Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (2024)

Craving a quick and easy, delicious meal that's easy to make? This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is the answer! Juicy chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese come together for a tasty, practically guilt-free dinner. Perfect for every day and delicious enough for special occasions.

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Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Air fryer chicken recipes are a game-changer in the kitchen. There is no more need for excessive oil to produce crispy and delicious chicken dinners. From classic favorites like chicken wings and chicken parmesan to more creative options like air fryer chicken burgers and chicken kabobs, the possibilities are endless. When life gets busy and you’re looking for quick and healthy dinner options, the air fryer is your new best friend.

Not only do air fryer chicken recipes offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying, but they also save time and reduce the mess in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can cook up that satisfying golden crunch that everyone loves, all while retaining the juicy tenderness of the meat. Whether you're hosting a party or having a family meal, air fryer chicken recipes are a surefire way to impress without the hassle.

What is Chicken Cordon Blue?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a popular dish that originated from Swiss cuisine. Despite the French name, which translates to "Blue Ribbon Chicken", it isn't originally from France. It's known for its attractive presentation and delicious combination of flavors.

In a typical Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, a chicken breast is pounded thin, then a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, usually Swiss, are rolled into the flattened chicken. The stuffed chicken is then breaded and either fried or baked until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted. The result is a crispy, savory exterior with a gooey, flavorful interior.

Can you air fry chicken cordon blue?

Well, yes you can! That's what this recipe is all about. And it's so simple to do!

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Italian Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs - adds a nice herbal flavor to the finished dish
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Swiss cheese slices
• Deli ham slices
• Cooking spray - aids in browning and crispness

You'll also need toothpicks to hold the stuffed chicken together while air frying.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you can't find Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, you can combine 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning with 1 cup of plain panko. Or you can just use plain panko for a classic chicken cordon bleu flavor.

You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone.

For gluten-free cordon blue, use gluten-free flour and panko.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cooking chicken cordon blue in an air fryer is a simple process. Here are the steps for this easy recipe:

Preparing the chicken breasts:

1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Make sure to use a sharp knife to make slicing easier.
2. Place the chicken in a zip-loc bag or between two pieces of wax paper and pound to about ¼"-½" thickness.
3. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

Stuffing the chicken breasts:

4. Place the chicken on a flat surface. Lay several slices of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese, cut to fit if necessary, on top of each chicken breast.
5. Starting at one end, roll the chicken breast up enclosing the ham and cheese. Secure the edge with a toothpick.

Breading the chicken:

6. Make an assembly line to bread the chicken breasts. First, combine the panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a wide-mouthed bowl.
7. Place flour in another wide-mouthed bowl or plate. Dredge each of the chicken breasts to coat.
8. Whisk the eggs with a little water in another bowl. Dip the chicken into the egg, coating all sides. Let excess drip off.
9. Lastly, coat chicken with panko mixture.

Pro Tip: Use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and panko) and the other hand for the liquids (whisked eggs). It is a much less messy way to coat meat and prevents the need to wash your hands in between.

Air Frying stuffed chicken breasts:

10. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. This usually takes 4-5 minutes. Once heated, spray the basket with oil and carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into it. Spray the tops of the chicken with a cooking oil spray. DO NOT OVERCROWD.
11. Air fry for 10 minutes, turn them over, spray the tops again, and air fry for another 8 minutes. When finished, measure the temperature to make sure they are completely cooked. It should read 165°F.

Not only is this air-fried chicken breast a delicious and healthy dinner but it makes a beautiful presentation for those special occasions. Serve it drizzled with your favorite sauce (suggestions given below) and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Cut the Chicken Carefully: Use a good sharp knife to make it easier.

Choose the Right Ham and Cheese: The classic ham and cheese for chicken cordon bleu is smoked ham and Swiss cheese. But you can definitely experiment with different types of ham and cheese according to your preference. Just ensure that the flavors complement each other.

Secure the Edge with Toothpicks: Once you've rolled the chicken, use toothpicks to secure the edge. This will prevent the filling from leaking out while it cooks.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the cooking starts immediately when you put your chicken in, giving you a perfectly crispy exterior.

Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure that the chicken pieces are not touching each other. Air needs to circulate around each piece to cook it properly and give it that crispy exterior.

Check the Internal Temperature: Since chicken needs to be thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. It should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part.

Let it Rest: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to cool down slightly so it doesn't spill out when you cut into the chicken.

Cooking Variation - Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

You can bake chicken cordon bleu if you don't have an air fryer. Here's how:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Place the chicken cordon bleu on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Sauces for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Dijon Cream Sauce: A creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth can add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the ham and cheese.
• Hollandaise Sauce: This classic buttery and lemony sauce is typically served with eggs benedict, but it works beautifully with Chicken Cordon Bleu as well.
• Mornay Sauce: Essentially a béchamel sauce with cheese added, Mornay sauce adds a lovely creamy, cheesy element that pairs nicely with the Swiss cheese in the chicken.
• White Wine Sauce: A white wine sauce made with butter, garlic, and a splash of cream can bring an elegant, savory flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Herb Sauce: Made with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and olive oil, this sauce is light and flavorful.
• Tomato Basil Sauce: A slightly more tangy option, a tomato basil sauce can cut through the richness of the cheese and ham and add a lovely contrast.
• Parsley Lemon Sauce: A refreshing combination of lemon juice, parsley, and butter that adds a bright note to the dish.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Roasted Vegetables: Simply tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roasted until caramelized, vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make for a healthy and tasty side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Green Beans Almondine: This classic dish of green beans sautéed with butter and topped with toasted almonds adds color and crunch to your plate.
• Pasta: A simple pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese can work well.
• Salad: A light and refreshing green salad, Caesar salad, or even a tangy coleslaw can help balance out the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Rice Pilaf: A delicately flavored rice pilaf can be a great way to round out your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli or cauliflower can provide a contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and works particularly well if you have a sauce with your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Make Ahead

Prepare the chicken as per the recipe up to the point before you would place them in the air fryer. At this point, you can cover the prepared chicken rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you're ready to cook them.

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