What To Know
- Pound the chicken slices lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to tenderize them.
- Top a bowl of steamed rice with crispy chicken katsu, eggs, and a drizzle of katsu sauce.
- Store the chicken katsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Craving the crispy, golden-brown crunch of chicken katsu without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This versatile appliance makes it a breeze to enjoy this Japanese delicacy in the comfort of your own home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
- Vegetable oil spray
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into thin slices (about 1/2 inch thick).
- Pound the chicken slices lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to tenderize them.
Step 2: Create the Katsu Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and sake (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken slice into the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the chicken into the eggs, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
- Place the breaded chicken slices in the basket, leaving some space between them.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve with Katsu Sauce
- Brush the cooked chicken slices with the prepared katsu sauce.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, shredded cabbage, or pickled ginger.
Tips for the Perfect Crunch:
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
- Pound the chicken slices evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Spray the chicken slices with oil before air frying to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Variations:
- Chicken Katsu Curry: Serve the chicken katsu with a flavorful Japanese curry sauce.
- Chicken Katsu Sando: Create a mouthwatering sandwich by layering chicken katsu, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce on toasted bread.
- Chicken Katsu Don: Top a bowl of steamed rice with crispy chicken katsu, eggs, and a drizzle of katsu sauce.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I use other breading options?
Yes, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
2. What sides go well with chicken katsu?
Steamed rice, shredded cabbage, pickled ginger, miso soup, and Japanese curry are all great accompaniments.
3. How do I store leftover chicken katsu?
Store the chicken katsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer or oven before serving.
