Japanese Pork Katsu (Tonkatsu)

What is Tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu is a Japanese breaded pork cutlet with a crispy panko crust. This version is made in the air fryer and served with homemade Japanese curry with potatoes and carrots, katsu curry style.

Original air fryer katsu recipe: @nom_life Original japanese curry recipe: @bbonitoflakes

Japanese Pork Katsu (Tonkatsu)

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Katsu

• 1 lb pork loin chops
• 4 oz panko
• 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• salt and pepper to season
• cooking spray

For the curry

• 10-12 baby red potatoes cubed
• 2 medium carrots cubed
• ½ white onion diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoon oil
• 3.2 Golden Curry cubes
• 4 cups water

Instructions

To make the curry

• In a 3 qt pot on high heat, add the oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook until fragrant - 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add carrots, potatoes, and garlic. Stir to combine. Add 4 cups of water and wait for it to reach a boil.
• Lower to simmer and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, add your Golden Curry cubes and combine until the cubes are fully dissolved. The liquid should also thicken.
• Turn off heat and set aside.

For the Katsu

• In a pan, lightly spray with cooking spray. Add your panko over medium heat.
• Continue to slowly stir the panko until it reaches a golden color. For me, it took about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set side.
• Tenderize the pork, lightly season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Lightly coat the pork loins with the flour.
• In a separate plate, beat the 2 eggs.
• Dip your floured pork loins into the egg mixture on both sides followed by the toasted panko mixture.
• Lay the pork loins into the air fryer. Do not stack or overcrowd. Lightly spray the top of the pork and air fry at 365 F for 7 minutes.
• Flip the pork loins once the air fryer goes off. Lightly spray and air fry the other side again at 365 F for 7 minutes.
• Serve the Katsu and curry with some steamed white rice.