Here’s my air fryer chicken cordon bleu recipe that has super crispy breading. It’s so good my husband requests I make it in the air fryer every time!
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My Family Chicken Cordon Bleu Air Fryer Recipe
This air fryer chicken cordon bleu recipe was created by my forgetfulness, but I guess it’s a good thing! I prepared the chicken, went to put it in the oven, and turns out I forgot to preheat it.
I honestly didn’t want to wait until 10 minutes for the oven to preheat, so I looked over at my air fryer on the counter and figured, why not? Well, that was a great mistake because when I tell you the breading on this chicken got so crispy, I mean it.
While my husband loves my oven version, he is now requesting me make the recipe in the air fryer from now on.
My favorite part about this recipe, though, is my daughter has been helping me mix up the Dijon sauce! It’s so much fun to have her involved.
And, if you love a good air fryer chicken recipe, try my Parmesan crusted chicken, chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken legs, and chicken thighs recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients
- Chicken breasts — boneless
- Swiss cheese — I’ve also used Gruyere
- Ham
- Mayonnaise
- Panko breadcrumbs — I’ve also used crushed corn flakes cereal and even Ritz cracker crumbs
- Milk
- Flour
- Butter
- Dijon mustard
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The name “cordon bleu” is actually French for “blue ribbon” because it tastes so good.
It’s basically chicken that’s flattened, stuffed with ham and cheese, rolled up, breaded, and cooked. My version uses an air fryer to get that perfect crispy coating and gooey cheese center.
How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Cut a pocket into each raw chicken breast.
STEP TWO: Place a cheese slice on top of a slice of ham, then layer another slice of ham and cheese on top of that. Roll them up so a slice of ham is on the outside.
STEP THREE: Repeat to create a second ham-and-cheese roll.
STEP FOUR: Place one roll inside each chicken breast pocket, then secure the pocket closed with 2 toothpicks.
STEP FIVE: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper together. Spread it in a thin layer all over the chicken.
STEP SIX: Place the breadcrumbs on a large, shallow plate. Carefully roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
STEP SEVEN: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F and place the chicken in a single layer inside. Spray the top of the chicken with an oil mister.
STEP EIGHT: Air fry for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
STEP NINE: While the chicken is cooking, start the sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
STEP TEN: Slowly whisk in the milk and whisk until the mixture is blended and smooth.
STEP ELEVEN: Add the mustard and Parmesan, then simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP TWELVE: Remove the toothpicks and spoon the sauce over the chicken cordon bleu to serve.
Tips for The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu
- To create the pocket, cut into the chicken breast horizontally about ¾ of the way through. You don’t want to cut all the way through or you won’t have a pocket anymore.
- Use toothpicks to carefully close the pocket of the raw chicken breast to prevent the cheese from melting out as it cooks in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. If I’m doubling or tripling the recipe, I recommend cooking in batches depending on the air fryer size.
- Wait until you’re ready to serve before adding the Dijon sauce on top. I’ve added the sauce too early, and it can make the breading soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftover chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 5 minutes or until warmed all the way through.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
On a quick weeknight I love to pair this recipe with green beans, asparagus, or carrots, alongside some bread and salad.
If I’m making this on the weekend, I will put together some twice baked mashed potatoes or make some baked sweet potatoes to go with it.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu FAQs
How Long to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer
I find that air frying chicken cordon bleu takes about 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated air fryer at the temperature of 370 degrees F to get that crispy golden brown crust.
How to cook Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer
When I’m really in a pinch, I love to grab the Barber Foods chicken cordon bleu in the freezer aisle and air fry those instead. Just cook them in a preheated air fryer at 380 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Dijon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Place a cheese slice on top of a slice of ham, then another slice of ham and cheese. Roll them up so the cheese is inside. Place the rolls inside each pocket and close them with 2 toothpicks if necessary.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper together. Spread it in a thin layer all over the chicken.
- Place the breadcrumbs on a large, shallow plate. Carefully roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F then place the chicken in a single layer inside. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce: melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and whisk until the mixture is blended and smooth.
- Add the mustard and Parmesan and simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over chicken.
Notes
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Made this tonight for dinner and it was great. You didn’t specify to turn over the chicken. I did and it browned beautifully. I lined my air fryer drawer with parchment paper to avoid any oozing cheese. Thanks for sharing, will be making again
Hi Sallyjojo, I’m so thrilled you loved the it! It’s one of our family favorites.
I have a question regarding you’re making cordon bleu from scratch versus frozen cordon bleu. It shows the temperature only being 10° hotter for frozen and yet you cook it the cooking time is less for frozen. How can that possibly be? If frozen time is correct then non frozen must be significantly less time…
Please respond and thank you.
Hi Scott, the fresh cordon bleu uses raw chicken, while the frozen version is already cooked and just needs to be heated up, which causes it to need less time.
Excellent! Decided to give it a try one night for dinner and have made it 3 times since. Great recipe for family and for guests.
Hi June, I love this recipe too! So glad you and your family have been enjoying it!