Ella Walter
Chicken cordon bleu is a French dish, meaning blue ribbon, that is typically made with flattened chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then rolled up, breaded, and cooked. It can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The chicken cordon bleu can be either store-bought or homemade, and it can be cooked from fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. The air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy, golden coating on the chicken while keeping the cheese inside gooey and melty.
How to cook chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken preparation | Flatten chicken breast, then stuff with ham and cheese |
| Breading | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs |
| Oil | Avocado, olive, or non-stick spray |
| Temperature | 350-450°F (175-230°C) |
| Cooking time | 18-25 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Sides | Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, crusty bread |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the chicken breasts
Next, you will need to flatten the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of heavy plastic or parchment paper on a solid, level surface. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Be careful not to pound all the way through the meat.
Now it's time to stuff and roll the chicken breasts. For the filling, you will need ham and cheese slices. Cut the ham and cheese slices into halves or smaller pieces that will fit inside the chicken breasts. Place a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham, and then layer another slice of ham and cheese on top. Roll them up so that a slice of ham is on the outside. Repeat this process to create a second ham-and-cheese roll.
Place one of the ham-and-cheese rolls inside each chicken breast pocket. Secure the pocket closed with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from running out during cooking. At this point, you can season the chicken with salt and pepper and spread Dijon mustard on top, if desired.
Once the chicken breasts are stuffed and secured, transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow them to chill and firm up before cooking. This will help them hold their shape during the cooking process.
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Stuffing the breasts with ham and cheese
To make chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer, you'll need to start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a mallet or a foil-wrapped brick, carefully flatten each breast to a thickness of around a quarter of an inch. Be careful not to pound all the way through the meat.
Next, you'll create the filling by placing a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham. Then, layer another slice of ham and cheese on top. Make sure to cut the ham and cheese slices in half if they don't fit within the flattened chicken breast. You can also add some Dijon mustard on top of the cheese for extra flavour.
Now, it's time to roll everything up. Place the ham and cheese stack in the centre of each flattened chicken breast and roll it up like a jelly roll, carefully tucking the filling inside as you go. Secure the sides and ends with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking. At this point, you can transfer the prepared rolls to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours to let them firm up before cooking.
Once you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.
Place the chicken rolls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one to ensure proper air circulation. You don't want to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Now, it's time to air fry your chicken cordon bleu! The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 18-25 minutes for the chicken to cook through and achieve a crispy, golden crust. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy.
And that's it! You've successfully cooked chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer, resulting in a delicious, crispy dish with a gooey cheese centre. Enjoy your homemade creation!
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Battering and breading the chicken
Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of parchment paper or heavy plastic. Using a meat mallet or a foil-wrapped brick, gently pound the chicken breasts to flatten them to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Be careful not to pound too hard and puncture the meat. This flattening process ensures even cooking and helps create a uniform roll later on.
Next, cut a pocket into each flattened chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as you want to create a pocket to hold the delicious filling. For the filling, you will need ham slices and cheese slices. Place a slice of cheese on top of a ham slice and then layer another slice of ham and cheese on top. Roll them up so that the ham is on the outside. This forms a secure roll that will be placed inside the chicken breast pocket.
Now it's time to assemble the cordon bleu. Place one ham and cheese roll inside each chicken breast pocket, making sure the cheese is facing up. Secure the pocket closed with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. At this point, you can season the chicken with salt and pepper and spread Dijon mustard on top, adding extra flavour to your cordon bleu.
For the battering and breading process, you will need three separate dishes. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk a few eggs until well beaten. The third dish should contain a mixture of breadcrumbs and, optionally, grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add some dried herbs like parsley or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.
Take each chicken bundle and dip it first in the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so that the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Make sure there are no spots of flour left; if there are, simply pat them with a little beaten egg and breadcrumbs.
Once your chicken bundles are battered and breaded, they are almost ready for the air fryer! As an optional final step, you can gently pat each bundle with melted butter to add extra richness and help achieve an even crispier crust. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
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Cooking the chicken in the air fryer
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy, golden brown crust. It's a convenient method, especially when you're short on time, and it's a healthier option than traditional frying.
Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts by flattening them with a mallet or foil-wrapped brick to a thickness of around 1/4 inch. Be careful not to pound all the way through. Then, cut a pocket into each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You can season the chicken with salt and pepper and spread Dijon mustard on top, or a mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper.
Now it's time to stuff and roll your chicken. Place a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham, and then layer another slice of ham and cheese on top. You can also add more slices of ham and cheese if you like. Roll them up so that the cheese is inside and the ham is on the outside. Place one roll inside each chicken breast pocket and secure the pocket closed with toothpicks. You'll need around 2-4 toothpicks per breast. At this point, you can refrigerate the chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours to let the flavours meld.
Next, it's time to bread the chicken. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it into beaten egg, and then press it into a bread crumb mixture to coat both sides. Make sure to coat any spots that are only covered in flour. You can also gently pat the chicken with melted butter for extra richness.
Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380 degrees F, or even up to 450 degrees F, depending on the model and your preference. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Spray the top of the chicken with an oil mister or non-stick spray.
Now, you're ready to air fry! Cook for around 18-25 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through and spraying any dry spots with oil or non-stick spray. The chicken is done when it's no longer pink in the centre and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees F, which you can check with an instant-read thermometer.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will keep the chicken juicy and tender. You can serve it with a simple side dish like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, a side salad, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken cordon bleu!
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Making a sauce to serve with the chicken
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish, meaning "blue ribbon" because of its delicious taste. It is a chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, rolled up, breaded, and cooked. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook this dish as it gives the chicken a crispy coating and gooey cheese centre without the hassle of traditional frying.
There are several sauce options that you can make to serve with your Chicken Cordon Bleu. A popular choice is a Swiss cheese sauce, which can be made by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisking in warm milk and continuing to whisk until the mixture has thickened. You can then add salt and garlic powder, and stir to combine before removing from the heat and adding the cheese, stirring to melt.
Another option is a creamy Dijon sauce, which can be made by mixing mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper together and spreading it over the chicken. You could also make a white wine sauce by adding wine and shredded cheese to the saucepan and cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened. You can also add milk to create a light, creamy sauce with a mild flavour.
It is important to note that if you are making a sauce with cheese, it should be added towards the end of the cooking process as it can burn easily. Also, be careful not to add the sauce too early as it can make the breading soggy. It is best to keep the sauce warm over low heat until you are ready to serve it.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) if recommended by the manufacturer. If not, preheat to 370 degrees F or 380 degrees F.
Air fry for 18 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Cut a pocket into each raw chicken breast. Place a cheese slice on a slice of ham, then layer another slice of ham and cheese on top. Roll them up so a slice of ham is on the outside and secure with toothpicks. Place the rolls inside each chicken breast pocket.
Chicken cordon bleu is rich, so it's best to serve it with simple side dishes. Steamed broccoli with a light lemon butter sauce, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad are good options.
