Air-Fried Cordon Bleu: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The process involves coating chicken breasts in flour, dipping them in beaten egg, and pressing them into a bread crumb mixture. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. While the chicken is cooking, a sauce can be made by melting butter in a skillet and adding flour, chicken stock, milk, mustard and Parmesan.

How to prepare the chicken

To prepare the chicken, you will need to roll up the chicken breast like a jelly roll, tucking the ham and cheese inside as you go. Secure the ends and sides with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from running out. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to four hours.

Next, dredge the chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Press the chicken into a bread crumb mixture to coat both sides. Place the breaded chicken breasts onto a plate and spray with nonstick spray. Leave the chicken to sit for five minutes while the air fryer preheats.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), or 370 degrees F, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken with an oil mister.

Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the breasts and spray any dry spots with nonstick spray. Continue cooking for 8-15 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

How to cook the chicken

Firstly, roll up the chicken breast like a jelly roll, tucking the ham and cheese inside the breast as you roll. Secure the ends and sides with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from running out. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to four hours.

Next, dredge the chicken breasts in flour, dip them into beaten egg, and press them into a bread crumb mixture to coat both sides. Place the breaded chicken breasts onto a plate and spray with nonstick spray. Let sit for five minutes while the air fryer preheats, then arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and spray any dry spots with nonstick spray. Continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre and the juices run clear, about eight to 10 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add leftover flour mixture from the breading process and stir until the flour is coated with butter and the mixture begins to bubble, about two minutes. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil.

How to make the sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can start making the sauce. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of leftover flour mixture from the breading process. Stir until the flour is coated with butter and the mixture begins to bubble, which should take about 2 minutes. Stir in half a cup of chicken stock and bring to a boil.

In a separate saucepan, melt some more butter over medium heat. Whisk in some flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in some milk and continue whisking until the mixture is blended and smooth. Add mustard and Parmesan, then simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened.

How to serve the dish

To serve chicken cordon bleu cooked in an air fryer, you can add a pan sauce from the stovetop. To make this, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add leftover flour mixture from the breading process and stir until the flour is coated with butter and the mixture begins to bubble, about two minutes. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil. You can also make a sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in milk and continue whisking until the mixture is blended and smooth. Add mustard and Parmesan, then simmer for two to three minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened.

Chicken cordon bleu can be served with a side of your choice. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, a green salad, or mashed potatoes.

How to store the chicken before cooking

It is important to store the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before cooking. This will help the chicken to stay moist and juicy during the cooking process. Make sure to place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer, and spray the top with an oil mister.

Frequently asked questions