Chicken Katsu Air Fryer

This Chicken Katsu Air Fryer recipe delivers the beloved Japanese crispy chicken cutlet in a lighter, healthier way—without deep frying. Coated in golden panko breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, the chicken remains juicy inside and delightfully crunchy outside. Paired with shredded cabbage and creamy sesame dressing, it’s a simple, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese classic known for its crispy coating and tender meat. This air fryer version keeps all the flavor and texture you love, with less oil and fewer calories. It’s fast, family-friendly, and ideal for weeknight dinners. The addition of cabbage salad with a nutty sesame dressing adds freshness and balance to every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Katsu:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or a light brush of oil

For the Cabbage Salad:

• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or black sesame seeds

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground sesame seeds (or tahini)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.
3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air fry: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the breaded chicken in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil.
6. Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Prepare the salad: Toss the shredded cabbage with sesame seeds. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over cabbage.
8. Serve: Slice the chicken katsu and serve with the dressed cabbage. Optionally, add steamed rice or katsu sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 400–450 kcal per serving (depending on sauce and sides)

Variations

• Spicy Katsu: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing or serve with spicy mayo.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour.
• Tonkatsu Version: Substitute pork cutlets for a classic tonkatsu variation.
• Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
• Curry Pairing: Serve with Japanese curry for a hearty katsu curry meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Make sure to use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray both sides with oil before air frying.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

Bake in the oven or shallow-fry in a skillet with oil for a similar result.

Is katsu sauce necessary?

It adds great flavor, but you can substitute with tonkatsu sauce, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before air frying.

Can I freeze it?

Breaded, uncooked katsu can be frozen. Air fry from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to cooking time.

What sides go well with chicken katsu?

Shredded cabbage, steamed rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables are traditional pairings.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Panko is preferred for crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch.

What’s the best oil for spraying?

Use neutral oils like avocado, vegetable, or canola oil spray.

How thin should the chicken be?

About 1/2 inch or less ensures quick, even cooking and better crisping.

Conclusion

This Chicken Katsu Air Fryer recipe is a lighter, easier way to enjoy a beloved Japanese dish. With its crisp exterior, juicy interior, and creamy sesame cabbage salad, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies both comfort and health-conscious cravings. Quick enough for weeknights and impressive enough for company, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Chicken Katsu Air Fryer

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Crispy, golden Chicken Katsu made healthier in the air fryer—tender chicken cutlets coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, served with shredded cabbage and a savory sesame dressing.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or oil spray
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (for serving)
• Sesame dressing (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Spray the air fryer basket and the breaded chicken with cooking spray.
6. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
7. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with shredded cabbage and sesame dressing on the side.

Notes

• Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps with even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before breading.
• Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cutlet with cabbage
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 115mg