If you are looking for a dish that combines mouthwatering crispiness with tender, juicy chicken, this Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine golden, perfectly breaded chicken breasts cooked to perfection in the air fryer using just a fraction of the oil you’d normally need—making it not only delicious but lighter too. Paired with a tangy homemade katsu sauce and your favorite sides, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the key to achieving that irresistible crispy texture and balanced flavor in your Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the seasoning that enhances the chicken to the panko that delivers the signature crunch.
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs: Butterflied and pounded for even cooking and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season and enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Helps the coating stick and creates a light, crispy base.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue to hold the panko breadcrumbs onto the chicken.
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that give the chicken its signature crunch.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides the perfect crispness without heavy frying.
- Optional Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce: A harmonious blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to dip your chicken in a burst of flavor.
How to Make Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts or thighs on a cutting board. To ensure tenderness and even cooking, gently pound the meat with the back of a knife or a meat mallet until it is about half an inch thick. This creates a perfect surface for our crispy coating. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, setting the stage for flavor to shine through.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with cornstarch, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the cornstarch to create a dry surface, then dip it into the egg to moisten, and finally coat it generously with panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process is vital to achieving that classic crunch you crave in this Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe.
Step 3: Air Frying the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer; overcrowding can prevent the crispiness we aim for. Lightly spray or drizzle about one tablespoon of vegetable oil over the top of each piece to help develop that golden crust. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes for larger pieces, flipping halfway through and adding a bit more oil before finishing. If your chicken pieces are smaller, 6 to 7 minutes per side will perfectly cook them through without drying out.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit—this guarantees your chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the basket and slice into strips ready for serving. You are now moments away from tasting the magic of this Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right garnishes elevates this dish beyond just a crispy chicken meal. Freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add vibrant color and a delicate nutty crunch, while a wedge of lemon brings a refreshing zing that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or sticky Japanese rice, which absorbs the delicious tonkatsu sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or a fresh cucumber salad that offers a crisp, cooling contrast to the savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning your chicken katsu into a tasty sandwich with crusty bread and tangy slaw, or serve it atop a bowl of fragrant ramen or udon noodles for a comforting twist. Don’t shy away from stacking sliced katsu on colorful lettuce leaves for an inviting appetizer platter. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your chicken katsu tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating holds up well and the chicken stays juicy when properly stored.
Freezing
Chicken katsu freezes beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. Arrange cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen chicken katsu will keep well up to 2 months without losing that delightful crunch when reheated.
Reheating
Your best bet for reheating leftover chicken katsu is back in the air fryer or oven to revive the crispiness. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, checking to ensure it’s warmed through but not dried out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be more forgiving during cooking because they retain moisture well, making your Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe even juicier.
Do I really need to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are key to the signature crunch of chicken katsu. They’re lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which means crispier results, especially when cooked in the air fryer.
Can I make the tonkatsu sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the homemade tonkatsu sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes your busy weeknights even quicker and easier!
What if my air fryer basket isn’t large enough for both pieces at once?
No worries! Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring each piece lies flat without overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring maximum crispness.
Is this recipe suitable for someone watching their oil intake?
Definitely. Using an air fryer with just a few tablespoons of oil dramatically reduces the fat compared to traditional frying methods, making this Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the crunch and flavor of this Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe that makes it a cornerstone dish to have in your recipe box. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese, Korean
Description
This Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs coated in panko breadcrumbs and cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer with minimal oil. Serve with a homemade tonkatsu sauce for a delicious Japanese-Korean inspired meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Katsu
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (or as needed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or as needed)
- ½ cup cornstarch (or as needed)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Optional Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2.5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
- 1 ⅛ teaspoons white granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare and tenderize chicken: On a cutting board, butterfly the chicken breasts or thighs. Using the back of your knife or a meat mallet, tenderize the meat until it is flattened to about ½ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with cornstarch, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Generously coat each piece of chicken first in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and thorough coating.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Place one or both pieces of chicken into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Add oil: Spray or drizzle about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil evenly over the chicken pieces on the first side.
- Air fry first side: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 9 minutes. For smaller-sized chicken pieces (around 6×3 inches), reduce cooking time to 6-7 minutes on this side.
- Flip and oil second side: Remove the basket, flip the chicken over, and spray or drizzle another tablespoon of oil on top.
- Air fry second side: Continue cooking at 350°F for an additional 7-9 minutes, or 5-7 minutes for smaller pieces, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make tonkatsu sauce: While chicken cooks, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl to create the tonkatsu sauce.
- Serve: Remove chicken from air fryer, slice into strips, and serve with the homemade tonkatsu sauce alongside rice and your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are flattened evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust cooking times depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
- Vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives can be used to keep the sauce vegetarian-friendly.
