Crispy and Cheesy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is just that classic comfort food that somehow always feels like a treat, right? But honestly, who wants to destroy their kitchen or dirty a deep fryer to get there? That’s why I fell for this version: barely any mess, gloriously crispy, and lightning fast.

It’s the sort of meal you whip up on a Tuesday night when you want something “fancy” but you’re tired and still in your work sweatpants. Ready to make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu at home? Read on, I’ll show you how easy—and crazy tasty—this stuff is.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

---

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Fun fact: “Cordon Bleu” means “blue ribbon.” Fancy, huh? At its heart, Chicken Cordon Bleu is just a chicken breast, flattened out, stuffed with melty cheese and ham, rolled up into a tight little log, then breaded and cooked.

You bite in and get that gooey cheese meets salty ham meets juicy chicken madness. It started in Europe (Switzerland or France, if you ask the Internet or my Aunt Marie, depending who you trust), but now it’s a diner staple in America.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is just the no-oil, simpler way to get the same big flavors. I still remember the first time I made it at home for friends—everyone thought I picked it up from a five-star restaurant. Spoiler: I did not.

“I never believed air fryer chicken cordon bleu could taste like restaurant-quality, but honestly—I’m never frying the old way again!”

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

---

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for air fryer chicken cordon bleu—nothing too fancy, promise. Grab two or three chicken breasts, sliced in half for thinner pieces. (Or go with chicken cutlets to save yourself the pounding.) Then, thin-cut deli ham, some Swiss cheese (mozzarella works too if you have picky eaters), a couple eggs, a scoop of flour, and breadcrumbs for crunch. Oh, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, pepper—classic pantry stuff.

Now, here’s where you can get wild: swap the ham for turkey if you’re out, or try provolone cheese. If you don’t have bread crumbs, crush up some cornflakes (yes, really). I’ve even grabbed the last few Ritz crackers out of the box for this, and it works. Don’t stress if you’re missing a thing or two. It still turns out delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

---

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

It’s kinda fun, honestly—a bit messy, but in a cathartic way. First, lay a piece of chicken flat between plastic wrap and gently pound it out. Don’t overdo this part or you’re cleaning chicken bits off your walls. Sprinkle with seasonings, then lay on a slice of ham and cheese.

Next, you’re gonna roll that whole thing up tight. Stick a toothpick in if things are flapping about. Dip the rolled chicken in flour, then beaten egg, then right into those crunchy breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to about 380°F. Pop your rolled chicken bundles in there—give them some space; they don’t like being crowded. Cook them for 15 to 18 minutes. I always peek at the ten-minute mark to make sure nothing’s burning. The hardest part is waiting while the aroma fills your kitchen!

Let them rest for a couple minutes before pulling out the toothpicks. (Learned that the hard way… ha.)

---

Can I Make this Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes, you actually can. The breading is the only sneaky gluten part here. I’ve used gluten free breadcrumbs and honestly couldn’t even tell the difference. Flaky gluten free crackers blitzed in the blender work too. Also—double check your ham and cheese labels. Every now and then, gluten hides in deli meats. Choose gluten free flour for that first dunk. Super simple.

One of my gluten-intolerant friends actually said she liked my air fryer chicken cordon bleu even better with the gluten free breading. (Whew! No pressure on me.) It’s totally adaptable for all kinds of eaters. You do you.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

---

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

When the main event is this cheesy and crispy, keep it simple (but good) on the side. Here are the go-tos in my house:

• Roasted asparagus or simple green beans—something green, you know
• Mashed potatoes (all the comfort vibes)
• A big, crisp salad—especially when I forget to add veggies to the main plate
• If it’s a special night, a glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade ups the “fancy” factor

Friends who’ve tried the air fryer chicken cordon bleu always ask for seconds—so maybe make a double batch. Just saying.

Print