Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Katsu Recipe
Air Fryer Tofu Katsu | Tofu cutlets coated in a light batter and crispy panko breadcrumbs, air fried to crunchy perfection. You won’t miss the fried version after trying this easy Japanese inspired air fryer tofu!
Katsu chicken, sometimes referred to as panko chicken, is a Japanese dish that consists of a cutlet coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crispy. Katsu means cutlet in Japanese, and the result isd an extra crispy coating with a moist and tender inside. It’s often served with tonkatsu sauce and rice, or Japanese curry.
My Japanese inspired tofu katsu is made by coating tofu cutlets in a light batter and crispy panko breadcrumbs, and air frying them instead of pan frying. Air frying saves time and oil, and yields a crispy, crunchy coating.
Tofu katsu is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or takeout at home. It’s versatile and easy to make, with minimal ingredients and time, just like my Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets.
Fried katsu is delicious, but if you feel like something lighter and easier, this air fryer tofu tatsu is just for you! Serve it with rice, or traditional Japanese curry.
How do you make tofu katsu?
Start by draining and pressing a block of tofu. Use extra firm or firm tofu, as they are sturdy and won’t break apart.
Then make the dairy free batter by combining flour, corn starch, and plant milk. Corn starch makes the batter light and airy, and contributes to crispiness.
Season the panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. You could add more flavour with your favourite spices or some dried herbs.
Cut the tofu block into 4 cutlets by making a cross section slice, and then cutting them in half. Coat the tofu cutlets in the batter. Let the excess drip off, and drop the tofu into the panko breadcrumbs. Use your other hand to press the breadcrumbs into the tofu.
Transfer the tofu katsu to your air fryer basket or trays and bake for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you have a 2 tiered air fryer, rotate the trays as well.
What is Japanese curry?
Japanese katsu curry is a popular dish consisting of potatoes, carrots, and onion cooked in a rich curry sauce with a mildly sweet and savoury flavour. The sauce can be made from scratch with a roux, broth or water, curry powder, and other spices. Or, you can use storebought curry roux blocks, which are made with flour, fat, and curry spices.
The spice level can vary from mild to extreme, depending on your preferences.
Japanese curry is normally served over a bed of rice and can be served with beef, chicken or pork, or chicken or tofu katsu.
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Substitutions
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
Mix the batter together in a shallow bowl.
Mix the panko with the salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
Coat the tofu pieces in the batter with one hand, or use tongs.
Then, coat the tofu pieces in the breadcrumbs with your other hand, or use tongs.
Transfer the tofu to your air fryer tray or basket, and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For plating, cut the tofu katsu into strips and fan them out.
Serve the tofu katsu with rice, or Japanese curry.
Tips for making tofu katsu
What to serve with tofu katsu
Serve the tofu with rice and Japanese curry. You can make it from scratch with a roux, or buy curry roux blocks from your local grocery store.
Slice the tofu katsu and drizzle tonkatsu sauce over top.
If you’re looking for more Asian inspired recipes with tofu, try my Sweet Chili Tofu, Teriyaki Tofu, or Honey Garlic Tofu.
Storage
Store tofu katsu covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
FAQ’s
Tonkatsu sauce is typically paired with katsu dishes. Some other sauces that would go well with tofu katsu are sweet chili, teriyaki, or honey garlic.
Air Fryer Tofu Katsu
Ingredients
- 350 grams extra firm tofu
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons plant milk I use almond milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towel. Set it aside for 10 minutes, under a heavy pot or plate to press out the excess moisture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
- Make the batter by whisking the flour, corn starch, and plant milk together in a shallow bowl.
- Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Slice the tofu block into 4 rectangular pieces.
- Dip a piece of tofu in the batter, fully coating it. Let the excess drip off, and transfer it to the panko. Press the breadcrumbs into the tofu to fully cover it. Transfer the tofu to your air fryer tray or basket. Repeat with the rest of the tofu.
- Air fry the tofu katzu for 8 minutes, flipping them after 4 minutes. If you have two air fryer trays, make sure to rotate them after 4 minutes as well.
Notes
Nutrition
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Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
