How To Make Chicken Katsu In Air Fryer

Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to make chicken katsu? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make chicken katsu using an air fryer. Air fryers have become extremely popular in recent years for their ability to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier and crispy dishes. Chicken katsu, a Japanese dish made of breaded and fried chicken, is no exception. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of this popular dish without the guilt.

To make chicken katsu in an air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and your choice of seasoning. The panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving the crispy texture that chicken katsu is known for. You can find them in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Additionally, you can add your favorite spices or herbs to the seasoning mixture to give your chicken katsu a unique flavor.

The first step in making chicken katsu is to prepare the chicken breasts. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about half an inch. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken cook evenly in the air fryer. Once the chicken is ready, season it with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside. Place the flour and panko breadcrumbs in two separate shallow dishes.

Now it’s time to bread the chicken. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping the chicken into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the chicken. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the breading adhere better during cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once it’s hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces for air to circulate and cook them evenly. Cook the chicken katsu for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. If needed, you can cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Serve the chicken katsu with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and your favorite katsu sauce. Enjoy your homemade chicken katsu that is crispy, flavorful, and healthier thanks to the air fryer!

What is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlets. The word “katsu” is derived from the English word “cutlet,” and it has become synonymous with this dish in Japan.

The chicken cutlets used in Chicken Katsu are typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They are pounded thin, dipped in flour, egg wash, and then coated with panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

The result is a perfectly fried chicken cutlet with a crunchy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Chicken Katsu is often served with a rich and savory sauce called tonkatsu sauce, which is similar to Worcestershire sauce but with a sweeter and fruitier flavor.

Chicken Katsu is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or used as a topping for dishes like curry or ramen. It is a favorite among both children and adults and is often served in Japanese restaurants and home kitchens.

Ingredients for Chicken Katsu:

Chicken breasts or thighs
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Tonkatsu sauce for serving

Instructions:

Start by pounding the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness.
In separate shallow dishes, place flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to adhere.
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken katsu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with tonkatsu sauce and enjoy!

Chicken Katsu made in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires less oil but still results in a crispy and delicious dish. If you’re looking to enjoy a homemade Chicken Katsu without the guilt, give the air fryer method a try!

Benefits of Using Air Fryer to Make Chicken Katsu

The air fryer is an excellent kitchen appliance for making chicken katsu. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to make this delicious dish:

1. Healthier Cooking Option:

Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It requires little to no oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your chicken katsu. This makes it a great option for those who are looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

2. Crispy Texture:

One of the best features of using an air fryer is that it can produce a crispy texture on your chicken katsu without the need for deep frying. The hot air circulates around the food, creating a golden and crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

3. Faster Cooking Time:

Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens or stovetop methods. Chicken katsu can be cooked in an air fryer in just a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven or on a stovetop. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals or families.

4. Easy to Use and Clean:

Air fryers are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal supervision. Simply place your breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, set the desired temperature and time, and let the appliance do the work. Cleaning is also a breeze, as most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe.

5. Versatility:

With an air fryer, you can not only make chicken katsu but also a variety of other dishes. From french fries and onion rings to fish and vegetables, an air fryer can handle it all. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Overall, using an air fryer to make chicken katsu offers numerous benefits, including healthier cooking, a crispy texture, faster cooking time, ease of use and cleaning, and versatility. Give it a try and enjoy this tasty Japanese dish with a healthier twist!

Ingredients for Chicken Katsu

To make delicious Chicken Katsu in the air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

For the chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey

These ingredients will give your Chicken Katsu a crispy coating with a flavorful sauce to complement the dish. Be sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Steps to Make Chicken Katsu in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them until they are about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
In another dish, beat eggs with a fork until well blended.
Place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated on both sides.
Shake off any excess flour, then dip the chicken into the beaten eggs.
Allow the excess egg to drip off, then coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Place the breaded chicken breasts into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve the chicken katsu with steamed rice, tonkatsu sauce, and a side of vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade chicken katsu made with the help of an air fryer!

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Katsu

Chicken katsu is a delicious and popular Japanese dish that is loved for its crispy breaded exterior and tender chicken inside. When making chicken katsu in an air fryer, you can achieve the same level of crispiness without the need for deep frying. Here are some tips to help you make perfectly crispy chicken katsu in your air fryer.

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that signature crispy texture in chicken katsu. These Japanese breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a light and airy coating. Coat the chicken in flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs for the best results.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

To ensure that your chicken katsu cooks evenly and gets crispy all over, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. This helps to create a hot and even cooking environment that will give you that perfect golden-brown crust. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature for frying chicken, usually around 400°F (200°C).

3. Spray or Brush with Oil

While the air fryer does provide a healthier way to cook chicken katsu, it’s still important to use some oil to help the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up. You can either spray the chicken with oil or use a pastry brush to lightly coat it before placing it in the air fryer. This will help give your chicken katsu that irresistible crunch.

4. Flip Halfway Through Cooking

To ensure that both sides of your chicken katsu get crispy, it’s important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and promote even browning on both sides. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the chicken, being mindful not to disturb the coating.

By following these tips, you can make perfectly crispy chicken katsu in your air fryer. Serve it with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce for a complete and delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Katsu

Chicken Katsu is a delicious Japanese dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your Chicken Katsu experience:

Rice and Salad Combo

Serve your Chicken Katsu alongside a bowl of steamed rice and a refreshing salad. The combination of the crispy chicken cutlet, fluffy rice, and fresh greens creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Katsu Curry

If you’re a fan of spicy and savory dishes, serve your Chicken Katsu with a side of katsu curry. This rich and thick curry sauce adds a depth of flavor to the crispy chicken. Make sure to drizzle the curry sauce over the cutlet for an explosion of taste.

Tonkatsu Sauce

For a traditional and tangy taste, pair your Chicken Katsu with some tonkatsu sauce. This thick, sweet, and savory sauce complements the chicken perfectly. Serve it on the side or drizzle it over the cutlet for an extra burst of flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even mayonnaise. Additionally, you can garnish your Chicken Katsu with some finely chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.

Get creative with your sides and toppings to make your Chicken Katsu meal even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer traditional pairings or want to try something new, these suggestions are sure to elevate your Chicken Katsu experience. Enjoy!