Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu: Frozen To Fabulous!

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that is usually deep-fried. However, with an air fryer, you can enjoy the same delicious, crispy, golden brown outer crust and tender stuffed chicken breast oozing with melted cheese but with less oil and in a fraction of the cooking time! In this article, we will teach you how to make frozen chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer, a super simple, tasty and quick mid-week meal that your whole family will love.

How to make frozen chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer in 5 steps

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that is usually deep-fried. However, you can also cook frozen chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer for a quicker, healthier, and more convenient option. Here is a simple 5-step guide to making this delicious meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take the frozen chicken cordon bleu out of its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each piece so that hot air can circulate properly. You can line the basket with parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 370-400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken and your air fryer model, but it typically takes 15-20 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Air Fry

No need to spray the chicken with oil, as the breading already contains oil. Air fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy. You can flip it halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will keep the chicken tender and juicy. The cheese inside will be very hot, so be careful when serving.

Step 5: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-4 days. You can reheat the chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.

What is chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that looks and tastes as sophisticated as it sounds. The name translates to "blue ribbon chicken", and it is said that the term cordon bleu became associated with food that meets the highest of standards or that is prepared by the most prestigious chefs.

Chicken cordon bleu is traditionally made with ham slices and Swiss cheese rolled up inside a pounded chicken breast and then topped with breadcrumbs or fried until golden. The chicken breast is usually stuffed with cheese and ham, coated with crunchy golden breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried. However, many modern versions of the recipe, such as the air fryer version, are baked.

Chicken cordon bleu is a simple, tasty, and comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion like a romantic date night.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store leftover chicken cordon bleu, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the leftovers within 3–4 days, as the breading can get soft if kept longer than that.

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the cordon bleu in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 4–5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven or in the microwave, but you may lose the crispiness of the breading if you use the microwave.

How to get the perfect crispy coating

To get the perfect crispy coating on your frozen chicken cordon bleu, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 370-400°F. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy without burning.

The next important step is to ensure that your chicken is in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and crisping. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy coating.

When it comes to cooking time, the general rule is to air fry your frozen chicken cordon bleu for around 18-20 minutes at 380°F or 17-20 minutes at 370°F. However, it's important to keep an eye on your chicken and adjust the time as needed, as air fryer brands and models can vary. The key to a perfect crispy coating is to make sure your chicken is cooked through without being overcooked.

To check if your chicken is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It's important to test the temperature in the middle of the chicken breast, as the cheese and ham filling can give a different reading. If your chicken is not yet at the right temperature, continue cooking and checking every 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Finally, while most frozen chicken cordon bleu brands include oil in the breading, you may want to spray the tops with a light coat of cooking oil to encourage crisping. However, this is not necessary, and the breading will usually crisp up just fine on its own.

What to serve with chicken cordon bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich and indulgent dish, so it's a good idea to serve it with something that will cut through the fat and provide a contrast in flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Salads

A fresh, tangy salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu. A simple salad with fresh vegetables and fruits and a tangy vinaigrette is a classic choice, but you could also try something like a Tomato-Cucumber salad or a Kale and Fennel Salad with Almond and Cranberry.

Starch

A starchy side dish is a good way to counterbalance the protein and fat in the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Steamed white rice is a mild-flavoured option that won't overpower the dish, or you could try garlic butter rice for a more flavoursome option. If you're looking for something more indulgent, why not try mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, or even fondant potatoes?

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your meal. Broccoli, broccolini, asparagus, or green beans are all refreshing options that will add a nice crunch to your meal. You could also try something different like Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts or Air Fryer Baby Carrots.

Sauces

A thick sauce can be a great addition to Chicken Cordon Bleu, especially if it's deep-fried. A simple Dijon sauce, made with butter, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard is a perfect pairing.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could try a side dish like Air Fryer Glazed Carrots, Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potato, or Air Fryer Green Beans. Zucchini fries or sweet potato fries are also a fun option, especially if you're looking for something a little healthier than regular French fries.

Frequently asked questions