Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Have you ever wished you could air fry chicken cordon bleu? I tested it so you don’t have to! Chicken cordon bleu feels totally elevated to me, and yet it also checks all the boxes of a comfort food. Whether you want to impress on date night, or make something tasty for the family, this recipe is a great choice. this is one of my favorite air fryer recipes, plus air frying is healthier!

Chicken cordon bleu is such a classic favorite because it perfectly combines textures and flavors. This dish combines chicken breast, gooey swiss and parmesan cheeses, smokey slices of ham, and a crispy outer breading. Even the leftovers will be delicious - just pop them back in the air fryer!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Air Fryer Dish

Simply Scrumptious - There is no reason that fancy needs to mean labor intensive. And there is no reason that easy food can’t be a little fancy! That is why I made this chicken cordon Bleu recipe air fryer friendly.
Freezer Friendly - This meal will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer! Prepare a batch on meal prep day and you will have delicious air fryer frozen chicken cordon bleu on hand for busy nights ahead.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu in Air Fryer Recipe

Chicken Breast - This recipe is for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Aim for medium to large in size.
Cheese - Chicken cordon bleu calls for swiss cheese. You will need 8 slices swiss cheese. I also incorporate parmesan cheese into the breading of my chicken cordon bleu. You will need ½ cup grated.
Ham - The ham in chicken cordon bleu needs to be thinly sliced. Deli ham works perfectly. Smoky types go especially nicely. I like black forest, but you can go with your favorite! You will need 8 slices.
Eggs - You will need 2 eggs to dredge your chicken. Be sure to whisk them well so that your breading sticks evenly.
Flour - You can’t make a breaded chicken dish without flour! You will need about ¾ cup to fill your dredging station.
Beadcrumbs - You will need 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs to coat your chicken. I recommend using panko. It doesn’t matter whether you get seasoned or unseasoned breadcrumbs, as you will be adding your own seasonings to your breading.
Salt & Pepper - You will need 1 tsp salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. You will need half of your salt and pepper to season your meat, and the other half will go into your breading mixture.
Garlic Powder - Garlic always adds oomph to a recipe. You will need just 1 teaspoon garlic powder to season this dish.
Italian Seasoning - Some people serve their chicken cordon bleu with a side of sauce, however I find that with a little seasoning, sauce isn’t necessary. Prepare 1 tsp italian seasoning for your breading to make your chicken cordon bleu pop.

Substitutions

If you don’t like swiss cheese, but still want to make a version of chicken cordon bleu, try using provolone. Cheddar can be tasty as well, though the flavor will be different.
If you don’t like deli ham, substitute bacon or prosciutto.
To make your recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Sometimes gluten-free flour can be extra absorbent, so you may want to have an extra egg on hand, just in case you run out when making your gluten-free chicken cordon bleu.

How to make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and placing them flat into a ziploc bag or two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them with a meat mallet to around a ¼-inch thickness.
Layer two pieces of cheese and ham onto each prepared chicken breast. Roll into a tight roll up and sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help the chicken to retain its shape.
Set up a dredging station by combining the remaining spices with the flour into a shallow bowl, followed by the parmesan cheese with the panko bread crumbs.. Whisk your eggs and place them into their own shallow dish.
Gently roll each cordon bleu into flour, then egg wash, and lastly the panko crumbs. Repeat with all of the cordon bleu.
Place prepared chicken breasts in air fryer basket. Air fry on 375F for 15-18 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. I'd use an instant read thermometer. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, prepare your chicken breasts. Butterfly the chicken, and then place them flat in a Ziploc bag. Alternatively, you can place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken using a meat mallet, until it is around ¼ inch thick.

Next, layer your chicken cordon bleu. Place 2 slices of swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Then add 2 slices of ham. Roll your chicken up tightly. Season your chicken rolls with half of your salt and pepper.

Place your rolled, stuffed chicken breasts in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to help it keep its rolled shape.

Get ready to dredge! You will need 3 dishes to create your dredging station. In the first bowl, combine the rest of your salt and pepper, garlic powder, italian seasonings, and flour. In a second dish, combine your grated parmesan cheese and your panko breadcrumbs. Whisk your eggs in a third, shallow dish.

Next, dredge your chicken. First, roll it in the flour and spice mixture. Then, coat it in the whisked egg. Finally, roll it in your breadcrumbs. Be sure to handle your chicken gently so that it doesn’t unroll. Repeat this step with all of your chicken breasts.

Cook your cordon bleu air fryer meal! Set your air fryer to 375, and cook your chicken cordon bleu for 15-18 minutes. Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165F. Enjoy your chicken cordon bleu warm!

Cook's Tips

If you aren’t familiar with the term, “butterflying” is a type of cut you can use when preparing chicken. You cut through the width in order to get a uniform thickness on all of your pieces of meat. If it is your first time trying it out, watch a quick tutorial on YouTube!
Always cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165F.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftover air fryer cordon bleu in the fridge, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze your air fryer chicken cordon bleu for up to 3 months. You can reheat frozen chicken cordon Bleu in air fryer at 375F for 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken cordon bleu air fryer entree with a side salad, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, risotto, or dinner rolls.
If you want to shake things up, try adding some fresh spinach to your chicken breast before layering the ham and cheese.
Slice up leftover chicken cordon bleu and serve it atop pasta alfredo.
Turn leftover chicken cordon bleu into a sandwich! Lightly toast a bun. Spread your condiment of choice on the bun. Pepper jelly, maple aioli, or chipotle ranch are all good choices. Add some greens and veggies of your choice and enjoy!
You may also serve it with a few tablespoons dijon mustard. My family are not fans, so we left it out.

FAQ:

How long to cook chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer?

Cook your chicken cordon Bleu in air fryer at 375 for 15-18 minutes. You can reheat frozen stuffed chicken breast in air fryer at 375 for 10-12 minutes.

What is the bleu in chicken cordon bleu?

Cordon Bleu is actually french for “blue ribbon.” In 1578, it was a symbol of rank for knights to wear a cordon bleu, or blue ribbon. This doesn’t seem to have any historical significance to the actual origin of chicken cordon bleu, which seems to have come from Switzerland, and became popular in the late ‘60s. The blue ribbon appears to be more of a nod to how great the dish is. Earlier versions of the dish called for veal, rather than chicken.

What is the difference between chicken alla kiev and chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu has ham and cheese in the middle, while chicken ala kiev has herbed butter in the center.

Looking for more air fryer dinner recipes? Try my other recipes below. Happy Cooking!

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

Peruvian Chicken in the Air Fryer

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