Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

5 from 16 votes

Jan 25, 2023

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – and the best part is that this AIR FRYER CHICKEN KATSU is just as good as the deep-fried version! Chicken Katsu is one of my most popular recipes, so I knew I had to get the air fryer version perfect! After testing multiple versions, this is the one I know you’ll love making at home!

Watch the Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe Video Below!

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (2)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

I love this chicken katsu recipe because only a few ingredients will make crispy, juicy chicken. Firstly, here are the ingredients you will need!

  • 4pieceschicken breast1/2 lb each, seasoned with salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/2cupflour
  • 1/4cupwateras needed to loosen wet batter
  • 2large eggs
  • 1/2tspkosher salt
  • 1/2tsppepper
  • 1tspgarlic powder
  • 2cupspanko breadcrumbs
  • neutral cooking oil spray

INGREDIENTS TIPS

CHICKEN
It is CRUCIAL that your chicken is flattened to ½” EVENLY – you want the chicken to cook evenly across and allow the panko to crisp up without burning. If you don’t have a meat mallet or tenderizer, use a heavy bottomed pan to flatten it!

PANKO BREADCRUMBS
Panko breadcrumbs are drier and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, so they absorb less oil and creates a light & crunchier crust. I do not recommend subbing these, as this is a key ingredient in this dish 🙁

NEUTRAL OIL COOKING SPRAY
I used avocado oil cooking spray (avocado oil is my go-to neutral cooking oil)! You can use another cooking oil spray, as long as it is NOT olive oil. I don’t recommend using olive oil spray for this dish, due to the flavor profile and low burning point.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu: Recipe Instructions

Season the chicken

The first step in making this recipe is pounding the chicken breast fillets into 1/2″ thick pieces. You want to ensure a thin cutlet so that the chicken will be cooked through in the air fryer in the same time the panko breadcrumbs become crispy! Next, season with kosher salt and black pepper and let rest while you make the wet batter. Make sure all the pieces are cut to similar sizes so they cook evenly.

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Make the wet batter dredge

Next, mix together eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to form a wet batter. Add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time until you get a consistency slightly looser than pancake batter. Dredge your chicken then immediately coat in panko breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (4)

Coat chicken in Panko Breadcrumbs

Transfer the dredged chicken to a tray lined with 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs. Evenly coat the chicken and use your hands to pack in the panko breadcrumbs so they stick to the chicken well.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (5)

Air Fry the chicken

Lay the chicken into the air fryer basket and give the top side a spray of neutral oil spray (enough to cover any dry spots from the panko breadcrumbs). Then air fry at 350F for 10 minutes. Give the chicken a flip, and spray the other side well, and air fry again at 350F for 4-6 minutes until the chicken is crispy!

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (6)

Serve immediately with rice and picked vegetables and katsu sauce – it’s a perfect quick weeknight meal that is so satisfying!

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (7)

RECIPE TIPS

DRY BRINING
This is the KEY tip for quick but JUICY chicken! Season the chicken with salt & pepper for 15 minutes before cooking to allow the salt absorb into the meat. This “dry brine” will result in crispy skin and juicy meat.

WET BATTER
This recipe is enough wet batter to coat 4 pieces of ½lb chicken breast fillets – you don’t want to skimp on the wet batter, so adjust your measurements if you are cooking more than 4 pieces of ½lb chicken breast fillets!

PANKO BREADCRUMBS
You want the panko breadcrumbs to really stick, as this is the crunchy texture you want! You need to really pack in the breadcrumbs when coating the chicken. After coating the chicken, let it REST for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

If you liked this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe, check out some of the most popular Air Fryer recipes on the blog!

  • Air Fryer Chicken Karaage
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Orange Chicken
  • Air Fryer General Tsos Chicken

5 from 16 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

By: Chris Joe

Servings: 4

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Save

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (8)

This easy 30 minute Air Fryer Chicken Katsu is super crispy and a lot less messy than deep frying! The chicken is super crispy and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken breast , 1/2 lb each, seasoned with salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup water, as needed to loosen wet batter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • neutral cooking oil spray

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Pound chicken breast to 1/2" thick filets and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside to dry brine while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

  • In a large wide bowl, mix together eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the consistency is slightly thinner than pancake batter (add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time until consistency is achieved).

