Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that is usually deep-fried. But what if you want to enjoy this delicious meal without all the extra fat and calories? The answer is simple – cook it in an air fryer! This handy kitchen appliance will give you a crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy chicken with melted cheese oozing out, all in under 20 minutes.

How to cook frozen chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that is usually deep-fried. However, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that requires less oil and still produces a crispy, golden outer crust. This method is also a quick and easy way to cook frozen chicken cordon bleu, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken cordon bleu
• Cooking spray (optional)

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375-380 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Place the frozen chicken cordon bleu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. There is no need to spray the chicken with oil, as the breading already contains oil.

Step 3: Air fry the frozen chicken cordon bleu for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer. Flipping the chicken halfway through can ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the meat to retain its juices and makes it safer to eat, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Some cheese may ooze out during cooking, which is normal and indicates that the cheese is perfectly melted.
• Parchment paper liners can be used to prevent cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure proper air circulation.
• To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer at 350-380 degrees F for 4-8 minutes, or until warmed through.

Tips for making the best cordon bleu

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pounding the breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch makes them easier to roll and gives them a more consistent texture.
• For the filling, use deli ham, which is thin enough to roll easily, and Swiss cheese, which melts well without oozing too much. You can also use Gruyere or another melting cheese like sharp cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.
• Secure the filling with toothpicks to prevent it from falling out during cooking.
• Coat the chicken with a layer of butter or mayonnaise and mustard to help the breadcrumbs adhere and add flavour.
• Use dry breadcrumbs for a crispier coating. You can also use crushed cornflakes or crackers for an extra-crispy texture.
• If desired, add herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.
• Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and keep the cheese from solidifying too quickly.
• Chicken cordon bleu is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the breading soggy.

Air Frying Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you're short on time, you can cook frozen chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer. Here are some additional tips for this method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Place the frozen cordon bleu in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping to allow for even cooking.
• No additional oil is needed, as the breading already contains oil.
• Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Some cheese melt may escape, but this is normal.
• Allow the cooked cordon bleu to rest for a few minutes before serving to prevent the cheese from solidifying immediately.
• You can also reheat leftover cordon bleu in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

How to store and reheat leftovers

If you have any chicken cordon bleu leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume them within three to four days.

To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer basket. Reheat for four to five minutes. You can also reheat in an oven or a microwave, but you may lose the crispiness.

Ideas for what to serve with this dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich and indulgent dish, so you'll want to serve it with something that will balance out the flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your air-fried frozen chicken cordon bleu:

Starch

• Garlic butter rice
• Mashed potatoes (try redskin mashed potatoes or whipped roasted garlic mashed potatoes)
• Crispy air fryer diced potatoes
• Fondant potatoes
• Potatoes au gratin with pancetta and leeks
• Sweet potato fries
• Baked sweet potatoes

Vegetables

• Air fryer vegetables (e.g. asparagus, baby carrots, broccoli or broccolini)
• Grilled vegetables
• Green beans (e.g. Italian green beans, balsamic-glazed green beans)
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus in lemon butter sauce
• Zucchini fries
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Air fryer carrot fries

Salads

• Simple salad with fresh vegetables and fruits and a tangy vinaigrette
• Kale and fennel salad with almond and cranberry
• Spring mix apple raspberry salad
• Easy spinach salad with pears
• Copycat Taziki’s Tomato Cucumber Salad
• Copycat Olive Garden Signature Salad
• Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad

Sauces

• Dijon mustard sauce
• Hollandaise sauce

Other

• Cheesy cauliflower rice
• Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Lemon dill rice
• Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
• Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potato
• Air Fryer Green Beans

How to make chicken cordon bleu from scratch

Chicken cordon bleu is a French dish that involves chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese and coated in breadcrumbs. It is usually fried but can also be baked. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken cordon bleu from scratch:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Ham
• Cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, sharp white cheddar, or any other melting cheese)
• Breadcrumbs (traditional, panko, or cornflakes)
• Butter or oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: mustard, mayonnaise, eggs, flour, herbs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts until thin and then layer the ham and cheese on top before rolling them up. This method helps prevent the cheese from melting out.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

Place a slice of ham and a handful of shredded cheese inside each chicken breast pocket. You can also roll the chicken, ham, and cheese together like a log, securing it with toothpicks.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

There are two common methods for breading the chicken:

Method 1: Super Easy

• Smear mayonnaise and mustard on the chicken
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top

Method 2: Quick Dredge

• Dunk the chicken in a mixture of egg and flour
• Coat with breadcrumbs

For either method, you can toast the breadcrumbs in the oven beforehand to make them crunchier.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken in an air fryer or oven. For the air fryer, preheat it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes. For the oven, bake at 390- 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-35 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Sauce (Optional)

Chicken cordon bleu is often served with a creamy mustard sauce. You can make this by melting butter in a saucepan, adding garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, mustard, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until it thickens, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions