Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 0.5 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sherry; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally; 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs; cooking spray

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Katsu Sauce

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 cups panko bread crumbs
Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and get everything ready to cook.

Step 2: Prepare the katsu sauce by whisking together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Set the katsu sauce aside.

Step 3: Preheat an air fryer to 350F (175C).

Step 4: While the air fryer is heating, prepare the chicken. Lay the chicken pieces on a clean surface and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 5: In one shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a second shallow dish, pour the panko bread crumbs.

Step 6: Dredge each piece of chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat it with the panko bread crumbs. For extra crunch, repeat this step by dipping the chicken back in the egg and coating it again with breadcrumbs, pressing down to ensure they stick well.

Step 7: Once the chicken is coated, place the pieces in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 8: Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken using a spatula and spray the tops again with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 9: Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice the chicken into pieces.

Step 11: Serve the chicken with the prepared katsu sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	318
Total Fat	7g (9%)
Saturated Fat	2g (10%)
Cholesterol	158mg (53%)
Sodium	1164mg (51%)
Total Carbohydrate	41g (15%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	11g
Protein	32g (64%)
Vitamin C	5mg (6%)
Calcium	39mg (3%)
Iron	2mg (10%)
Potassium	392mg (8%)

Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce

Origin of Chicken Katsu

Chicken katsu, a beloved Japanese dish, has its roots in the European tradition of breaded and fried meat, most notably the "cutlet" style of cooking popularized in 19th-century France. The Japanese adaptation, known as "katsu," was influenced by the Western method of breading meat and frying it. Traditionally, katsu is made with pork (tonkatsu), but over time, chicken became a popular variation. The word "katsu" comes from the Japanese term "katsuretsu," which means "cutlet," further emphasizing the dish's European origins.

Regional Differences in Katsu

While chicken katsu is enjoyed across Japan, regional differences do exist. In some parts of Japan, the katsu may be served with a variety of side dishes such as shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice. In contrast, in other regions, the katsu might be served with curry, creating the beloved "katsu curry" combination. The sauce, often referred to as "katsu sauce," may also vary in sweetness and thickness depending on the region, with some areas preferring a richer, spicier version, while others opt for a milder taste.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Though chicken katsu shares similarities with other breaded fried chicken dishes, it stands out because of the unique "panko" breadcrumbs used for coating. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a crispier, crunchier texture. Unlike Southern fried chicken, which is typically deep-fried in oil, katsu is often pan-fried or air-fried, giving it a lighter feel while still maintaining that satisfying crunch. The katsu sauce also sets this dish apart, with its sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

Where is Chicken Katsu Served?

Chicken katsu is a popular dish in Japanese restaurants worldwide and is often featured in casual dining spots. It is commonly served as a main course alongside a generous serving of rice and sometimes with pickled vegetables or salad. In Japan, chicken katsu is also a popular choice for bento boxes, making it a convenient and satisfying meal for people on the go. The dish can be found at many Westernized Japanese fast-food chains and fusion restaurants as well.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Katsu

1. Chicken katsu is often mistaken for "fried chicken," but its made with a unique breading process and is typically served with katsu sauce.

2. The Japanese "katsu" dish can also be made with other proteins, such as pork or beef, with tonkatsu (pork cutlet) being the most common variation.

3. The word "katsu" is also a homophone for "victory" in Japanese, making the dish a popular choice to celebrate wins or successes, especially in schools or sports events.

4. In recent years, the rise of air fryers has made preparing katsu at home easier and healthier, offering a crispy finish without deep-frying in oil.

Whether you are enjoying it in a restaurant or preparing it at home, air fryer chicken katsu with homemade katsu sauce offers a delicious and convenient way to savor this classic Japanese dish with a modern twist!

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FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce Recipe

Store any leftover chicken katsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer or in a heated skillet for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken katsu. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and air fry for a few minutes to crisp up.

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If using tofu, make sure to press out excess moisture before breading to ensure a crispy texture.

Absolutely! You can fry the chicken in a skillet with about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the crispiness.

To add spice to your katsu sauce, you can incorporate a bit of chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Yes, you can prepare the breading mixture (eggs and panko) ahead of time. Store the beaten eggs in the refrigerator and the panko breadcrumbs in an airtight container. Coat the chicken just before cooking to keep the breading fresh.