  • In a separate tray, add panko breadcrumbs and set next to the wet batter.

  • Dip chicken breast in the egg mixture and let excess drip off. Immediately coat with panko and press the panko breadcrumbs into the filet to stick making sure to leave no dry spots.

  • Place into air fryer basket and lightly spray the top with a neutral oil spray (canola or avocado oil). Air fry at 350F for 10 minutes or until golden. Lightly spray the top again, flip, and spray the bottom side and continue cooking at 350F for 4-6 minutes or until the crust is golden and internal temp reads 165F.

  • Serve with rice, katsu sauce, pickled ginger and enjoy!

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (9)

About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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Air Fryer Chicken Katsu - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long does frozen breaded chicken take in the air fryer? ›

You don't need to use any oil in this recipe. I've never had the chicken breasts stick to the bottom. How long do you air fry breaded chicken breast? Cook frozen chicken breast for about 16 to 19 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket once at 8 minutes.

Why is my chicken tough in air fryer? ›

The #1 tip for the best chicken breasts in an air fryer is: Don't overcook them! Chicken breasts should be cooked to 160°F, but if you cook them all the way to that temperature in the air fryer, carryover cooking will take them beyond that temp and cause them to dry out.

How to crisp up breaded chicken in air fryer? ›

If you happen to own an air fryer, you can certainly reheat your fried chicken in its basket. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let the fried chicken come to room temperature. Next, arrange the fried chicken in a single layer and cook it for about four minutes, flipping it once to ensure even cooking.

What's the difference between chicken katsu and breaded chicken? ›

Only two things distinguish it. First, katsu must be made with panko crumbs (as opposed to European-style breaded cutlets, where panko may occasionally be called for but is not a requirement). And second, it must be served with katsu sauce.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Should I put foil in my air fryer for chicken? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Why isn't my chicken getting crispy in the air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Do you put oil on chicken in an air fryer? ›

Preheat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees, or the closest temperature setting to 360 degrees on your model. Brush then season both sides of the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and desired seasonings.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

Make Sure Your Food Is Dry

Especially if you're frying a recipe with a marinade, make sure you pat your food dry before putting it in the fryer. The drier your food is when it goes in, the crispier it'll be when it comes out.

Why is my breaded chicken not browning in air fryer? ›

Solution #2: Add a Little Fat. I know what you're probably thinking. “The whole point of an air fryer is to use less fat!” But consider this: Fat promotes browning and can help food to crisp up.

Why is chicken katsu so good? ›

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style chicken cutlet that is breaded and then fried. It comes out super crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy and tender on the inside. The chicken typically gets served with Tonkatsu Sauce. It's a Japanese sauce that's tangy, rich, and slightly sweet.

What is katsu sauce made of? ›

This sauce is the traditional Japanese accompaniment for tonkatsu — Japanese-style breaded pork cutlets. It's made from a specially balanced blend of applesauce, onion, tomato paste, carrots and traditionally brewed Kikkoman® Soy Sauce that adds flavor to meat and poultry.

Is chicken katsu just schnitzel? ›

Both are fried chicken preparations. Katsu is a Japanese recipe where the entire piece of chicken is breaded ( with other ingredients) and fried. Schnitzel is a boneless filet( I pound mine out) breaded ( again other ingredients ) and fried.

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in air fryer at 400 degrees? ›

Again, preheat your airfryer to 400℉ (200 ℃ ) cook for 5-7 minutes, and then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. As long as the pre-cooked chicken is fairly small, it should not take longer than 15 minutes to cook. If the cut of chicken is larger, like a breast, it may take 20-30 minutes.

How long to air fry frozen breaded fillets? ›

Place the frozen breaded fish fillet in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren't overlapping. No oil spray is needed. Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for 12 minutes.

Can you cook breaded frozen food in air fryer? ›

Among frozen foods, there are many options that cook perfectly in the air fryer. For example, anything pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized is a great choice. These include snacks and foods like dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs.

How long to heat breaded chicken in air fryer? ›

Depending on the size, you'll want to reheat fried chicken in the air fryer basket for about 5-7 minutes or up to 8-10 minutes. To make sure it's well reheated, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when perfectly cooked.

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