Air Fryer Pork Katsu
Introduction
Air Fryer Pork Katsu offers all the crispy, juicy delight of traditional Japanese tonkatsu but with a fraction of the oil, making it healthier and remarkably hassle-free. In just about 30 minutes, you can turn everyday pork into a golden, crunchy masterpiece—perfect for busy weeknights, impressive lunch bowls, or an easy crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Pork Katsu
By air frying instead of deep frying, you achieve a feather-light, crisp coating that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. The breaded pork stays juicy inside while turning deeply golden and crunchy on the outside, rivalling any restaurant version. Serve it sliced atop rice or salad for a stunning and satisfying meal.
The Secret to the Perfect Katsu Crust
Success hinges on your breading prep. Start by pounding pork cutlets evenly—a Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer can streamline prep for any side salads or veggies you want to pair with the katsu. Dip the pork in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs, pressing for a thick, even coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
Pro tip: Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork with an YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer for Cooking to ensure a rich, golden finish in the air fryer, mimicking the classic deep-fried effect.
Masterful Air Frying for the Perfect Katsu
Preheat your air fryer for the ultimate crunch—using a quality appliance like the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 ensures even cooking and super-crispy results. For effortless clean-up and to prevent breading from sticking, line the air fryer basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners before cooking.
Cook the katsu at 400°F, flipping halfway for a perfectly even crust. Finish with a drizzle of tangy tonkatsu sauce or a simple squeeze of lemon—both elevate the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Pork Katsu
Slice pork katsu into strips and serve over steamed rice, shredded cabbage, or in a bento-style salad. Use a Bamboo Cutting Board for safe and stylish slicing and presentation. Pair it with miso soup and pickles for an authentic, well-balanced meal.
Pack leftovers for lunch using a Bentgo Salad Container to keep your katsu crispy and your meal components fresh.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4, with each portion containing approximately 330–400 calories, depending on the size and fat content of your pork cutlets and the amount of oil used. Air frying reduces the overall fat, making this a lighter version of the classic comfort food.
Air Fryer Pork Katsu (Recap)
Air Fryer Pork Katsu transforms a traditional favorite into a lighter, quicker, and equally satisfying meal. The crisp, golden crust and juicy pork deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home—perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a meat mallet to pound pork cutlets to an even thickness (about ½ inch). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in panko, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 400°F. Line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking. Mist both sides of breaded pork cutlets lightly with a YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer for Cooking.
- Arrange cutlets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the exterior is golden brown and the interior reaches 145°F (check with a ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer).
- Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve immediately with your choice of tonkatsu sauce, cabbage, rice, or lemon wedges.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
