crispy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Bowl!
Chicken Katsu: Make this incredibly crispy air fryer chicken katsu rice bowl in under 30 minutes. A healthy, delicious, and easy weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast (180-200 gms)
- 2 teaspoons sunflower or any neutral flavored oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper
- ¾ teaspoon black sesame seeds (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon white sesame seeds (divided)
- 1 cucumber (deseeded and thinly sliced)
- ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If the chicken breast is very thick, slice it horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pound it to about ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Coat the chicken: Lightly brush the chicken breast on both sides with sunflower oil. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, crushed pepper, ¼ teaspoon black sesame seeds, and ¼ teaspoon white sesame seeds. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's fully coated on both sides. Gently pat to make sure the crumbs stick.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal for chicken.
- Rest and slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips. This keeps the chicken juicy.
- Assemble the bowl: Serve the sliced chicken katsu over a bed of steamed rice (not included in ingredients). Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber next to the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds and ½ teaspoon white sesame seeds over the chicken and cucumber.
- Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and cucumber. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated properly for optimal crispiness. A hot start is key! - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and a super crispy crust. - For a flavorful twist, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your panko breadcrumb mixture. - Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Leftover chicken katsu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best results, or until heated through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Leftover chicken katsu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best results, or until heated through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.