Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight for Your Dinner Table

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about a perfectly crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. But when you add an air fryer into the mix, you take this classic dish to a whole new level. No more deep frying or messy oil splashes. With the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly crispy, juicy Chicken Cordon Bleu in less time and with less mess. It’s the ideal solution for anyone looking to bring comfort food to the table quickly and effortlessly.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce—every bite is a crispy, cheesy indulgence that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe will have you looking forward to dinner time.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines chicken breasts with layers of ham and cheese, then coats the whole thing in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. The dish has its origins in France, where “cordon bleu” refers to a prestigious culinary award. But it wasn’t long before this dish became a beloved comfort food, found on dinner tables across the world.

Typically, Chicken Cordon Bleu is made by pounding chicken breasts thin, stuffing them with ham and cheese, and then breading and frying the rolls. It’s undeniably delicious but often requires deep frying, which can make it a bit too heavy for some people.

That’s where the air fryer comes in! Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy the same crispy texture with far less oil, making this dish healthier without sacrificing any flavor. Plus, it’s a quicker and easier way to prepare this delicious meal, and it’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious dish. We’ve divided the ingredients into sections for the chicken, breading, and Swiss cheese sauce.

Table of Ingredients

Chicken	Breading	Swiss Cheese Sauce
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts	¼ cup all-purpose flour	½ cup unsalted butter
12 slices pre-packaged deli ham, divided	¼ teaspoon kosher salt	½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup (113 g) Swiss cheese, shredded	¼ teaspoon pepper	3 cups whole milk, warmed
	¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper	2 teaspoons kosher salt
	2 large eggs, room temperature	½ teaspoon garlic powder
	2 tablespoons water	1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
	1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs	½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
	¼ cup unsalted butter, melted	Salt and pepper to taste
	1 teaspoon kosher salt	Parsley for garnish
	2 teaspoons garlic, minced

How to Prepare Chicken for Cordon Bleu

The first step to creating the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is to prepare the chicken breasts. The process involves butterflying the chicken, pounding it for even thickness, and stuffing it with ham and cheese. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Start by placing the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Place your hand flat on top of each breast and use a sharp knife to slice into the thicker side of the breast. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through—leave about 1 inch uncut on the opposite side. Once you’ve sliced through, you can open the chicken up like a book. This step ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and the filling will stay in place.

2. Pound the Chicken

To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, you need to pound it to a uniform thickness. Place the butterflied chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This step helps tenderize the chicken and gives you a nice surface area to work with when stuffing it.

3. Stuff the Chicken with Ham and Cheese

Now comes the fun part—stuffing the chicken. Place a slice or two of deli ham onto each butterflied chicken breast, then sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top. The combination of ham and Swiss cheese is the heart of the dish, providing that classic flavor we all know and love. Once you’ve added the ham and cheese, carefully roll the chicken into a tight log, tucking the sides in as you go. Use plastic wrap to help you roll it tightly, and then refrigerate the rolls for 30 minutes to help them set.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Preparing the Breading for Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

The breading process is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden crust you’re aiming for. We’ll coat the chicken in a flavorful mixture of flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Coating

On a shallow plate, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk the mixture together until it’s evenly distributed. This will be the first layer of coating for the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Egg Wash

In a second shallow plate, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

On a third plate, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, salt, and minced garlic. The butter adds richness, while the garlic enhances the overall flavor of the breading. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Start by dredging each chicken roll in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed over the surface of the chicken.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Once the chicken is coated, it’s time to cook! Spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking oil and place it in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket—cooking 2-4 pieces at a time is ideal. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Making the Swiss Cheese Sauce

The creamy Swiss cheese sauce takes this dish to the next level. It’s rich, velvety, and full of flavor—perfect for pouring over your crispy chicken.

Step 1: Make the Roux

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This is your roux, which will help thicken the sauce.

Step 2: Add the Milk

Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Stir in the kosher salt and garlic powder to season the sauce. The garlic powder adds a hint of savory depth to the cheese sauce, complementing the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Once your chicken is crispy and the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to serve! Here’s how you can present this dish for maximum appeal:

1. Plate the Chicken: Place the crispy chicken rolls onto a serving plate. You can arrange them neatly in a row or serve them individually.
2. Top with Swiss Cheese Sauce: Generously pour the creamy Swiss cheese sauce over the top of the chicken.
3. Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each piece of chicken. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Use Plastic Wrap to Help Roll: If you’re having trouble rolling the chicken tightly, use plastic wrap to help. It will also help keep the filling in place.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F.

FAQ: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other types like Gruyère or even a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I cook this in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just coat them in the breading and air fry as instructed.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce is a must-try recipe that combines the crispy, golden texture of fried chicken with the creamy indulgence of Swiss cheese sauce—all without the excess oil. It’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s easy to make in the air fryer for a quicker, healthier meal. Try it out for your next family dinner or special event, and watch as everyone digs in with delight.

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