Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken cordon bleu is a French dish, meaning blue ribbon chicken, and is made with ham slices and Swiss cheese rolled inside a pounded chicken breast. It is then topped with breadcrumbs or fried until golden. You can cook Barber Foods' chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F and place the chicken cordon bleu inside in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How to cook Barber Foods Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 Frozen chicken cordon bleu
• Oil spray (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F.
• Place the frozen chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each one.
• Air fry for 18-20 minutes. The cheese may begin to come out, but this is fine.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can use a silicone liner or parchment paper round to help with clean-up.
• If you are cooking more than one chicken cordon bleu, make sure to leave space between each one so the hot air can properly circulate.
• Always give the chicken time to rest before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.

How to store leftovers

If you have leftovers of Barber Foods Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is recommended to enjoy them within 3 to 4 days.

Use the Right Storage Container

Use airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers help preserve freshness while preventing odours from transferring to other items in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the leftovers in aluminium foil or plastic wrap, ensuring they are tightly sealed so that air cannot get in and affect the quality and safety of the food.

Cool the Food First

Before placing the leftovers in the refrigerator, it is important to let them cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus from multiplying quickly.

Follow Food Storage Guidelines

According to food safety guidelines, cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It is recommended to consume or freeze the leftovers within this timeframe to ensure food safety and maintain optimal quality.

Reheat Properly

When reheating chicken leftovers, it is important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an oven, skillet, air fryer, or microwave for reheating. Covering the chicken with foil or adding broth or sauce can help prevent it from drying out.

Minimise "Warmed-Over" Chicken Flavour

To minimise the "warmed-over" flavour that can develop in leftover chicken, store, and reheat it properly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can enhance this flavour. Add water, broth, or sauce before reheating, and consider adding fresh herbs or spices to enhance the taste.

How to reheat leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to help the breaded chicken get crispy again on the outside and heat through evenly. You can also use a microwave. Here are the steps to reheat your chicken cordon bleu:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Place your leftover chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until warmed through.

What to serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich and indulgent dish, so it's best to serve it with a simple side to balance the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Salads

A fresh and crisp salad can provide a great contrast to the crispy, cheesy chicken. Try a Spring Mix Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese or a Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs. The slight bitterness of the kale will cut through the richness of the dish, while the toasted breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture.

Vegetables

Roasted broccoli is a great option, especially for those who don't usually enjoy steamed or raw broccoli. You could also try Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs, or Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. For a simple option, serve with steamed or boiled vegetables such as green beans or carrots.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile side dish and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Try Smashed Baby Red Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, Twice-Baked Duchess Potatoes, or Air Fryer Ranch Potatoes. For a more indulgent option, you could make Homemade Mashed Potatoes.

Breads

A simple side of garlic bread or cornbread could be the perfect accompaniment to Chicken Cordon Bleu. For a more substantial option, try Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake.

Other Sides

Other side dishes that would complement Chicken Cordon Bleu include Air Fryer Cheesy Tomatoes, Honey-Butter Skillet Corn, or a Broccoli-Cheese Casserole.

Remember, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a hearty and flavourful dish, so it's best to keep the sides simple and not too heavy.

Why cook Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer

Chicken cordon bleu is a French dish that is usually deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still yields a delicious, crispy result. Here are some reasons why cooking chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer is a great option:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Chicken cordon bleu can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer, with no prep work required. It's a convenient way to enjoy a tasty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Minimal Mess

Deep-frying chicken cordon bleu can be a messy affair, with hot oil splattering and the risk of grease fires. Air fryers contain the cooking process within a compact appliance, resulting in less mess and a safer cooking experience.

Healthier Option

Air fryers use little to no oil, relying instead on the circulation of hot air to cook food. This means that air-fried chicken cordon bleu has fewer calories and less fat than its deep-fried counterpart, without sacrificing taste or texture.

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide an even distribution of heat, ensuring that your chicken cordon bleu cooks evenly on all sides. This results in a uniformly crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior every time.

Versatile Cooking

In addition to cooking frozen chicken cordon bleu, air fryers can be used to prepare a variety of dishes. From appetizers to main courses, and from meats to vegetables, air fryers offer a versatile cooking method for a wide range of recipes.

Frequently asked questions