Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a juicy, flavorful ground meat patty that's both comforting and exciting. Air Fryer Menchi Katsu is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that brings the heart of Japanese home cooking right to your kitchen, with a modern, healthier twist that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 100g panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning throughout the mixture.
- Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into oval-shaped patties, approximately 1-2 cm thick.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs for breading.
- Coat each meat patty first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat completely with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded menchi katsu patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the patties are golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and steamed rice.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to finely chop your onions and grate your carrots to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor in your meat mixture.
- Breading Technique: Press the panko breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto the patties to create a perfect, crispy coating that will give you that signature crunch.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each patty gets crispy and golden all around. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of air frying.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe and perfectly cooked pork.
- Let it Rest: Allow the menchi katsu to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a classic tonkatsu sauce, some shredded cabbage, and steamed rice for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
