uses less oil, making it a healthier option. It also eliminates the need for deep-frying, which can be messy and time-consuming. Additionally, an air fryer cooks the chicken katsu evenly and promotes a crispy exterior.