I’ll be honest—when I first discovered chicken katsu in an air fryer, I wasn’t sure if it could live up to the deep-fried classic I grew up ordering at my favorite Japanese spot. But after a few tries, I realized this version delivers the same golden crunch with way less oil and cleanup. The trick is in the coating: panko breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, locking in the juiciness of the chicken. We’ve all had that moment when you want something comforting, but the thought of dealing with a pot of hot oil makes you back away from the kitchen. This recipe is the solution. The air fryer keeps things light, quick, and surprisingly mess-free. And let’s be real—if I can get crispy chicken without my kitchen smelling like a fry shop, I’m all in. The best part? Pairing this crispy chicken with a homemade tonkatsu sauce that’s tangy, a little sweet, and the perfect counterpoint to that crunchy bite. It feels like takeout night, but better—because you get bragging rights for making it yourself. And let’s face it, chicken air fryer recipes like this one prove that comfort food can be simple, delicious, and weeknight-friendly.