Air-Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Swiss Sauce features a classic combination of ham and cheese wrapped inside a tender chicken breast, then coated, air-fried, and served with a decadent Swiss cheese sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Healthier Option
Opt for air frying your chicken cordon bleu to avoid the excess fat and mess of traditional frying methods. The air fryer creates a crisp exterior while keeping the chicken moist, filled with delicious ham and cheese, and is beautifully complemented by a rich Swiss cheese sauce. This sauce also pairs well in other dishes, like my Mushroom Swiss Pasta.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Ham: Pre-packaged ham slices work well, though deli slices can be a flavorful upgrade. Turkey is a great alternative if you’re not a fan of ham.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese is ideal both inside the rolls and in the sauce, but Gruyere, Comté, or Jarlsberg are excellent alternatives. The sauce also requires mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. If unavailable, mix plain breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare and roll the chicken with ham and cheese ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate until ready to air fry. Breading and sauce should be made just before cooking.
Oven Instructions
If the air fryer is in use, baking the chicken cordon bleu is simple. Prep as usual, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 28-30 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness, though microwaving is quicker.
Ingredients
Chicken Components
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless
- Ham: 12 slices, pre-packaged or deli-style
- Swiss Cheese: 1 cup (113 g), shredded
Breading Mixture
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (31 g)
- Kosher Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Eggs: 2, large, room temperature
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (108 g)
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (½ stick / 56 g), melted
- Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced
Swiss Cheese Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g)
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup (62.5 g)
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (735 g), warmed
- Kosher Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Swiss Cheese: 1 cup (113 g), shredded
- Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup (56.5 g), shredded
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Parsley: For garnish
Preparation Steps
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry, butterfly, and flatten to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Lay each breast on plastic wrap, top with ham and cheese, roll tightly, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Breading: Set up three stations with flour and spices, beaten eggs with water, and mixed breadcrumbs with butter and garlic. Coat each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Air Frying: Place chicken in the air fryer without overcrowding, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make Cheese Sauce: While chicken cooks, melt butter, stir in flour, then slowly add milk, cooking until thickened. Off heat, add cheeses until melted.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
This air-fried chicken cordon bleu with creamy Swiss sauce offers a delightful twist on a classic dish, ensuring a crispy, cheesy meal with less guilt.
