Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? Try cooking chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer. This classic dish combines tender chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy golden breadcrumb coating. And the best part? Cooking it in the air fryer results in a healthier version that is just as tasty as the traditional fried version.

To make chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer, start by preparing the chicken breasts. Carefully butterfly each breast, then layer the ham and cheese on top. Roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks. Next, dip the chicken rolls into beaten egg, then coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. Place the chicken rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.

Cook the chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe for chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. The air fryer eliminates the need for deep frying, reducing the amount of oil and calories, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Give it a try for your next dinner and impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious meal.

Step-by-step guide to cooking chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer

Chicken cordon bleu is a delicious and fancy dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. Cooking it in an air fryer can give it a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and flatten them using a meat tenderizer until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  4. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
  5. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure with toothpicks to prevent them from opening up during cooking.
  6. In a shallow dish, beat one or two eggs.
  7. Dip each chicken roll in the beaten eggs, making sure to coat all sides.
  8. In another shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Roll each chicken roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it sticks.
  10. Place the breaded chicken rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  11. Cook the chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
  12. Check the internal temperature of the chicken rolls using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  13. Once cooked, remove the chicken cordon bleu from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  14. Remove the toothpicks before serving and enjoy your crispy and flavorful chicken cordon bleu!
See also  Do chicken thighs cook faster than breast

Follow this step-by-step guide to make delicious chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer. Serve it with a side of salad or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Choosing the right chicken breasts

When making chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer, it’s important to select the right kind of chicken breasts. Here are some tips for choosing the best chicken breasts for this recipe:

  • Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are relatively thick and evenly sized. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist throughout the air frying process.
  • Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts if possible, as they tend to have better flavor and texture compared to conventionally-raised chicken.
  • Avoid chicken breasts that have any signs of discoloration or an unpleasant odor, as these could be indicators of spoilage.
  • If you prefer a leaner option, you can choose chicken breasts that are labeled as “reduced fat” or “skinny”. However, keep in mind that these may be slightly less juicy compared to regular chicken breasts.

By choosing the right chicken breasts, you can ensure that your chicken cordon bleu turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor when cooked in the air fryer.

Gathering the necessary ingredients

Before you can start cooking chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Cooking spray

Make sure to check your pantry and fridge to ensure you have all these ingredients before you begin cooking. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next step.

Preparing the chicken for stuffing

Before you can start stuffing the chicken, you need to prepare it properly. Here’s what you need to do:

Gather the ingredients

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the stuffing, such as ham and cheese. You will also need boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Pound the chicken breasts

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to roll.

Season the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional spices or herbs to taste.

Add the stuffing

Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Roll up the chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Use toothpicks to secure the chicken if needed.

Now that your chicken is prepared and stuffed, it’s ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the recipe instructions for the cooking time and temperature to achieve a delicious chicken cordon bleu.

See also  How to cook short ribs in the instant pot

Assembling the chicken cordon bleu

Once you have your chicken breasts pounded thin and your ham and cheese slices ready, it’s time to assemble the chicken cordon bleu.

Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on one side of each chicken breast. You can use Swiss cheese or any other type of cheese that melts well.

Fold the other side of the chicken breast over the ham and cheese, creating a pocket. Press the edges together to seal in the filling.

If desired, you can secure the edges with toothpicks to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Additional options:

Mustard: For added flavor, you can spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the chicken breast before adding the ham and cheese.

Breadcrumbs: If you prefer a crispy coating, you can dip the assembled chicken cordon bleu into beaten egg and then coat it with breadcrumbs before air frying.

Note: If using breadcrumbs, spray the chicken with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to help the breadcrumbs adhere and promote browning in the air fryer.

Once the chicken cordon bleu is assembled, you’re ready to cook it in the air fryer according to the recipe instructions.

Cooking the chicken in the air fryer

Using an air fryer to cook chicken cordon bleu is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy and delicious result. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the chicken, resulting in a perfectly cooked and low-fat dish.

Step 1: Preparing the chicken

Start by cutting a pocket into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional desired spices or herbs.

Step 2: Stuffing the chicken

Next, stuff each chicken breast with ham and cheese. You can use any type of ham and cheese that you prefer, such as Swiss or Gruyere, but make sure they are thinly sliced so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Breading the chicken

In three separate bowls, set up a breading station. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and bread crumbs in the third bowl. One at a time, coat each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the bread crumbs. Make sure to press the bread crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Cooking in the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

Once the chicken cordon bleu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese inside the chicken to cool slightly and stay intact when cut.

See also  How long to cook flank steak in pressure cooker

Now you can enjoy your homemade chicken cordon bleu cooked to perfection in the air fryer!

Serving and enjoying the delicious chicken cordon bleu

Once your chicken cordon bleu is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy the mouthwatering dish. Follow these steps to make the most of your meal:

1. Plating the chicken cordon bleu

Gently remove the chicken cordon bleu from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Place it on a serving plate or a cutting board.

2. Garnishing

Add a touch of freshness to your dish by garnishing it with some chopped parsley or basil leaves. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a hint of herbaceousness to the flavors.

3. Accompaniments

Chicken cordon bleu pairs perfectly with a wide variety of sides. Consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp mixed green salad. The creamy and rich chicken cordon bleu balances well with the freshness and crunch of these sides.

4. Sauce

A sauce can elevate the flavors of your chicken cordon bleu. Choose a sauce that complements the dish, such as a creamy mustard sauce or a velvety mushroom sauce. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.

5. Presentation

Take a moment to arrange the dish on the plate in an appealing manner. Place the chicken cordon bleu neatly, spoon the sauce elegantly, and add any additional side dishes artistically. A thoughtfully presented dish can make the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Now that you have all the tips for serving and enjoying your delicious chicken cordon bleu, all that’s left is to sit down, relax, and savor every bite of this classic and delectable dish!

Q&A

What is chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is a delicious dish made with chicken breast, ham, and cheese. The chicken breast is pounded thin, then topped with ham and cheese, rolled up, breaded, and cooked until crispy.

Can I cook chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer. The air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy and delicious result without the need for deep frying.

How long does it take to cook chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer?

The cooking time for chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. However, on average, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer.

What can I serve with chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, salad, or even a side of pasta. The choice of side dish depends on your personal preferences.