Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of fried breaded pork cutlets. It is typically served with white rice and sliced or shredded cabbage. When we lived in Japan, our favorite dinner spot was Tonkatsu Tonki in Meguro, Tokyo. We have the best memories of the amazing dinners and so much fun learning how to sit on the floor while having dinner. Yes, we went there at least once a week!!! Of course, it was only a few blocks from our house, so it was also very easy to get there.
Pork Tonkatsu
Because of all of our fond memories of having Tonkatsu in Japan, we just had to try to recreate it using the air fryer. If you aren't familiar with Tonkatsu it's a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. Typically, a pork loin or fillet is used to make this dish. The breakdown of the word is Ton - Pork. And Katsu - Cutlet (Katsu is an abbreviation of Katsuretsu derived from the English word "cutlet")
When we moved to Japan it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We didn't know how to speak Japanese and didn't even know how to use Chop Sticks. I quickly learned how to order a beer and how to tell a tell Taxi driver how to get me to and from work! And, as I mentioned, we learned where to go to get the best Tonkatsu. It was great, Amy and Joshua loved this dinner and they even ate the raw cabbage. The waiters took time to show them how to use chopsticks!!!
If you're struggling to learn how to use chopsticks, don't worry; you're not alone. Here's a trick that can make the process much easier. All you need is a small piece of paper. Fold the paper and place it at the top between the two chopsticks. Then, wrap a rubber band around the chopsticks to hold them in place. This will help you hold and use chopsticks with ease. It provides a better grip and will help hold the chopsticks with greater ease. With a little practice, you'll be using chopsticks like a pro in no time!
Back to Air Frying Tonkatsu
As you guys know, Amy and I always have fun coming up with new ways to cook our favorite dishes while still keeping the calorie count in check. Recently, while going through some old photos, we came across a picture of us having a fun time laughing and enjoying Tonkatsu. It was such a fun memory, and we both wanted to rush out to the nearest Japanese restaurant for an order of Tonkatsu. Instead of rushing out, we decided to try making it at home using the Air Fryer. This way, we didn't have to spend time getting ready or worrying about leaving our dogs alone for too long. And the best part? And Bonus, we didn't even have to put on makeup!
We purchased a Pork Tenderloin, a head of Cabbage, and Bull Dog Tonkatsu sauce (if you can't find the bulldog Tonkatsu sauce, look for Japanese BBQ Sauce). Everything else needed was in our pantry; well the eggs weren't in the pantry! This dish can also be made with a pork cutlet or boneless pork chop.
Easy Steps to Make Tonkatsu
To make the pork cutlet, first pound it if it's too thick. Then sprinkle some salt and pepper on it. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper. Coat the cutlet with cornstarch. Beat the eggs with a whisk or fork. Spread breadcrumbs on a flat plate. Dip the pork in the eggs and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface of the pork.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray such as olive oil or butter spray. Place the Pork cutlet into the air fryer. Spray the cutlet with the cooking spray. Air fry for 10 minutes at 360 degrees. Flip the cutlets and spray them with cooking spray. Air Fry for 10 additional minutes or until crispy. Let rest for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!
We serve our tonkatsu with chopped cabbage, sticky rice, and Japanese BBQ Sauce
TIP's
For a really fast dinner:
- To save time, bread the Pork Cutlet the night before.
- Always measure the ingredients accurately.
- For fewer calories, try using Cauliflower rice instead of White Rice. We made ours with White Rice because that's how we always had it in Japan. If using White Rice, start it before you start the pork cutlet, or you'll be like us and will have to wit on the rice!!
- Raw Cabbage is amazing with the Tonkatsu sauce
This tasted just as good (maybe better) than fried, well not better than what you can get at Tonkatsu Tonki in Tokyo!!! Haha
NOTE: On the first try of this recipe, we dipped the pork cutlet into flour. We discovered this step is NOT necessary. The flour made the cutlet a little dry, plus it cuts some calories by not using the flour!!!! Ummm, yes, we had this more than once it was soooooo good!!!
Yes, in 20 minutes, you can have a dinner that we hope will become a favorite just like it is for us.
Air Fryer Pork Tonkatsu
Ingredients
- 5 ½ Ounces Pork Tenderloin Pork Cutlet or Boneless Pork Chop
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Tablspoons Corn Starch
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Panko
Instructions
- To prepare the pork, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired) onto it. NOTE: If you're using a boneless pork chop, make sure to pound it slightly. To do so, wrap the pork chop in saran wrap and use a meat tenderizer mallet to thin it out a little. This helps ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
- Lightly coat the pork cutlet with cornstarch.
- Beat the Egg in a bowl
- Dip the Pork cutlet into the Egg
- To coat the pork cutlet properly, dip it into the Panko and press it firmly so that it adheres to the meat. Once you are done coating, you can cover the pork and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook it.
- Place the cutlet in the air fryer and cook at 360°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the cutlets and cook for 10 more minutes until they are crispy and fully cooked, adjusting the time as needed based on your air fryer.
- While the pork is air frying, prepare the cabbage by slicing or shredding it.
- Remove the cutlet from the Air Fryer. let it cool for a couple of minutes. Cut it on an angle. Not sure why this is just the way it's always served.
- Serve the cutlet with rice and cabbage. Drizzle Bull Dog Tonkatsu or Japanese BBQ sauce on top.Enjoy!!!!!
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