Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Introduction
Few dishes combine satisfying crunch and comforting flavor quite like Chicken Katsu. Air Fryer Chicken Katsu offers everything you love about the Japanese classic—juicy chicken, a crisp golden crust, and the signature tangy sauce—without the heaviness of deep frying. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, delivering incredible taste with minimal oil and mess.
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes it simple to achieve restaurant-worthy results at home.
Light & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu is all about balance: tender chicken enveloped in a shatteringly crisp panko coating, ready in half the time and with a fraction of the calories compared to traditional katsu. The secret is in using the right air fryer for even cooking and the right prep for maximum crunch.
Serve this over fluffy rice or alongside a cool cabbage salad for a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Simple, Sensational Coating and Sauce
The hallmark of great katsu is its crispy exterior. Achieve this by dredging chicken cutlets in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before air frying. For the most uniform and efficient prep work, quickly shred your cabbage using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for a classic garnish.
Want extra-crisp results and easy cleanup? Line your fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll (cut to fit), or opt for Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature if you prefer pre-cut liners.
Effortless Cooking with the Air Fryer
A quality air fryer makes all the difference: the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey delivers perfectly even cooking and accommodates multiple cutlets at once. Preheating ensures the chicken sears on contact and the coating crisps beautifully.
Generously mist the breaded chicken with oil spray just before air frying. To do this efficiently and evenly, try the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black—ensuring every inch gets golden.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Katsu sliced atop steamed rice, drizzled with a quick katsu sauce, and paired with thinly sliced cabbage for crunch. For easy, on-the-go lunches, pack leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep the katsu crispy and your sides fresh.
Looking to switch things up? Try using boneless pork or tofu cutlets for a twist, or add a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra kick.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields four portions, each generous enough for a main dish. Each serving is approximately 350–400 calories, depending on cutlet size and added sauce, with far less fat than deep-fried versions—a delicious, lighter alternative the whole family will love.
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu (Recap)
This Air Fryer Chicken Katsu delivers the satisfying crunch and savory flavor you crave, with less oil, no stovetop splatter, and restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, foolproof, and a proven star for both dinner and meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3 minutes. Line the basket with a sheet cut from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or use Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature for easier cleanup.
- Pat chicken cutlets dry. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat each cutlet in flour (shaking off excess), then dip into egg, then coat in panko, pressing to adhere.
- Generously spritz both sides of each cutlet with oil using the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black. Arrange cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), and the coating is deeply golden and crisp.
- While the chicken cooks, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to shred cabbage for serving.
- Let rest 2 minutes, then slice and serve with steamed rice, cabbage, katsu sauce, and optional garnishes like lemon wedges, sesame seeds, or scallions. For meal prep, store cooled cutlets in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container up to 3 days.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Enjoy crunchy, golden Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with less oil, less effort, and all the classic Japanese flavor!
