Homemade chicken cordon bleu in your air fryer: a gourmet treat at home

Indulge in the culinary masterpiece that is chicken cordon bleu, now made effortlessly with the convenience of an air fryer. This exquisite dish combines tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and melted cheese, all enveloped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Our air fryer chicken cordon bleu recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Ham:

• 4 thin slices of Black Forest ham

Cheese:

• 8 slices of Swiss cheese

Breadcrumbs:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Assemble the Cordon Bleu: Place a slice of ham and two slices of cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.

3. Create the Breadcrumb Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Bread the Chicken: Dip the assembled chicken breasts into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.

5. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the chicken breasts with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket.

6. Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

7. Serve: Remove the chicken cordon bleu from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For a crispier coating, double-coat the chicken by dipping it twice into the egg and breadcrumb mixtures.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be slightly different.
• For a more flavorful filling, add a slice of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs to the ham and cheese.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

Variations:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach: Add a layer of sautéed spinach to the filling for a boost of nutrition and flavor.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the filling for a savory twist.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken before assembling for a tangy kick.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

• Healthier Option: Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, reducing the need for oil and resulting in a healthier meal.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The hot air circulation creates a crispy and crunchy coating without the greasiness of deep-frying.
• Convenience: Air fryers are easy to use and clean, making meal preparation a breeze.

“Wow” Your Guests:

Impress your friends and family with this delicious and impressive dish. Chicken cordon bleu is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or simply a comforting meal on a weeknight. Its elegant presentation and tantalizing flavors will leave a lasting impression.

What People Want to Know

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes. Make sure to thaw the chicken slightly before breading and cooking.

Q: What can I serve with chicken cordon bleu?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad are all excellent accompaniments to this dish.