• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Simple Sprinkle
  • Home
  • Vegan Lifestyle
    • Vegan Lifestyle Tips
    • Vegan Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
    • Vegan Breakfast Recipes
    • Vegan Appetizer Recipes
    • Vegan Dessert Recipes
      • All Desserts & Sweets
      • Vegan Cake Recipes
      • Vegan Cookie Recipes
    • Holidays
    • Whole Foods Plant-Based Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Vegan Appetizer Recipes
  • Vegan Lunch Recipes
  • Vegan Dinner Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle tips
  • Is it vegan?
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Lifestyle tips
    • Is it vegan?
    • Newsletter
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Asian

    Crunchy Air-Fryer Tofu Katsu (vegan)

    Published: Sep 4, 2020 ยท Updated: Sep 29, 2023 by Jacqui Wormington ยท This post may contain affiliate links. ยท 20 Comments

    679 shares

    This Air-fryer Tofu Katsu is a great healthier spin on the traditional Japanese dish. Crispy outside and so soft on the inside. Get ready for a fantastic vegan dish! Serving idea: Enjoy breaded and air-fried tofu with sautรฉed bok choy, and a homemade curry style sauce on a bed of fluffy grains.

    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿ’ก The recipe in a nutshell
    • ๐Ÿค” What is Katsu?
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ย Variations
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿณ How to make
    • ๐Ÿฅข Serving idea
    • ๐Ÿฅฃ Storage
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Reviews
    air fryer tofu katsu vegan and gluten free

    ๐Ÿ’ก The recipe in a nutshell

    • Vegan (eggless and dairy free)
    • Japanese styled cooking
    • Easy to make
    • Traditional meal made plant-based
    • Fry in air-fryer, in a skillet, or bake

    ๐Ÿค” What is Katsu?

    The dish comes from Japan. Its name Katsu (ใ‚ซใƒ„), is a shortened form of the Japanese word katsuretsu (ใ‚ซใƒ„ใƒฌใƒ„), meaning "cutletโ€. And I think that explains a lot about the dish already. Generally described, Katsu is a breaded, fried cutlet, traditionally made out of chicken or pork.

    The breading is made with Japanese panko bread crumbs. Once breaded the cutlet is then fried until crispy and golden brown. It is traditionally served with shredded (and often sautรฉed) cabbage or other vegetables, rice, and miso soup. Usually, it is part of a two or three-item meal combo for lunch. Even though its origin lies in Japan, it is eaten and loved in many areas of the world nowadays.

    ๐Ÿ“‹ Variations

    It is a very versatile dish, with many variation options. One variation popular in Japan is Katsudon (ใ‚ซใƒ„ไธผ). A bowl with rice topped with a Katsu cutlet (mainly pork), egg, vegetables, and condiments. Another liked variation is a combination of Katsu and curry, called Katsu Curry (ใ‚ซใƒ„ใ‚ซใƒฌใƒผ). Overall, you can serve it with several different kinds of sauces and condiments. Try tofu katsu with this Japanese curry recipe instead of the suggested vegan beef strips.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿณ How to make

    Using tofu is a great alternative to meat. The tofu needs to be drained and pressed beforehand for the best results in texture. I like to use a tofu press for this. With which I drain and press it overnight in the fridge. Using a press makes this step mess-free and super simple. Once the tofu is pressed, divide it into 3 rectangles and season.

    Bread tofu, then fry it in a pan with oil, air fry it, or bake it in the oven. For this recipe, we will focus on air frying it: To air-fry tofu katsu make sure to spray the air fryer basket generously with oil. This helps receiving better browning and a more 'fried' texture. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, then flip and air-fry for another 5 minutes until golden brown.

    air fryer tofu katsu vegan and gluten free

    ๐Ÿฅข Serving idea

    As a serving idea, this recipe suggests rice. However serve it with your preferred grain: such as quinoa, pasta, cauliflower rice, couscous, or none at all. As a side, this recipe suggests sautรฉed bok choy, but again: feel free to substitute with your preferred vegetables! A traditional popular side is Japanese-style pickled vegetables.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ Storage

    Place your leftover tofu katsu in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. You should consume your leftovers within 1 to 2 days. This recipe is not freezer-friendly.

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    air fryer tofu katsu vegan and gluten free

    Crunchy Air-Fryer Tofu Katsu (vegan)

    Jacqui Wormington
    This Air-fryer Tofu Katsu is a great healthier spin on the traditional Japanese dish. Crispy outside and so soft on the inside. Get ready for a fantastic vegan dish! Serving idea: Enjoy breaded and air-fried tofu with sautรฉed bok choy, and a homemade curry style sauce on a bed of fluffy grains.
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Asian, Japanese, Vegan
    Servings 3 cutlets

    Equipment

    • tofu press*, air-fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 block of firm tofu (400g / 14 oz)
    • 50 grams unbleached all purpose flour (ยผ cup + 1 tbsp)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
    • 120 mililiters aquafaba, brine of a can of chickpeas (ยฝ cup)
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • 120 grams panko bread crumbs (1 cup)

