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Mouth Watering Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
Introduction
Craving a crispy and flavorful Japanese dish? This Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried favorite. Chicken katsu, known for its crunchy breadcrumb coating and tender, juicy meat, is a hit with both kids and adults. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same satisfying crunch without all the excess oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Katsu:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Katsu Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation:
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station:
In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Breading the Chicken:
Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Press the chicken breast into the panko breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly and pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
Cooking:
Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Making the Katsu Sauce:
Prepare the Katsu Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, mirin (if using), Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
Serving:
Serve the Chicken Katsu:
Slice the cooked chicken katsu into strips.
Serve the chicken hot with the katsu sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips and Variations
Chicken Alternatives: Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Panko Substitutes: If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed white rice, a side of cabbage salad, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe offers a healthier way to enjoy a beloved Japanese dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. The air fryer ensures the chicken remains juicy on the inside while achieving a perfect golden crust on the outside. Paired with a tangy katsu sauce, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it's a great addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy the delicious taste of chicken katsu with less guilt and more crunch!
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home!
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