Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Return to the Kitchen
by Return to the Kitchen
4 servings
40 min

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Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is coated in a crunchy breading and is filled with ham and melty cheese! While chicken cordon bleu may sound like a fancy meal this recipe will walk you through how easy it is to put together. It is sure to become a dish the entire family will love!

air fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate with couscous and broccoli
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu


This is a much more simple recipe than it may seem. You most likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen as well. You will need:

  • chicken breast- boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
  • ham slices- deli ham is a great option for this recipe. You will want them to be thin enough to roll up with the chicken.
  • cheese slices- these can also be deli slices that are thin enough to roll up with the chicken.
  • eggs
  • water
  • italian bread crumbs

Aside from these ingredients you will also need a knife, cutting board, a meat mallet or tenderizer, 2 bowls and some toothpicks.


How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu


Before starting this recipe, gather all of your supplies and equipment. This will make this recipe much easier to work through. This includes setting up the dredging station. You’ll want the eggs and water in one bowl mixed well together. In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

The first part of making chicken cordon bleu is preparing the chicken breasts. First, slice them in half (like a hamburger roll) then lay them on a cutting board with a piece of plastic wrap on top of the chicken. Be sure to use a sharp knife for this step. Use a meat mallet, meat tenderizer or my personal favorite: a rolling pin to pound out the chicken breasts. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick. Pounding out the chicken makes it more tender but also makes it possible to add the fillings and roll it up!

Once your chicken breasts are ready set the air fryer to 375 degrees and let it preheat while you finish getting the chicken ready.

First, slice chicken breasts in half.
Then, cover with plastic wrap and pound out to 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet, meat tenderizer or even a rolling pin.

Next, place 2 slices of ham and a slice of cheese on top the the chicken breast. Then, gently roll up the chicken breasts and use 2-3 toothpicks per chicken breast to secure them together. Next, roll in the egg mixture and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Set aside until the air fryer is ready to go.

Spray the basket of the preheated air fryer with non-stick cooking spray and gently place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken as well (this will help crisp up the breading).

Cook at 375 degrees in the air fryer until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees (about 20-25 minutes). The breading should also be golden brown in color. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

If your air fryer is not large enough to fit all 4 pieces of chicken at the same time then make them in two batches. The chicken should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer. Do not stack them on top of each other. The cooking time may vary with different air fryers.

Let sit to cool for a minute before serving and don’t forget to remove the toothpicks. Now that the chicken is cooked they can be removed and they will stay together.

Place ham and cheese on top of chicken breasts.
Roll up chicken and secure with 2-3 toothpicks to keep from unrolling.
Breaded chicken cordon bleu ready to be cooked in the air fryer basket.
More Air Fryer Recipes


  • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu
  • Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
  • Gluten Free Air Fryer Chicken
  • Easy Air Fryer Green Beans
  • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Honey and Parmesan Cheese
  • Sweet and Salty Air Fryer Rainbow Carrots


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I store leftover chicken cordon bleu?

Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can easily be reheated in the air fryer for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. The microwave or oven will also work for reheating any leftovers you may have.

What kind of cheeses can I use for this recipe?

Traditionally chicken cordon bleu is made with swiss cheese however use whichever kind of cheese you prefer! My kids prefer american cheese so I made their servings with that kind of cheese.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs?

If you want to use panko I recommend using a split of half italian and half panko. The panko breadcrumbs are larger and don’t tend to hold up as well in the air fryer. The italian breadcrumbs are finer and will ensure the chicken is completely coated.

Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. If you really want to, be sure to get boneless chicken breasts and pound them out the same way but do not cut them in half before that. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the best cut of chicken to use for this recipe.

Can this recipe be modified to be gluten or dairy free?

Yes, make this recipe gluten free by substituting your favorite gluten free breadcrumbs for the italian breadcrumbs. To make this recipe dairy free use your favorite dairy free cheese in place of the regular cheese.

air fryer chicken cordon bleu sliced close up

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For more chicken recipes try our One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken and Chicken Marbella.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 25 Minutes Total time: 40 min
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Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices of ham
  • 4 slices of swiss cheese (or your favorite)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions

Set up the dredging station. In one bowl whisk together the eggs and water. Pour the breadcrumbs into a second shallow bowl.
Slice the chicken breasts in half (like a hamburger roll). Lay them in a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound out to 1/4 inch thick using a meat mallet, meat tenderizer or a rolling pin (my personal favorite).
Set the air fryer to 375 degrees and let it preheat while you finish getting the chicken ready.
Place 2 slices of ham and a slice of cheese on top the the chicken breast. Gently roll up the chicken breasts and use 2-3 toothpicks per chicken breast to secure them together.
Roll in the egg mixture and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Set aside until the air fryer is ready to go.
Spray the basket of the preheated air fryer with non-stick cooking spray and gently place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken as well (this will help crisp up the breading).
Cook at 375 degrees in the air fryer until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees (about 20-25 minutes). The breading should also be golden brown in color. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If your air fryer is not large enough to fit all 4 pieces of chicken at the same time then make them in two batches. The chicken should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer. Do not stack them on top of each other.
Let sit to cool for a minute before serving and don't forget to remove the toothpicks.
Tips
  • Substitute your favorite cheese if you or your children do not like swiss cheese!
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