Air Fryer Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Cutlets)

5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Cutlets)

This air fryer tonkatsu is a leaner version of traditionally deep-fried Japanese fried pork cutlet, and it turns out so juicy and crispy! Served with a delicious, homemade tonkatsu sauce! This recipe is Paleo, Whole30, and Keto!

Prep Time10

Cook Time14

Total Time24

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: easy tonkatsu sauce, how to make pork tonkatsu

Servings: servings

Ingredients

Tonkatsu

1 lb boneless pork chops thin cut (about 4)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp coconut flour
1 large egg whisked
1½ cup pork panko or ground up pork rinds

Tonkatsu Sauce

1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tsp molasses omit for Whole30 and keto
1 tsp coconut sugar Use 1 tsp Swerve for keto (see Notes for nutrition info), or ½ medjool date for Whole30
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Make the tonkatsu sauce first by whisking together all its ingredients. If you are making a Whole30 version, blend the ingredients together so the date can break down. Taste to add more sweetener if desired. Chill until ready to use.
Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F.
Pat the pork dry, then generously season with salt and pepper.
Set up an assembly line of 3 bowls, each with coconut flour, whisked egg, and pork panko.
Working one at a time, dredge each pork chop into coconut flour, dip into egg, then dredge in pork panko. Press to coat.
Add the pork into the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip to cook for 5 more minutes. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, then cook for 2 additional minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Serve immediately with tonkatsu sauce.

Notes

Expert Tips

Keto/Whole30 Option: The base recipe uses molasses and coconut sugar in the sauce, but to make keto or Whole30 tonkatsu, you just need to make a small substitution for the sweetener.

For keto tonkatsu sauce:

Omit molasses and coconut sugar, and add Swerve sweetener instead. I start with 1 tsp, then taste to add more if desired.

For Whole30 tonkatsu sauce:

Omit molasses and coconut sugar, and add 1/2 of a Medjool date. For this version, you'll have to blend the sauce so the date can break down. Taste and add more if desired.

Panko: If you’re okay with regular breadcrumbs, feel free to substitute regular panko bread crumbs for the pork panko. Just be aware that the nutritional information in the recipe card below accounts for pork panko.

Serving Tips

Serve this pork tonkatsu with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, along with white rice or cauliflower rice.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep it crispy!

Here's the nutritional breakdown for the keto version using Swerve:

Nutrition