Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (2024)

Published | Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

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Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside this Chicken Katsu is so easy to make. Don’t forget the creamy curry sauce and bring your favourite restaurant treat home.

Love Japanese flavours? Try our super easy Udon Noodle Soup.

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (1)

I can’t even begin to describe how popular Chicken Katsu at our house. Whenever we order in chances are 3 out of 4 of us will have it as their first choice.

I am no stranger to adapting our takeout favourites to home cooking. This Butter Chicken is one of my successful creations. But the crispy, deep-fried exterior of the Chicken Katsu had me intimidated. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to replicate it at home and let’s face it I hate deep frying.

That was my line of thinking until I realised that I could easily fake that in my Air Fryer! After a few tests I was in the possession of the recipe I was extremely proud of.

You honestly cannot tell this chicken is half the calories because of the air fryer cooking method. It tastes like the real deal fried and breaded chicken but it’s so much healthier. Just look at this beauty!

My Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce is another example where the air fryer delivers stellar results while keeping things low cal.

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (2)

What is Chicken Katsu?

Katsu in Japanese means “cutlet”, which immediately gives you an idea of what we are dealing with. Chicken breasts are cut into thin cutlets, then coated in well-seasoned, crispy Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. It is often served with a mild and fragrant curry sauce and rice.

If you are confused about the curry sauce and how it relates to the Japanese cuisine, you are not alone. Curries were brought into Japan via Britain via India.

Crazy journey if you ask me but the result gave birth to some incredible food pairing. And Chicken Katsu Curry is definitely one of them.

Recipe Tips

  • As I mentioned earlier, instead of deep frying we are air frying our chicken, so what breadcrumbs we use are very important to the success of this recipe. Panko breadcrumbs are absolutely number one choice if you want a crispy coating to your food because they have a drier and flakier texture. They also absorb less oil, which is another reason why they stay crispier.
  • Chicken cutlets are dunked in flour, beaten egg and lastly, in Panko breadcrumbs in the order listed and shown in the photo below.
  • Something to watch out for is the seasoning of the flour. I used salt and black pepper. Although doesn’t seem like a big deal, they are essential to keeping this chicken far away from bland.

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (3)

The Curry Sauce

First of all, please don’t be intimidated by the curry. It is the simplest recipe I’ve ever shared and doesn’t’ require many ingredients.

You will need onion, garlic and ginger sauteed in oil as the savoury base. To thicken the curry we add flour and make a quick roux. Then simply add any mild curry powder and turmeric to create the flavours we need.

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (4)

I’ve used a combination of chicken stock and creamy coconut milk for my liquid. You can skip the chicken stock altogether and increase the amount of coconut milk if you want a creamier, sweeter curry.

It wouldn’t be a Japanese curry without a touch of soy sauce. The sauce will take you less than 10 minute to prepare.

I’ve processed my curry in a blender for a silky smooth texture we’ve come to expect from our restaurant Katsu Curry but it is not at all necessary.

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (5)

Serving Suggestions

I always serve chicken Katsu curry with plain rice and salad. Adding a sprinkling of black or white sesame seeds on top is definitely optional but highly recommended. Such a nice crunch and flavour.

More Japanese Inspired Recipes to Try:

  • Teriyaki Salmon with Bok Choy
  • Shoyu Chicken Recipe
  • Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (6)

Chicken Katsu Curry

Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside this Chicken Katsu is so easy to make. Don't forget the creamy curry sauce and bring your favourite restaurant treat home.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Main

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 586 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Curry

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger or ginger paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 250ml/ 1 cup chicken stock
  • 125ml/1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp white sugar

For the Chicken Katsu

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 100g/3/4 cup plain flour
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 150g/1 ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • oil spray

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté chopped onion over low heat until softened for about 7 minutes, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger and continue cooking for about a minute while stirring.

  • Add the turmeric, curry powder and flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and looks like a paste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine, then add the coconut milk and soy sauce, simmer until the curry is thickened. Taste and add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to your preference. Cool the curry slightly, then process in a blender until smooth or leave it as it is.

  • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper to a bowl, then panko breadcrumbs to another bowl and beaten eggs to a third bowl. Arrange them in front of you.

  • Dip each chicken cutlet first in flour, then in beaten egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs and place on a clean cutting board. Repeat with all chicken cutlets until you have 8 of them nicely coated in breadcrumbs.

  • Spray each chicken breast with an oil spray on both sides and place in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry on one side for 8 minutes,then flip over, spray again and air fry for 7 minutes longer.

    (My air fryer fits 2 chicken breasts at a time.) Keep the remaining raw chicken in the fridge until ready to air fry. Once the chicken is cooked, keep warm in a warm oven until ready to serve. Do not cover with foil or the breading will get soggy.

  • Warm up the curry sauce and serve with cooked chicken and plain rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 586kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 38gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 2359mgPotassium: 808mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 189IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 6mg

Keyword chicken katsu, chicken katsu curry

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Chicken

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About Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tina Tarnoff says

    What temperature for the air fryer

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      My air fry setting is automatically set to 200C/400F.

      Reply

  2. Katie says

    Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (14)
    Katsu curry is one of my favorites! Can’t wait to try this with my family.

