Air-Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu: The Perfect Quick-Fix Meal

Chicken cordon bleu is a French dish that is typically made by pounding chicken breasts, stuffing them with ham and cheese, breading them, and then pan-frying them. However, an air fryer can also be used to cook this dish, resulting in a crispy coating and gooey cheese centre. The cooking time for chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 18 to 25 minutes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer: Ingredients

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish that is typically made by pounding chicken breasts, stuffing them with ham and cheese, and then breading and pan-frying them. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve the same delicious result with less effort and time. Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make this mouth-watering dish in your air fryer:

Chicken and Fillings:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You'll need 2-4 chicken breasts, depending on the number of servings.
• Ham: Go for thinly sliced deli ham for easier rolling. You'll need 2-4 slices per chicken breast.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Gruyere, provolone, or any cheese of your preference. You'll need 1-2 slices per chicken breast.

Breading:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to coat the chicken before dipping it in the egg mixture.
• Eggs: Beat 1-2 eggs in a bowl to create an egg wash for the breading process.
• Breadcrumbs: A combination of plain dry breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs works best. The panko adds a nice crunch, but using only panko can make the coating fall off during cooking.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be mixed with the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy kick.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes can be added to the breading mixture for extra flavour.

Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: Combined with Dijon mustard, it creates a creamy sauce that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavour to the sauce and is also used in the egg wash for the breading.

Cooking Spray and Garnish:

• Nonstick cooking spray: Used to spray the chicken before and after flipping during the air-frying process.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish to add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• Swiss cheese
• Ham
• Flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Butter
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place a chicken breast on a flat surface and cut it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book and pound it with a meat mallet until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

Step 2: Create the Filling

Place a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham. You can also add another slice of ham and cheese on top for a fuller filling. Starting from the short end, roll up the ham and cheese firmly. Repeat this process to create a second roll.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Place the breadcrumbs on a plate. Coat each chicken roll in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the chicken rolls.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees F. Place the chicken rolls in the air fryer basket and spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 10-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and spraying any dry spots with more oil. The chicken is done when it's no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Step 5: Make the Sauce (Optional)

While the chicken is cooking, you can make a sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth. Add mustard and Parmesan cheese, then simmer for 2-3 minutes while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the toothpicks and serve the chicken cordon bleu with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Don't forget to spoon the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor!

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer: Tips and Tricks

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish that is typically made by pounding chicken breasts flat, stuffing them with ham and cheese, breading them, and then frying. However, making this dish in the air fryer is a great way to simplify the process and achieve a crispy, golden brown crust. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu in your air fryer.

Preparing the Chicken

To start, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut each breast in half lengthwise, and then use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it's about 1/4 inch thick. This process will ensure that your chicken is an even thickness and will create a larger surface area for your filling.

Assembling the Chicken Cordon Bleu

Now it's time to assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu! Place a slice of ham on each piece of chicken, followed by a slice of cheese. It's important to keep the cheese away from the edges to prevent it from melting out during cooking. You can also add a "secret sauce" of mayonnaise and dijon mustard on top of the cheese for extra flavour and creaminess.

Next, roll the chicken over the filling, starting from one end. Tuck the ham over itself and pull the other end of the chicken up and over to create a roll. Secure the roll with toothpicks, especially at the ends, to prevent the filling from melting out. Don't worry if your rolls aren't perfect—this part can be tricky, but it will get easier with practice!

Breading the Chicken

Before breading, you can prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs and dijon mustard in a shallow dish. In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs, panko, and seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to bread the chicken! Dredge each chicken roll in the egg mixture, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breading covers the entire chicken roll, and let it sit for a few minutes to set.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Spritz the air fryer basket or cooking surface with oil, and then place the chicken rolls inside, leaving space between each one. Spritz the tops of the chicken with oil to promote even browning.

Air fry for 18-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping the chicken during cooking, as this may cause the breading to come off.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the crust remains crispy and doesn't become soggy. Finally, remove the toothpicks and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu!

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer: Common Mistakes

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish that is typically made by pounding chicken breasts flat, stuffing them with ham and cheese, and then breading and frying them. While this dish can be made in an oven, using an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy coating and gooey cheese center. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Cordon Bleu in an air fryer:

Mistake 1: Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for getting the best results. It ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and helps to create that crispy coating. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mistake 2: Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu. This can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your chicken from getting that crispysection-title: Common Mistakes crispy, golden crust. If you're cooking for a larger group, it's best to cook in batches to ensure each piece of chicken has enough space.

Mistake 3: Not Using Toothpicks to Secure the Chicken

Chicken Cordon Bleu can be a little tricky to assemble, and using toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls is essential. This helps prevent the cheese from melting out during the cooking process. Most recipes recommend using 2-4 toothpicks per chicken roll.

Mistake 4: Flipping the Chicken During Cooking

Resist the temptation to flip your Chicken Cordon Bleu during the air frying process. Flipping can cause the breading to come off, resulting in a less-than-perfect crust. Instead, let the chicken cook undisturbed for the recommended time, and then remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cooling rack.

Mistake 5: Not Using a Meat Thermometer

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu is cooked to perfection, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is nice and gooey.

Mistake 6: Adding the Sauce Too Early

If you're serving your Chicken Cordon Bleu with a sauce, be sure to wait until just before serving to add it. Adding the sauce too early can make the breading soggy,section-title: Common Mistakes ruining that crispy texture you worked hard to achieve. So, hold off on the sauce until you're ready to serve.

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer: Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish that is typically made by pounding chicken breasts, stuffing them with ham and cheese, and then breading and frying them. While the classic preparation method can be time-consuming, an air fryer offers a quicker and easier alternative without compromising on taste or texture. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Side Dishes

• Keep it simple: Due to the richness of Chicken Cordon Bleu, it is recommended to pair it with light and simple side dishes. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus go well with the dish. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables with a light lemon butter sauce.
• Starch options: Mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or rice pilaf are excellent choices to accompany the protein-rich main course. For a fancier option, try twice-baked mashed potatoes.
• Bread: A crusty bread or garlic bread on the side can round off the meal and help soak up any remaining sauce.

Sauces

• Pan sauce: For a classic touch, prepare a pan sauce by melting butter in a skillet, adding flour, and stirring until bubbly. Then, add chicken stock, white wine, and cream, bringing it to a boil. Simmer until slightly thickened, and serve over the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Dijon sauce: A simple blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish.
• Garlic herb butter: Top your steamed vegetables or bread with garlic and herb butter for an extra punch of flavour.

Presentation

When serving, consider removing the toothpicks used to secure the chicken rolls for a more elegant presentation. Using a cooling rack instead of a solid surface, such as a plate or cutting board, can help prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions