Japanese Air-Fried Pork Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a Japanese version of deep-fried pork chops with a special tangy sauce. Though the air fryer will never duplicate a true deep-fried taste, the appliance is fast, cleanup is a breeze, and there is no used oil to store. Tonkatsu is usually served with raw cabbage, but use this handy air fryer technique, call it "fried pork chops", and serve with your family favorites. I won't tell them it's Japanese, if you don't!

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil

  • salt to taste

  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs

  • 2 pounds pork sirloin chops, about 1/4-inch thick

  • avocado oil cooking spray

  • 4 cups cooked rice (Optional)

  • 2 cups shredded Savoy cabbage, or to taste

  • ¼ cup tonkatsu sauce, or as needed (Optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.

  2. Stir together eggs, avocado oil, and salt in a small bowl. Place panko crumbs on a separate plate.

  3. Set a length of parchment or waxed paper about 15 inches long on a platter or cutting board.

  4. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, then turn chops in panko crumbs. Cover the top of the chop with crumbs and press down to encourage them to stick. Place coated chops on the prepared parchment or waxed paper. Repeat until all chops are coated with panko crumbs on both sides.

  5. Spray both sides of each pork chop with cooking spray and place 2 or 3 chops into the air fryer basket, depending on the size of the basket.

  6. Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 5 minutes more. Transfer chops to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining chops.

  7. Serve chops with rice, shredded Savoy cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce.

Cook's Notes:

Cooking spray is used to enhance browning.

Tonkatsu sauce can be purchased at any Asian market or you can make your own. Or you can serve the pork chops American-style with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Air fryer brands differ in performance and capacity. Total cooking time depends on the number of batches for your appliance.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

331 Calories
11g Fat
45g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 331
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 13%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 87mg 29%
Sodium 342mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 19g 39%
Vitamin C 6mg 6%
Calcium 30mg 2%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 246mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.