Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. The word “tonkatsu” is a combination of two Japanese words: “ton” meaning pork and “katsu” meaning cutlet. Traditionally, tonkatsu is made by frying the pork cutlet in oil until it becomes crispy and golden brown. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, you can now enjoy delicious tonkatsu with a healthier twist. In this article, we will guide you on how to make delicious tonkatsu using an air fryer.
Gather the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 4 boneless pork loin chops
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil spray
Prepare the Pork Cutlets
Tenderize the Meat
To ensure that your tonkatsu is tender and juicy, it is important to tenderize the meat before breading and cooking. You can do this by placing the pork loin chops between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
Season with Salt and Pepper
Once the pork cutlets are tenderized, season them generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the tonkatsu.
Set Up the Dredging Stations
To create a crispy coating on the tonkatsu, we will use a process called dredging. Dredging involves coating the pork cutlets in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. To set up the dredging stations, you will need three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
Bread and Air Fry the Tonkatsu
Bread the Pork Cutlets
Start by taking one pork cutlet and coat it in flour on both sides, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip the cutlet into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, press the cutlet into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and generous coating. Repeat this process for the remaining pork cutlets.
Air Fry the Tonkatsu
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the breaded pork cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can prevent proper air circulation. If needed, cook the tonkatsu in batches.
Lightly spray the breaded pork cutlets with cooking oil spray. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer. Close the air fryer and set the timer for 12 minutes.
After 6 minutes, carefully flip the tonkatsu using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking. This will help both sides of the pork cutlets become crispy and golden brown.
Once the time is up, check the internal temperature of the tonkatsu with a meat thermometer. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is properly cooked.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the tonkatsu is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, remove them from the basket and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the tonkatsu even juicier.
Tonkatsu is typically served alongside a tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and steamed rice. You can find tonkatsu sauce at most Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own by combining Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce.
To serve, slice the tonkatsu into thick pieces and arrange them on a plate with a side of shredded cabbage and steamed rice. Drizzle tonkatsu sauce over the tonkatsu or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tonkatsu made in an air fryer offers a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the tonkatsu, resulting in a crispy coating without the need for excess oil.
Conclusion
Making delicious tonkatsu using an air fryer is a healthier and equally flavorful alternative to the traditional deep-fried method. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy crispy and golden brown tonkatsu without the guilt. So, grab your air fryer and start cooking up this mouthwatering Japanese dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!