Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu
For a quick and delicious twist on a classic Japanese dish, try this air-fried pork tonkatsu. Traditional tonkatsu is deep-fried, but with this recipe, you’ll get crispy, golden-brown pork chops with a fraction of the effort and no oil to store.
The combination of panko breadcrumbs and a light spray of avocado oil gives the pork chops a satisfying crunch without the mess. Paired with simple sides like rice and shredded cabbage, this dish makes for a family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Although air fryers can’t replicate deep-frying perfectly, this method delivers a satisfying, healthier alternative. Serve with tangy tonkatsu sauce, or switch it up with your favorite barbecue sauce for a fun fusion twist.
Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu Ingredients
- Pork Sirloin Chops: The star of the dish, these tender cuts are perfect for achieving that satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for creating a light, crisp coating that transforms into golden perfection in the air fryer, adding texture and crunch without the oil.
- Eggs & Avocado Oil: This duo binds the breadcrumbs to the pork while adding a subtle richness, ensuring a beautifully crisp and moist result.
- Tonkatsu Sauce: This tangy, sweet sauce adds an authentic Japanese touch, balancing the savory pork with a burst of flavor.
- Savoy Cabbage: Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich pork, elevating the dish with a crisp, fresh element.
Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu
Recipe Tips
- Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To get a crispy coating, be sure to press the panko crumbs firmly onto the pork chops after dipping them in the egg mixture. This ensures that the crumbs adhere well, providing that signature crunch when air-fried. Also, don’t skip the avocado oil cooking spray—this helps the panko get golden brown and crisp in the air fryer. - Use Thin Pork Chops
For the best results, make sure to use pork chops that are about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness ensures the meat cooks evenly and quickly, giving you tender pork with a crisp exterior. If you can’t find pork sirloin chops, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. - Adjust Cooking Time Based on Air Fryer Brand
Every air fryer brand has a different heating performance, so be sure to keep an eye on the pork chops as they cook. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For best results, check the internal temperature, which should read 145°F (63°C).
What to Serve with Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu
- Steamed Rice
Serve your tonkatsu with a generous portion of steamed white or brown rice. The soft, fluffy rice complements the crunchy pork and helps balance the richness of the tonkatsu sauce. You can also use jasmine rice for an aromatic twist. - Shredded Cabbage Salad
A classic side for tonkatsu is a fresh cabbage salad. The light, crunchy texture of shredded Savoy cabbage is a perfect contrast to the fried pork. Toss it with a light dressing or just season with salt and vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. - Miso Soup
To round out your Japanese-inspired meal, serve a simple miso soup on the side. The warm, savory broth with tofu and seaweed adds depth to the dish, and its delicate flavor balances the richness of the tonkatsu, creating a harmonious meal.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of oil for the spray?
Yes! While avocado oil works well for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil spray if you prefer. - Can I make the tonkatsu sauce at home?
Absolutely! Homemade tonkatsu sauce can be made by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of mustard or garlic powder for extra flavor. - Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted for the pork chops. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time, as chicken may require a little longer to cook through. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pork tonkatsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain its crispy texture.
Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu
The combination of panko breadcrumbs and a light spray of avocado oil gives the pork chops a satisfying crunch without the mess. Paired with simple sides like rice and shredded cabbage, this dish makes for a family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Pork Sirloin Chops
- These tender pork sirloin chops approximately 1/4-inch thick, form the heart of this dish, ensuring a satisfying combination of juicy meat and crispy breading when air-fried.
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- The Japanese-style breadcrumbs deliver a light crispy coating that results in a perfectly crunchy texture, a key characteristic of traditional tonkatsu.
- Eggs & Avocado Oil
- A mixture of eggs avocado oil, and salt binds the breadcrumbs to the pork, ensuring an even coat and contributing to the crispy, golden exterior.
- Avocado Oil Cooking Spray
- This spray enhances browning and ensures the pork chops cook evenly in the air fryer contributing to the crisp texture without excessive oil.
- Savoy Cabbage
- Often paired with tonkatsu finely shredded Savoy cabbage offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the fried pork, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
- Tonkatsu Sauce
- A tangy flavorful sauce traditionally used with tonkatsu, it complements the crispy pork with a sweet and savory profile, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
- Cooked Rice Optional
- Though optional a side of steamed rice perfectly complements the meal, balancing the rich flavors and offering a comforting base to enjoy the tonkatsu.
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), following the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, avocado oil, and salt. Place the panko bread crumbs on a separate plate, ready for coating the pork chops.
- Lay a piece of parchment or waxed paper, approximately 15 inches long, onto a platter or cutting board.
- Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the panko crumbs. Press the crumbs onto the pork to ensure they adhere well, then set the coated chops aside on the parchment or waxed paper. Repeat this process until all the pork chops are evenly coated.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with the avocado oil cooking spray. Arrange 2 or 3 chops into the air fryer basket, depending on its size.
- Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip the chops and continue cooking until golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145°F (63°C), which will take about 5 minutes more. Transfer the chops to a plate and keep warm. Repeat the process for any remaining chops.
- Serve the air-fried tonkatsu alongside steamed rice, shredded Savoy cabbage, and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce.
Notes
Using cooking spray helps achieve an even golden-brown color on the pork. Tonkatsu sauce can be purchased at any Asian market, or you may opt to prepare it yourself. Alternatively, serve with your favorite barbecue sauce for a different flavor twist. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and capacity of your air fryer.
