Air Fryer Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
Air Fryer Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
Ingredients
For the Pork Cutlets
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, about 1/2 inch thick, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- as needed vegetable oil spray
For Serving
- 1/2 cup tonkatsu sauce
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: Pat the pork loin chops dry with paper towels. Make several shallow cuts along the edges of each chop to prevent curling during air frying. Pound each chop evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan. Season both sides of the pork with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, pour the beaten eggs. In the third dish, spread the panko breadcrumbs.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Bread the pork: Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer it to the panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko firmly onto both sides of the pork chop to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat for all chops.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Chill the breaded pork: Place the breaded pork chops on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the panko adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
⏱️ 30 min
- 5
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 6
Air fry the tonkatsu: Place 1-2 breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the top of the pork chops with vegetable oil spray. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chops, spray the other side with oil, and continue to air fry for another 7-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C). Repeat with remaining chops.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
Rest and serve: Remove the cooked tonkatsu from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Slice each tonkatsu into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange on plates with shredded cabbage and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with tonkatsu sauce.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Air Fryer Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
For the Pork Cutlets
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, about 1/2 inch thick, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- as needed vegetable oil spray
For Serving
- 1/2 cup tonkatsu sauce
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: Pat the pork loin chops dry with paper towels. Make several shallow cuts along the edges of each chop to prevent curling during air frying. Pound each chop evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan. Season both sides of the pork with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, pour the beaten eggs. In the third dish, spread the panko breadcrumbs.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Bread the pork: Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer it to the panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko firmly onto both sides of the pork chop to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat for all chops.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Chill the breaded pork: Place the breaded pork chops on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the panko adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
⏱️ 30 min - 5
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 6
Air fry the tonkatsu: Place 1-2 breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the top of the pork chops with vegetable oil spray. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chops, spray the other side with oil, and continue to air fry for another 7-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C). Repeat with remaining chops.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
Rest and serve: Remove the cooked tonkatsu from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Slice each tonkatsu into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange on plates with shredded cabbage and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with tonkatsu sauce.
⏱️ 5 min