Crispy Air Fryer Pork Cutlet (No Oil Needed!)
Delicious and Healthy Air Fryer Pork Cutlet Recipe, Worry-Free Cooking
You can make delicious pork cutlets with minimal oil using an air fryer. Especially when using breadcrumbs made from sliced bread, you can achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and moist interior without using any oil at all. Enjoy a healthy and delicious homemade meal with this recipe!
Pork Cutlet Ingredients- 600g Pork loin
- 3 cups Wet panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups Frying mix (tempura flour)
- 1 Tbsp Onion powder
- 3 Eggs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Homemade Pork Cutlet Sauce- 1 Apple (peeled, cored, and roughly chopped)
- 2 Tomatoes (seeds removed and roughly chopped)
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 100g Butter
- 1 Tbsp Chicken stock (or water)
- 3 Tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp Barbecue sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Apple (peeled, cored, and roughly chopped)
- 2 Tomatoes (seeds removed and roughly chopped)
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 100g Butter
- 1 Tbsp Chicken stock (or water)
- 3 Tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp Barbecue sauce
- 2 cups Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Then, using a meat tenderizer or the back of a knife, pound the pork to about 0.5 cm thickness, spreading it out evenly. This step helps to tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly.
Step 2
Season both sides of the flattened pork with salt, pepper, and onion powder. The onion powder not only removes any gamey smell from the meat but also adds a delicious umami flavor. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
In a bowl, whisk the 3 eggs with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin or sake). Whisk until well combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat and contribute to a tender texture.
Step 4
Now it’s time to coat the pork. First, place 2 cups of frying mix into a large plastic bag. Add the marinated pork and seal the bag. Shake gently to coat the pork evenly with a thin layer of flour. Next, dip the floured pork into the beaten egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, place the egg-coated pork onto a plate with 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs. Press down firmly on both sides to ensure a thick, even coating of breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for crispy results!
Step 5
Arrange the breaded pork cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully flip the cutlets and continue to air fry at 180°C (350°F) for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. (Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.) Using homemade breadcrumbs from sliced bread, even if they are a bit coarse, will result in an exceptionally crispy texture after cooking!
Step 6
While the pork cutlets are cooking, let’s make a delicious homemade sauce! Roughly chop the peeled and cored apple and the seeded tomatoes. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Step 7
In a saucepan, melt the 100g of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of water and the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 8
Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the pureed apple and tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The natural sweetness from the fruit will blend with the savory elements to create a rich and complex flavor. You can add a little more water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Step 9
Once the pork cutlets are perfectly cooked and golden brown, slice them into desired portions and arrange them on a plate. Generously spoon the warm homemade sauce over the top. Voila! Your oil-free, crispy, and tender air fryer pork cutlets are ready to be enjoyed!
