Air fryer pork katsu is something everyone should know how to make. There might be one too many steps to call this downright easy, but it’s honestly less awkward than deep frying, and much better for you too. It’s crispy, light and versatile – have I convinced you yet?
I started testing this air fryer version when I was testing the more traditional method – deep frying. Lets be honest here, it tastes amazing, but there only so much deep fried food we should eat.
This air fryer pork katsu is healthier, weeknight friendly, and doesn’t leave your kitchen, clothes, or hair smelling of greasy oil. That’s a win for me!
Air Fryer Pork Katsu Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 pork loin steaks
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 1 egg (mixed)
- 1 cup panko
- Spray on oil
How to Make Pork Katsu in the Air Fryer
- Prepare the pork by making small slits into the fat cap and tenderise (gently beat) using the back of a knife or a tenderising hammer.
- Season the pork with salt and let sit whilst you prepare the other ingredients.
- Arrange the egg, panko, and cornflour onto 3 separate trays. Use plates if you don’t have any trays.
- This step is best done one steak at a time. Start by coating the steak in cornflour, then egg, and finally the panko. Try to pack on as much panko on as you can.
- Spray thoroughly with a neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower will do) and cook in the air fryer on a high heat (approx 200) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway.
- Once golden and crispy, take out the katsu and serve however you like!
2 Tips for Making Pork Katsu in the Air Fryer
- Spray Oil. This ensures an even coating of oil which ensures maximum crispiness! I’ve tried other methods like coating the panko in oil first, but the spray is the best.
- Tenderising the pork. This is optional but it does make the pork softer as you are breaking down the tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panko is a Japanese breadcrumb made from white bread. It has a unique shape which doesn’t absorb up as much oil as a traditional breadcrumb, and also gives it a shatteringly crispy texture.
This air fryer pork kastu can be served in many ways – in katsu curry, as a salad topper, in a sandwich, or just with a side of rice and veggies!
Air Fryer Pork Katsu
Equipment
- 1 Oil Spray
Ingredients
- 2 pork loin steaks
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1 cup panko (approx)
- oil (in a spray bottle)
Instructions
- Make small slits into the fat cap of the pork and tenderise by using the back of a knife or a tenderising hammer.
- Season the pork with salt and let sit whilst you prepare the other ingredients.
- Arrange the egg, panko, and cornflour onto 3 separate trays or plates.
- Start by coating the steak in cornflour, then egg, and finally the panko.
- Spray thoroughly with a neutral oil and cook in the air fryer on a high heat (approx 200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway.
- Once golden and crispy, serve and enjoy!
Want More Easy Japanese Recipes?
Knowing how to make katsu can open up the doors to other easy and delicious Japanese dishes such as katsu sando, katsu curry, katsudon, all of which I aim to write recipes for soon. For now take a look at my other easy recipes like Ochazuke or these juicy Miso Chicken Thighs.
