Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce: A Gourmet Meal Made Easy
Transform your dinner routine with this incredible Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts generously stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating. What truly elevates this classic dish from delightful to extraordinary is the rich, flavorful Dijon cream sauce, making every bite a luxurious experience. Say goodbye to the mess of deep-frying and hello to a perfectly cooked, elegant meal, effortlessly prepared in your air fryer.
Why This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Is a Must-Try
Craving the sophisticated flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but hesitant about the traditional deep-frying method? Our air fryer version is the ultimate solution, delivering all the taste and texture you love without the excessive oil and cleanup. This recipe stands out by providing a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to classic pan-frying. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken breast, perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, encasing a warm, gooey center of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese – all achieved with minimal effort and grease.
Similar to our highly praised oven-baked chicken cordon bleu, this air fryer rendition ensures a tender interior and a wonderfully crunchy exterior. The air fryer, essentially a compact convection oven, circulates hot air rapidly around your food, mimicking the results of deep-frying with significantly less oil. This means you get that desirable crispy, golden-brown crust and a thoroughly cooked, juicy chicken without the oil splatters, heavy cleanup, or lingering greasy smell in your kitchen.
Preparing “fancy” meals in the air fryer is surprisingly fun and efficient. Its ability to create consistently crispy results in a shorter or comparable timeframe to conventional cooking methods makes it an invaluable kitchen appliance. For this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, it provides a flawless cook every time, locking in moisture while crisping the breadcrumbs to perfection. It’s a testament to how modern kitchen tools can simplify classic dishes, making gourmet dining accessible for any weeknight.
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
To recreate this delectable Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients for both the chicken rolls and the signature Dijon cream sauce. All precise measurements and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Let’s dive deeper into the key components of this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu and explore some helpful tips and potential substitutions to ensure your dish is nothing short of perfection.
CHICKEN BREASTS: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu due to their lean nature and ability to be easily pounded thin. For best results, we recommend using chicken breasts that are approximately 6 ounces each. If your chicken breasts are larger, you might need to slice them horizontally to achieve a consistent 1/2-inch thickness after pounding. The goal is to create a thin, uniform canvas that rolls up beautifully, ensuring even cooking and a balanced ratio of chicken to filling. Avoid overly thick pieces, as the dish is characterized by its elegant, rolled form rather than bulky chicken mounds.
STUFFING – Ham and Swiss: The classic pairing of ham and Swiss cheese is what gives cordon bleu its distinctive flavor. When selecting ham, opt for a good quality deli ham. Thick-cut slices work wonderfully, providing a substantial layer of flavor and texture. If you prefer thinner slices, you might need 2-4 per chicken breast to achieve the desired effect. For the Swiss cheese, freshly sliced from the deli counter, whether thick or thin, melts beautifully. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, consider other excellent melting cheeses like Gruyère for a more intense flavor, or even a mild provolone or mozzarella for a different profile. Ensure your cheese is sliced or shredded finely to prevent it from tearing the chicken when rolling and to promote even melting.
BREADCRUMBS: Panko breadcrumbs are our top recommendation for achieving that superior crispy crust in the air fryer. Their light, flaky texture results in a much crunchier coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs. If you prefer, seasoned panko breadcrumbs can be used to add an extra layer of flavor, or you can season plain panko with your favorite herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. For those seeking a gluten-free option, many brands now offer excellent gluten-free panko that performs just as well.
DREDGING STATION ESSENTIALS: The combination of flour, seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, followed by whisked eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, creates the perfect adhesion for the crispy coating. The flour mixture ensures the egg washes adhere well, and the egg, in turn, acts as a binder for the panko. Don’t skimp on these layers, as they are crucial for a beautifully browned and crunchy exterior. You can experiment with adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to your flour or panko for an aromatic twist.
OIL: A light brush of oil on the breaded chicken is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown and extra-crispy finish in the air fryer. Vegetable oil is a neutral choice that works perfectly, but avocado oil or olive oil are also excellent alternatives that can add subtle flavor notes.
DIJON CREAM SAUCE: This decadent sauce is the crowning glory of our Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Butter & Flour (Roux): Unsalted butter forms the base for our roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce. Whisking in all-purpose flour slowly ensures a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a rich, creamy sauce. You can use 2% milk for a slightly lighter version, but avoid skim milk as it may result in a thinner, less luxurious texture.
- Dijon Mustard: This is the star of the sauce, providing a tangy, slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Use a good quality Dijon for the best flavor. For a milder flavor, you could try honey mustard, but Dijon truly gives it that classic cordon bleu sauce profile.
