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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), following the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
  2. 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.
  3. Lay a piece of parchment or waxed paper, approximately 15 inches long, onto a platter or cutting board.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.