Why this fits a family on a budget
Using the air fryer cuts cook time dramatically and delivers a crispy Italian-style cutlet without expensive specialty ingredients, keeping the cost around $1.30 per serving. The lemon caper sauce comes together in minutes on the stovetop while the chicken cooks, making this a true 40-minute dinner.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a heavy pan or rolling pin to pound them to an even 0.5-inch thickness — this helps them cook quickly and evenly.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
4. Brush both sides of each chicken cutlet lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
5. Slice zucchini into 0.5-inch half-moon pieces. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining salt, and black pepper.
6. Place breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer — do not overlap. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F on a meat thermometer (or juices run clear when cut).
7. While chicken cooks, add zucchini to a second air fryer tray or cook in batches after chicken at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket once, until edges are lightly browned and zucchini is tender.
8. While chicken and zucchini finish, mince the garlic cloves. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and capers. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon (about 2 tbsp). Raise heat to medium-high and let the sauce bubble for 3–4 minutes until it reduces by about half and looks slightly syrupy.
10. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
11. Plate the chicken cutlets alongside the roasted zucchini and spoon the lemon caper sauce over the top of the chicken before serving.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.