    Serving idea

    • 3 servings of preferred grain, such as rice or quinoa
    • 1 small white onion
    • 2 cloves of garlic
    • 2 medium sized carrots
    • ยฝ teaspoon ground giner
    • ยผ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 tablespoons curry powder (Japanese preferably)
    • 1 tablespoons miso paste
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari
    • 500 mililiters vegetable broth (2 cups)
    • 250 grams bok choy
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Remove tofu from its packaging and drain to discard liquid. Place in your tofu press and drain overnight in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Once Tofu is pressed, cut into 3 large rectangles. Season with some salt and pepper.
    • Preheat air-fryer at 190ยฐC / 370ยฐF.
    • Place panko in a shallow plate or flat bowl. In a separate flat bowl whisk together flour and, if using, garlic and onion powder. In a third dish add aquafaba. Start by placing tofu into the flour mix, rotating until all sides are coated. Then flip it through the aquafaba and finally turn in breadcrumbs. Gently shake off any excess and place it onto a plate. Continue until all cutlets are breaded. Then fry it in a pan with oil, air fry it, or bake it in the oven.
    • To air-fry spray the air fryer basket generously with oil. This helps receive better browning and a more 'fried' texture. Air-fry for around 6 to 8 minutes. Then flip over and air fry again for another 5 minutes.

    Serving idea

    • Cook rice or other grain of choice following recipe or package instructions.
    • To make curry sauce finely dice the onion. Peel and slice carrots. Mince Garlic. Once everything is prepared, heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Fry onion for 3 minutes. Add ground ginger and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add garlic, curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the miso, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Leave to simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer to a high-speed blender, or food processor and blend until smooth. Place back in the pan on low heat and keep warm until ready to serve. If you want the sauce thinner, add some water or broth.
    • Bring a pot of water to boil. Once the water is boiling, drizzle some oil into the pot andย blanchย theย bok choyย for 1 min. Remove and drain.
    • To serve fill a bowl with rice, followed by bok choy and tofu katsu. Drizzle with curry sauce.

    Notes

    *I don't have a tofu press! If you donโ€™t have a press lay it in between paper towels and gently lay something flat and heavy, such as books, on top of the tofu.

    The provided nutritional information is an estimate. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment & tag @thesimplesprinkle on Instagram

    PS: Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment on your experience - this helps improve my recipes and serves you with the best instructions, tips, and substitution ideas. Plus, I love hearing about your takes on my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @thesimplesprinkle to show me your pictures.

    More Asian Recipes

    • iced mango matcha latte topped with whipped coconut cream
      Best Mango Matcha Latte (10 Minutes)
    • Tahu Gejrot served on a plate. A Tofu piece is being grabbed by chopsticks. It is bitten into showing the fluffy texture inside.
      Tahu Gejrot - Sweet Chili Tofu
    • Puffed tofu cubes served on a plate.
      Puffed Tofu
    • Assembled Indian Charcuterie board.
      Indian Charcuterie Board
    679 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 17 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Tavo says

      March 18, 2022 at 6:20 am

      5 stars
      Yumm! The recipe was delicious! The tofu was super crunchy, just the way we like it! A keeper!

      Reply
    2. Katie Jacques says

      March 18, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      This tofu is so delicious! I love that it is air-fryer friendly too!

      Reply
    3. Anna - Vegnfit says

      March 18, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      Great air fried tofu recipe. It turned out so crispy and the seasoning was just perfect. Definitely a keeper โ˜บ๏ธ

      Reply
    4. Natalie says

      March 20, 2022 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, looks delicious. I'm going to cook this tomorrow for lunch. Can't wait.

      Reply
    5. Tina says

      March 20, 2022 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made this vegan tofu katsu for dinner tonight and it was amazing. So easy to make. I fried it in a pan this time but will try the air fryer method next time.

      Reply
    6. katrina says

      April 11, 2022 at 3:34 am

      5 stars
      this recipe is one of my new go-tos, so easy and delicious and you can use it for so many things!! thanks for sharing <3

      Reply
    7. Jean says

      May 03, 2022 at 8:25 am

      5 stars
      glad I just bought tofu to make this, I have japanese rice and they are a combo. Thanks for the easy tofu katsu recipe.

      Reply
    8. Bobbie says

      May 03, 2022 at 12:04 pm

      5 stars
      The air fryer cooks this so fast and crispy! Great recipe!

      Reply
    9. nancy says

      May 04, 2022 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      the tofu is super crispy!! i make this recipe all time

      Reply
    10. Rosanna says

      May 04, 2022 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      This was so tasty! Will definitely make again for meat free days, I loved it

      Reply
    11. Keti says

      May 22, 2022 at 10:55 pm

      5 stars
      I love Katsu, and this recipe didn't disappoint!

      Reply
    12. Amy Roskelley says

      May 23, 2022 at 1:15 am

      5 stars
      Delicious way to make tofu!

      Reply
    13. Andrea White says

      May 23, 2022 at 1:50 am

      5 stars
      love the texture of this tofu so much! so crunchy and satisfying!

