A catalyst powder production method for constructing a catalyst layer in a fuel cell includes: forming a mixture that contains an electrolyte, a pore-forming material, and a catalyst-supporting particle that supports a catalyst; producing a composite powder in which the catalyst-supporting particle and the electrolyte are attached to a periphery of the pore-forming material by using the mixture; and producing the catalyst powder in the form of hollow particle by removing the pore-forming material from the composite powder.