This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. A perfect blend of crispy exterior and juicy interior, each serving delivers 36g of satisfying protein while the ham and cheese create an irresistible melty center.
Whether you’re planning a special date night or wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this healthier twist on a classic French dish proves that gourmet cooking doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Fresh & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large (about ⅔ pound each), perfect for butterflying
- Ham & Cheese: 4 slices each of deli ham and swiss cheese, room temperature for better rolling
- Breading Station:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs (for egg wash)
– 1¼ cups breadcrumbs (for golden exterior) - Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each breast lengthwise, then pound under plastic wrap to ¼” thickness
- Assemble: Season chicken, layer with ham and cheese, then roll tightly into logs
- Secure: Place toothpicks to hold the rolls together
- Breading Process: Create a station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each roll in order
- Air Fryer Setup: Spray basket with olive oil spray, place rolled chicken inside
- Cooking Time: Air fry at 350ºF for 15 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165ºF
- Final Touch: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juices to settle
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect golden crust on Chicken Cordon Bleu is super easy in the air fryer! The key is pounding your chicken to an even thickness – this helps it cook evenly and makes rolling much easier. When breading, use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to avoid creating a sticky mess on your fingers. And here’s a handy tip: if your chicken rolls want to unravel, add an extra toothpick or two at different angles to keep everything snug!
Variations & Substitutions
Love the basic recipe but want to mix things up? Try these tasty swaps:
- Replace Swiss cheese with mozzarella, Gruyere, or provolone
- Swap regular ham for prosciutto or smoked turkey
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your breadcrumbs
- Make it gluten-free by using GF flour and breadcrumbs
Storage Tips
Made too much? No problem! Let your chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this keeps the outside crispy! Just remember to remove all toothpicks before storing. While you can freeze these rolls, the breading might not stay as crispy when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Serving Suggestions
This golden, crispy chicken deserves some great sides! Pair it with:
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
Add a lemon wedge on the side for a bright pop of flavor. Want to make it extra special? Warm up some extra sauce to drizzle over the top just before serving!
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Meat Mallet
- Cutting Board
- Shallow Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts about ⅔ pound each
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting it in half lengthwise.
- Working with one piece of chicken at a time, place the chicken on a large cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to ¼” thick. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
- Lay out the chicken cutlets and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Place one piece of ham and one piece of cheese over each of the cutlets. Starting from one end, tightly roll the chicken into a log and secure it with toothpicks.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a small splash of water. Add the breadcrumbs to a third bowl.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, then eggs, and then breadcrumbs– making sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
- Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and then add the chicken to the air fryer. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil spray as well.
- Cook at 350ºF/176ºC for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature registers 165ºF/74ºC.