To adjust for fewer servings, simply halve the ingredients for both the chicken and katsu sauce. The cooking time should remain roughly the same for smaller batches in the air fryer.

Yes, the katsu sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

While it’s not strictly necessary, double dipping the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crispier coating. If you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip this step, but it may result in a less crispy texture.

Comments

WORLDOPP

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was delicious! I already had katsu sauce so I only tried the chicken so far, but it was PERFECT!

Dan Romaniak

12/08/2023 01:34:32 AM

I followed the recipe. A couple things of note. You want to dread the chicken twice to give it a good coating. Second, you may want to consider warming up the sauce to help cook the garlic. I would also season the chicken a bit more. It was a little bland but the sauce was key to adding flavor.

DLMiller

11/16/2023 02:04:51 AM

Wanted something simple to try with our recently purchased air fryer. This fit the bill and turned out well for a first go at air frying. The Katsu sauce was good. We don't keep sherry on hand so I used red wine vinegar (reduced amount) and added a bit more brown sugar. I missed the part about double dipping the chicken with the egg and panko. That was probably why the chicken didn't look as evenly coated as the ones in the pictures. Will do that next time.

Rauly Geez

09/06/2020 10:09:01 PM

This is such a amazing recipe I doubled the recipe did half in the air fryer& half in grapeseed oil on the stove. They both turned out amazing I couldn’t even tell the difference between the two neither could my party. I made this two weeks ago I’m making it again, I have the whole neighborhood raving about my chicken katsu

Allrecipes Member

01/16/2021 04:56:20 PM

This was delicious. My first time cooking with the air fryer. The sauce definitely makes the recipe. I made 3x the sauce and we used it for other dishes.

JovialKelp7711

05/08/2023 08:35:25 PM

I really liked the recipe as a base. The preparation and cooking of the chicken was great. I tried both the single and the double dip into the egg and breadcrumbs, but I did oven cook the chicken as well as air fry, just to make sure it was cooked. For the sauce I added curry powder for more of a curry flavour.

Melissa Warner

01/09/2021 03:44:24 PM

I liked this! A great sauce to go on top. I don't have an air fryer so I fried it in a skillet and I think it worked just fine. I bought the chicken thinly sliced horizontally already which was nice to start with. I didn't submerge in oil so thinly sliced was important so it didn't burn too much.

Brian Kim

03/05/2020 12:40:36 PM

My Air Fryer is kind of powerful, so I had to reduce the time to 16 minutes (8, flip and spray, then 8) at 350. Sometimes 14 for smaller batches. Good recipe, but without the sauce, it was a bit too bland. Adding stuff like garlic powder, ginger powder, and/or a bit of sake might not be bad.

sumermeyer

04/09/2020 07:44:11 PM

Super easy and delicious recipe! I ended up air frying at 400 for 20 minutes, flipping half way. I needed the extra time and temperature to get the browning.

Majama

01/15/2022 08:35:17 AM

The breading of my chicken was still a bit undercooked after the cooking time so I tried 4 mins at 400F. Easy to make for my 1st time with an airfryer. I would try it again. Next time, go light on the egg and panko mix, just do once not twice. Chicken was bit dry but still good.

Laura Sanchez

04/03/2025 11:37:22 PM

Made it for friends, they were obsessed.

Victoria Dumon

11/16/2024 04:09:55 AM

Bland sauce, tastes like ketchup. Tender chickenbut agajn bland. Great recipe if you suffer from stomach ulcers or you like London cooking.

Carol Diaz

08/19/2024 11:45:23 PM

Can’t believe it turned out this good.

Christine Turner

05/03/2024 03:36:51 AM

Made it today — instant hit! 🤤

James Roberts

04/21/2024 10:09:28 PM

This is legit one of the best things I’ve cooked in months.

SnappyFork1687

01/15/2024 01:24:02 AM

Great recipe

Karen Smith

12/18/2023 02:32:09 PM

Easy to make, had to cook a few minutes longer, overall enjoyed the flavor.

ftcake

07/03/2023 11:32:38 PM

This is an easy dinner and also in the comfort food category in my opinion. Made some Vermont curry, jasmine rice, and a Japanese cabbage salad to go along with it.

Carol Cruz

03/14/2023 04:04:21 PM

Such a pleasant surprise!

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Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce Recipe