Main Meals06.05.2026

Air-Fried Chicken Parm w/ Balsamic Asparagus

Name: Air-Fried Chicken Parm w/ Balsamic Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, raw, about 2 chicken breasts; 40 g cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tbsp cornstarch; avocado oil spray; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; salt & pepper; 1 bunch asparagus, raw; 1 tsp avocado oil; 2 tsp Kinders buttery garlic and herb seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; salt & pepper; balsamic glaze

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 35 min

Serves 4

Crispy air-fried chicken parmesan with melty mozzarella and tender balsamic-glazed asparagus — a lighter weeknight take on an Italian classic.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast (raw, about 2 chicken breasts)

40 g cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

1 tbsp cornstarch

avocado oil spray

½ cup marinara sauce

½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

salt & pepper

For the asparagus

1 bunch asparagus (raw)

1 tsp avocado oil

2 tsp Kinders buttery garlic and herb seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

salt & pepper

balsamic glaze

Instructions

Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 2 thin chicken cutlets. Cover the chicken and cutting board with plastic wrap, and use a meat tenderizer to pound the cutlets even thinner.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the inside with avocado oil.

Season the chicken, then toss in cornstarch. Crack the egg on a plate and whisk. On another plate, mix the crushed cornflakes or panko with the remaining Italian seasoning.

Dip the chicken in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture.

Place them in the air fryer (without overlapping) and spray the top with oil.

Cook for 6-7 mins before flipping the chicken and cooking for 2-3 more mins. The internal temperature should reach >165°F.

Spoon 2-3 tbsp of marinara sauce onto each chicken cutlet and top with mozzarella cheese.

Air fry or use an oven broiler on high for 2-3 mins to melt and brown the cheese.

To make the asparagus, firmly hold one hand near the middle of each spear and the other hand near the bottom. Bend the stalk until it naturally breaks.

Toss the asparagus in avocado oil and the seasonings listed. Air-fry on 400°F for 10-12 mins, tossing every 1-2 mins to ensure they are evenly cooked through.

Plate the chicken parm with asparagus, balsamic glaze, marinara pasta, and lots of fresh parm.