Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Enjoy crispy, golden-brown Air Fryer Chicken Katsu without deep frying. Juicy, tender chicken is coated in crunchy panko and served with a sweet and tangy homemade katsu sauce. A quick, healthier take on a Japanese classic—perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Katsu Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbs soy sauce
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs sherry
- 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
- 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare the Katsu Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
Season the Chicken
- Place the chicken breast halves on a clean surface and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare two shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In the second bowl, add the panko bread crumbs.
Bread the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Then coat it in panko bread crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere. Repeat the process a second time (egg > panko) for an extra crispy texture.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken, spray the other side with cooking spray, and continue cooking for another 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice and Serve
- Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into strips. Serve immediately with the prepared katsu sauce and enjoy.
Notes
How to Make It Gluten-Free
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to maintain the same depth of flavor.
- Panko Replacement: Opt for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a similar crispy texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce Alternative: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, or substitute it with a mix of balsamic vinegar and a dash of anchovy paste for a similar umami depth.