Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe with Tangy Homemade Sauce
Are you ready to experience a delightful fusion of textures and flavors? Introducing the Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce, a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and paired with a tangy, sweet sauce that ties everything together. This recipe transforms a Japanese classic into a convenient, healthier version that doesn’t skimp on taste. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Table of Contents
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
Notes on Ingredients
This recipe uses simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a memorable dish:
- Katsu Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious blend of ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Each component adds a layer of complexity, making the sauce sweet, tangy, and rich.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, ensuring they cook evenly and remain juicy. Panko bread crumbs provide an unmatched crispiness that’s hard to resist.
- Additional Ingredients: Salt and pepper enhance the chicken’s natural flavor, while eggs and cooking spray help achieve that perfect golden crust.
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both satisfying and versatile, suitable for serving over rice or alongside a fresh salad.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
- Gather the Ingredients: Assemble all necessary components to streamline the cooking process.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic until the sugar dissolves. Set this delightful katsu sauce aside.
- Season the Chicken: Lay the chicken pieces on a clean surface and season with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Place panko bread crumbs in a separate dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for an extra-crispy coating, pressing down to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces in the fryer basket, spraying the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and spray again. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice it into strips. Serve with the homemade katsu sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Serve the Air Fryer Chicken Katsu over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the sauce to seep into the grains, enhancing every bite. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Proper storage ensures your chicken katsu remains delicious for future meals:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken katsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep the sauce separate.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for sherry in the sauce?
A splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar will add a similar tanginess to the sauce if sherry is unavailable.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs to cater to dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Press the panko firmly onto the chicken, and ensure the egg wash covers the entire piece to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The crispiness of the chicken coupled with the tangy, sweet sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
Ingredients
Katsu Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sherry
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Chicken:
- 1 pound 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
- Gather the ingredients.
- Prepare sauce: Whisk ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic together in a bowl until sugar has dissolved. Set katsu sauce aside. Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Meanwhile, lay chicken pieces on a clean work surface. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a flat dish or shallow bowl. Pour bread crumbs into a second flat dish. Dredge chicken pieces in egg and then in bread crumbs. Repeat by dredging chicken in egg and then bread crumbs again, pressing down so the bread crumbs stick to the chicken.
- Place chicken pieces in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip chicken pieces over using a spatula and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice. Serve with katsu sauce.
