Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Imagine juicy chicken breasts, filled with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier, yet equally delicious version. And to top it off, we’re serving it with a rich and creamy Swiss cheese sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Resume of the Recipe:
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu offers a modern take on a beloved classic. The air fryer crisps the breading to golden perfection while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Filled with layers of ham and Swiss cheese, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The Swiss cheese sauce adds an extra layer of creamy indulgence, making this dish a standout on any dinner table.
Exciting Story:
I still remember the first time I decided to try making Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer. My husband had always loved the traditional version, but I wanted to find a way to enjoy it more often without feeling guilty about the calories. The air fryer seemed like the perfect solution. I was a bit nervous at first, but as the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of crispy breaded chicken, I knew I was onto something. When we finally sat down to eat, my husband took one bite and looked at me with a huge smile. “This is amazing,” he said, “You need to make this more often!” And just like that, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu became a regular favorite in our home, perfect for special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners alike.
Why This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- Healthier Cooking Method: The air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this dish lighter and healthier.
- Juicy and Crispy: The air fryer ensures the chicken remains juicy on the inside while achieving a perfectly crispy coating on the outside.
- Delicious Filling: The combination of ham and Swiss cheese inside the chicken creates a rich, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Olive oil spray
- Swiss Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally, without cutting all the way through. Open them up like a book.
- Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to enclose the filling.
- Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Swiss Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
- Plate the chicken and drizzle with the Swiss cheese sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Filling: Make sure the ham and cheese are thinly sliced to prevent the chicken from becoming too bulky.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.