Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu - From Scratch

a crispy chicken cutlet with Parmesan sauce on a plate.

5 from 1 rating

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu - From Scratch

Make the best air fryer chicken cordon bleu with this delicious from-scratch recipe. A flavorful homemade Parmesan sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy and tender chicken, salty ham, and smooth Swiss cheese.

Prep Time15

Cook Time14

Total Time29

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Keyword: chicken cordon bleu air fryer

Servings:

Author: Sarah Cook

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken Cordon Bleu

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp black ground pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg {beaten}
2 tsp milk {any kind}
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan {powdered is ok}
4 slices ham {thinly cut}
4 slices Swiss cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (spray) {plus more for basket}

Parmesan Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepping the Cordon Bleu

Mix garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/8 tsp black ground pepper
Add all-purpose flour to a medium bowl.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
In a medium bowl mix egg and milk until combined.
1 egg, 2 tsp milk
In another medium bowl combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Use a sharp knife and slice horizontally into one side of the chicken and cut through to the other side. You want four total chicken fillets for this recipe, so depending on the size of your chicken, you may be using two chicken breasts.
Place two chicken fillets between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment and pound to flatten using a mallet or rolling pin. Repeat with the other 2 fillets.
Sprinkle the garlic powder/salt mixture evenly over both sides of all 4 fillets.
Place a piece of ham and then a piece of Swiss cheese on each filet. Fold them in half from top to bottom and not side to side.
4 slices ham, 4 slices Swiss cheese
Dredge each "packet" of chicken in the all-purpose flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Repeat with the other 3 pieces of rolled chicken.
Preheat air fryer to 370˚F for 3 minutes.
Coat all sides of the chicken evenly with olive oil spray. Secure ends with 2-3 toothpicks per chicken packet. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
2 tbsp olive oil (spray)
Brush olive oil in the air fryer basket or use air fryer parchment. Position chicken packets in the basket so that they aren't touching.
Bake at 370˚F for 10 minutes and then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until chicken reaches 165˚F using a meat thermometer.
Let the chicken rest while you make the sauce.

Making the Parmesan Sauce

In medium saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Sprinkle in flour and then whisk gently for ~3 minutes or until the flour and butter have taken on a caramel color.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Slowly pour in the warmed milk, chicken stock, and garlic powder, whisking constantly. Cook for 1 minute.
1 cup whole milk, warmed, 1/4 cup chicken stock, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Add the Parmesan and stir gently until melted.
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan
Add the Dijon, turn the heat down to low, and simmer until thickened, ~3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard, Salt & pepper to taste
Drizzle over the chicken.

Notes

For the Parmesan that is mixed with breadcrumbs, you’ll want to use finely grated cheese. Yes, you can use the stuff in the green can if needed.
For the Parmesan sauce, you’ll want to use grated/shredded cheese. Nothing powdered for the sauce!
This recipe calls for Swiss cheese, but provolone is absolutely fantastic as well.

Nutrition