    Reply

  3. wilhelmina says

    Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (15)
    My husband almost didn’t believe that I made this chicken in the air fryer, it is so delish! The sauce really does take it to the next level!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      Air fryer does such a good job faking that “fried” crunch, doesn’t it!!

      Reply

  4. Matt Taylor says

    Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (16)
    Incredible air fryer chicken recipe. I am always looking for new recipes to make in my air fryer. The katsu curry is amazing with the chicken!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      Thanks so much, Matt!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Chicken Katsu Curry (Air Fryer Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Why is katsu curry so high in calories? ›

The meat is deep-fried, drenched in rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and a rich sauce. The calories primarily come from deep-fried meat and curry sauce. The base of katsu curry sauce is coconut milk. While very creamy and flavorful, one cup of coconut milk includes 445 calories and 48 grams of fat.

What is katsu curry sauce made of? ›

What is katsu curry made from? The curry sauce is the combination of curry powder, turmeric, chicken stock, coconut milk, and soy sauce, along with onions, garlic, and ginger. Served with basmati white rice and breaded chicken.

What is the difference between katsu and katsu curry? ›

Katsu curry (katsukare) is the ingenious marriage of katsu (a breaded and fried meat cutlet) with rich and flavorful Japanese curry, all served on a bed of rice. You get the crisp crunch of the breaded meat with the thick, gravy-like curry.

How to crisp up breaded chicken in air fryer? ›

If you happen to own an air fryer, you can certainly reheat your fried chicken in its basket. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let the fried chicken come to room temperature. Next, arrange the fried chicken in a single layer and cook it for about four minutes, flipping it once to ensure even cooking.

Is Japanese curry unhealthy for weight loss? ›

To say it in simpler words, Japanese curry is not a much healthy meal since it is not nutritionally balanced. Depending on the ingredients, it may contain more than 500 calories and more sodium than anyone should consume in a month.

How unhealthy is curry? ›

A single portion of takeaway curry can contain over 1,000 calories and a huge amount of saturated fat, salt and sugar. You'd need to cycle for about three hours to burn it off. The best way to enjoy your favourite dishes is to ditch the takeaway and make your own.

What is the difference between Japanese curry and katsu curry? ›

Along with the sauce, a wide variety of vegetables and meats are used to make Japanese curry. The basic vegetables are onions, carrots, and potatoes. Beef, pork, and chicken are the most popular meat choices. Katsu curry is a breaded deep-fried cutlet (tonkatsu; usually pork or chicken) with Japanese curry sauce.

What is the red stuff in chicken katsu curry? ›

A customary item for Japanese curry, f*ckujinzuke (福神漬) is a type of Tsukemono, Japanese pickled vegetables. The pickles are easily recognizable for its eye-catching red color as they sit atop in almost every curry dish.

What is the pink thing in katsu curry? ›

Love these Sakurazuke - pink pickled daikon mooli radish slices - really unusual sweet & sour / tangy flavour with a satsifying crunch. I tend to pop them on a Katsu curry, stir-fried noodles or ramen noodles with a Yutaka instant bonito miso soup broth (very lean but un-authentic!) or to accompany sushi.

Do Japanese eat katsu curry? ›

Katsu curry (Japanese: カツカレー, romanized: katsukarē) is a Japanese dish consisting of a pork cutlet (tonkatsu) served with a portion of Japanese rice and curry. It is served on a large plate and is typically eaten using a spoon or fork.

Does Katsu Curry taste like Chinese curry? ›

Sushi, often these restaurants serve Katsu curry, but despite the common misconception katsu refers to the crispy breaded meat or tofu, not necessarily the curry! Japanese curries range in many flavours, but they are not the same as Chinese or Indian curries and have quite a distinguishable taste.

Is Katsu Curry made from carrots? ›

First, make the curry sauce. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, cook the onions and chopped carrots until the onions are soft and starting to caramelise, about 8 mins. Add the garlic and ginger and sizzle for another 30 secs, then stir in the curry powder and turmeric.

Why is my air fried chicken not crispy? ›

If your food is not crispy when coming out of an air fryer, you may not have patted it dry before putting it in to cook. Meat or proteins, or foods you may have washed, will fry better without the added moisture.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Is katsu curry high in calories? ›

This meal comes in at over 1000 calories. We're really quite shocked by this. There are no sides or drinks as part of this meal, just breaded chicken, rice and Katsu sauce.

Why is Japanese curry so high in calories? ›

Key ingredients in Japanese curry, such as the roux, which often contains butter or oil, and flour, can add considerable calories and fat to the dish. Pre-packaged curry roux blocks, popular for their convenience, often include added sugars and preservatives, further increasing the calorie count.

Why does curry have so much calories? ›

“Curries like tikka masala cooked in creamy sauces are the highest in calories. “Masala is usually made with cream and ground almonds, so consuming large portions can ramp up your calorie intake.

How many calories in a serving of Katsu Curry? ›

Serving size
AVG QTY PER SERVE 350gAVG QTY PER 100G
Calories414118
Protein (g)23.96.8
Fat, Total (g)14.44.1
Saturated5.11.4
4 more rows
Dec 5, 2023

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