Craving a crispy, mouthwatering dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than Air Fryer Pork Katsu! This Japanese classic transforms juicy pork loin chops into golden, crunchy delights without the guilt of deep frying. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this delectable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pork loin chops
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- Tonakatsu sauce for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork loin chops. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the pork chops to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, beat the egg until well mixed. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each pork chop in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, press the pork chop into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated on both sides. Repeat this process for the second chop.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Spray the tops of the pork chops lightly with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Cook the pork katsu in the air fryer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chops over and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the pork katsu from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Serve the pork katsu with tonkatsu sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious air fryer pork katsu!
Tips
- Dry and Pound for Perfection: Make sure to pat your pork chops dry before pounding them to an even thickness. This not only helps the breading stick better but also ensures even cooking for tender results.
- Breading Station: Set up your breading station with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. This organized approach makes the breading process quick and efficient, leading to a perfectly coated chop every time.
- Don’t Rush the Preheat: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Take the time to let it reach 400°F (200°C) before adding your pork katsu.
- Spray for Success: A light spray of cooking oil on both the air fryer basket and the tops of the pork chops will help achieve that beautiful golden brown crust you’re aiming for.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe and delicious eating.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the cooked pork katsu rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serve with Style: Drizzle tonkatsu sauce over your pork katsu or serve it on the side for dipping. Add some shredded cabbage or a side of rice to complete this delightful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
