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Close-up of crispy breaded chicken cut into slices, drizzled with creamy white sauce and orange-colored sauce, served on a wooden surface.

Air Fryer Tofu Katsu

Elien Lewis
This air fryer tofu Katsu is crispy and golden. To make it you’ll use firm tofu, coat in a crunchy panko crust and air-fried it perfection. It brings all the crisp and flavour without needing to deep fry it.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese, New Zealand
Servings 2
Calories 382 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g firm tofu
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or more, to taste
  • Black pepper
  • 1 large egg beaten (or sub with plant-based milk)
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Drain the tofu and optionally press it for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into rectangles about ¾ inch thick. Bring about 2 cups of water to a boil.300 g firm tofu
  • Combine the boiling water with two tablespoons of tamari in a heatproof bowl.2 cups boiling water, 2 tablespoons tamari
  • Carefully place the tofu rectangles in the hot water. Let them soak for about 2-3 minutes.
  • After soaking, remove the tofu and place them on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Pat gently to remove excess moisture.
  • Whisk together cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.3 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, Black pepper
  • In a second shallow dish, beat the egg until well combined. 1 large egg
  • In a third shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • Cover each tofu rectangle first in the cornstarch mixture, tapping off any excess.
  • Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring all sides are coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
  • Press it into the panko, covering all sides evenly.
  • Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the tofu in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between them.1/2-1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Brush the top of the tofu katsu with a small amount of oil.
  • Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 10 minutes or until brown and golden If your tofu is cut smaller the time will be shorter.
  • Remove from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or two, then slice into strips.
  • You could serve over rice with shredded cabbage and drizzle with tonkatsu sauce for a classic Japanese-style meal. Or, we love it drizzled with kewpie mayo and sweet chili sauce.

Notes

Seasonings: Feel free to add onion powder, paprika, or other spices to the cornstarch mix for extra flavour.
Vegan option: Swap the egg wash for plant-based milk.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to make it crispy again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1883mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g
Keyword Katsu, tofu
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