- Cheese (Optional): While Swiss or Parmesan cheese are optional additions to the sauce, they impart an extra layer of depth and creaminess. If you choose to include cheese, always use freshly grated. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently but firmly pound the chicken breasts until they are uniformly about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes them easier to roll. Be careful not to tear the chicken.
- Season and Fill: Remove the plastic wrap from the pounded chicken breasts. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay a slice of thick-cut deli ham over each chicken breast, ensuring it covers most of the surface. Follow with slices of Swiss cheese, arranging them neatly over the ham.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and tucking the ham and cheese inwards as you go. Use the bottom layer of plastic wrap to help you roll it tightly and compactly, keeping all the delicious filling inside. Once rolled, wrap the plastic wrap completely around the chicken roulade to help it hold its shape.
- Chill to Set: Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the chicken to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing it from unrolling during the dredging and cooking process.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: While the chicken chills, set up your dredging station. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. In a second shallow bowl, crack and whisk two large eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 365°F (185°C).
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chilled chicken breasts from their plastic wrap. First, roll each chicken breast thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it generously in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well to all sides.
- Oil for Crispiness: Lightly brush all sides of the breaded chicken breasts with vegetable oil (or your preferred oil). This step is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the prepared chicken breasts into the basket of your preheated air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and even crisping. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. The exterior should be golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Dijon Cream Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese (if using) until melted and combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the warm Dijon cream sauce generously over the Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this gourmet meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
To maintain the best quality and flavor, store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend! Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, though the crust may lose some of its crispiness.
Absolutely! Freezing chicken cordon bleu is a fantastic way to meal prep. You can prepare the chicken cordon bleu up to the dredging stage and freeze them unbaked. Wrap each breaded chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. However, you can also air fry them directly from frozen. If cooking from frozen, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the total cook time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
The chilling step is essential for this! If you find your chicken wants to unroll, you can secure it with a couple of toothpicks before dredging and air frying. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Several factors contribute to a super crispy crust. First, use Panko breadcrumbs – their coarse texture crisps up beautifully. Second, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; allow enough space for air to circulate around each piece. Finally, don’t skip brushing with oil before air frying, and as noted in our tips, check for dry spots after about 15 minutes and apply a little more oil if needed. This helps achieve that desirable golden-brown finish.
While Swiss and ham are traditional, feel free to experiment! Prosciutto or even thinly sliced smoked turkey can replace ham. For cheese, consider Gruyere for a nuttier flavor, provolone for a milder taste, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness. Just ensure your chosen cheese melts well.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. For a lighter accompaniment, consider steamed or roasted asparagus, tender broccoli florets, glazed carrots, or fresh green beans. If you’re looking for a more substantial side, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a simple pilaf of white or brown rice would be excellent choices. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce, making for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
Explore More Air Fryer Favorites
The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a wide array of delicious meals with ease. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic air fryer creations:
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
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Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 24 ounces chicken breasts 4 – 6 oz breasts, boneless and skinless
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices deli ham thick sliced, or 8 thinner slices
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese sliced, about 2 slices for each breast
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Dijon Cream Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup shredded swiss cheese optional, or parmesan (freshly grated)
- fresh chopped parsley optional for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Meat mallet
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Instant read thermometer
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Plastic wrap
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Saucepan
Before You Begin
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use avocado oil or olive oil for brushing the chicken.
- To ensure maximum crispiness and even browning, check the chicken after it has air fried for about 15 minutes. If you notice any dry spots on the breading, brush on a little more oil to help them brown evenly.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size and initial thickness of your chicken breasts, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark, and use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to allow for optimal air circulation, which is key for a crispy exterior.
Instructions
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Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breast no more than 1/2-inch thick.
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Remove the plastic and season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Place a ham slice to cover each chicken breast, and then cover with slices of Swiss cheese.
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Slowly roll up each chicken breast using the under layer of plastic wrap to keep the contents inside and compact. Wrap the plastic wrap completely around the chicken breast to keep it in place.
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Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set their shape.
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Meanwhile, prepare a dredging station. Place 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow bowl. Stir to combine.
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In a second bowl, place the panko crumbs.
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Preheat the air fryer to 365F.
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Remove the chicken breast from its plastic wrap. Dredge by placing each side of it into the flour mixture, then coat it in the egg, and finally coat it in the panko.
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Brush the oil onto the breaded chicken breasts.
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Place the chicken breasts into the basket of the preheated air fryer, and cook 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F on an instant-read thermometer.
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Meanwhile, make the dijon cream sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and then slowly add the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the mustard and Swiss cheese (if using). Pour sauce over air fried chicken as desired.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.