      Reply
    14. Lee says

      July 14, 2022 at 3:32 am

      5 stars
      Very good! Love the crunchy tofu while using very little oil, just sprayed some cooking spray on each side.
      However there is something missing from the recipe. The curry sauce, which was also very good, has instructions on when to add the curry powder yet there is no Curry Powder listed in the ingredients, I just had to guess at how much I should add.

      Reply
      • Jacqui says

        July 14, 2022 at 3:43 am

        Hi Lee, thank you so much for your feedback and for pointing out my mistake! I added the curry powder to the recipe, which is usually around 1 tbsp. How much did you end up adding? I am so happy you enjoy both the tofu and the sauce, and appreciate you trying my recipe! Jacqui

        Reply
    15. Elizabeth says

      November 23, 2022 at 12:52 am

      This is the best tofu I have ever made. I used the air fryer and served with rice, edamame and sweet chili sauce. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jacqui Wormington says

        May 15, 2023 at 5:33 pm

        Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for your feedback! I am happy to hear you enjoy this recipe. I love the serving idea of edamame, rice, and sweet chili sauce. That sounds delicious!

        Reply
    16. Brittany says

      September 22, 2024 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      So crunchy, so delicious, and so easy to make! I followed the curry recipe and added in potatoes to make it a bit more filling. So good! Great recipe

      Reply
      • Jacqui Wormington says

        October 31, 2024 at 4:04 pm

        Hi Brittany, thank you so much for the feedback! Your comment made my day!

        Reply
    17. Kathy says

      December 18, 2024 at 1:07 am

      5 stars
      The katsu sauce was delicious and very flavorful! The tofu came out very crunchy, it was so good!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Portrait of Jacqui from The Simple Sprinkle

    Hey there, I am Jacqui! I'm a self-taught vegan recipe developer, content creator and food photographer. My goal? To make veganism easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! With my drool-worthy recipes and savvy tips, I'll prove that going plant-based doesn't mean giving up your favorite meals.

    About Jacquiโ†’

    Featured On

    Veganuary Logo
    Vegan Bowls Logo
    Good Things Utah - ABC4 Logo

    Popular

    • Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
      Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
    • crispy shredded tofu served in a frying pan
      Easy Shredded Tofu
    • roasted baby corn
      Tangy Roasted Baby Corn
    • vanilla buttercream vegan and dairy free
      3 Ingredient Vegan Buttercream
    • tofu tiramisu recipe
      Tofu Tiramisu Recipe (dairy-free + vegan)
    • kakao mit schuss vegan german hot chocolate
      German Hot Chocolate โ€” Kakao Mit Schuss (vegan)

    Vegan Summer Recipes

    • Mini Biscoff Cheesecakes served on a round marble serving platter.
      No Bake Mini Biscoff Cheesecakes
    • A stack of vegan strawberry cheesecake cookies broken in half. You can see the texture and strawberry cream cheese filling inside the cookies.
      Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
    • Three slices of lemon lavender bars stacked upon each other. A hand is grabbing the bar slice on top.
      Lemon Lavender Bars
    • Vegan Burrata served with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil drizzles.
      Vegan Burrata Cheese
    Portrait of Jacqui from The Simple Sprinkle

    Hey there, I am Jacqui! I'm a self-taught vegan recipe developer, content creator and food photographer. My goal? To make veganism easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! With my drool-worthy recipes and savvy tips, I'll prove that going plant-based doesn't mean giving up your favorite meals.

    About Jacquiโ†’

    Featured On

    Veganuary Logo
    Vegan Bowls Logo
    Good Things Utah - ABC4 Logo

    Popular

    • Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
      Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
    • crispy shredded tofu served in a frying pan
      Easy Shredded Tofu
    • roasted baby corn
      Tangy Roasted Baby Corn
    • vanilla buttercream vegan and dairy free
      3 Ingredient Vegan Buttercream
    • tofu tiramisu recipe
      Tofu Tiramisu Recipe (dairy-free + vegan)
    • kakao mit schuss vegan german hot chocolate
      German Hot Chocolate โ€” Kakao Mit Schuss (vegan)

    Vegan Summer Recipes

    • cocktail wieners featured
      Vegan Cocktail Sausages (gluten-free)
    • Vegan pigs in a blanket served in a round skillet.
      Vegan Pigs in a Blanket with Onion Dip
    • Vegan Watermelon Salad (4 Ingredients)
    • chinese noodle salad in jars
      Chinese Noodle Salad Recipe in a Jar

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    ABOUT

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Accessibility
    • Copyright Notice
    • Opt-Out Preferences

    RESOURCES

    • 7 Reasons To Go Vegan
    • Vegan Beginner Guide
    • How To Be Vegan On A Budget

    CONNECT

    • Contact Page
    • Work With Me
    • Newsletter

    AT NO COST TO YOU, I MAY EARN FROM QUALIFIED PURCHASES MADE THROUGH AFFILIATE LINKS ON MY WEBSITE.

    Copyright ยฉ 2020 - 2023 The Simple Sprinkle LLC

    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.