Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Cordon Bleu (restaurant quality)

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By Liliya

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This Air Fryer Cordon Bleu delivers everything you love about the classic dish—without the deep frying! If you love crispy, golden chicken stuffed with melty cheese and savory ham, then you’re in for a treat.

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I’ve been loving air fryer chicken recipes lately, and these are some of my favorites! The Air Fryer Chicken Patties make the best crispy sandwiches, the Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken has that perfect sweet and savory glaze, and the Air Fryer Chicken Bites are so crispy and juicy—I could snack on them all day!

I used to think making Chicken Cordon Bleu at home was complicated, but once I tried it in the air fryer, I was hooked. No messy oil, no greasy coating—just crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. This air fryer version keeps it simple while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Crispy Without Frying: The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch with way less oil.
  • Easy & No Mess: Skip the deep fryer and bake these in under 20 minutes.
  • Juicy & Flavorful: The cheese melts perfectly inside while the chicken stays moist.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a quick dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I use to make the best air fryer cordon bleu:

  • Chicken Breast – I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them thin for even cooking.
  • Ham – A good-quality deli ham adds the perfect salty, savory bite.
  • Swiss Cheese – I love Swiss for its melty texture and mild, nutty flavor, but provolone or mozzarella work too.
  • Breadcrumbs – I use panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
  • Eggs – Helps the coating stick and keeps everything crispy.
  • Flour – A light dusting helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
  • Dijon Mustard – A little Dijon adds a tangy depth of flavor to balance the richness.
  • Garlic Powder & Paprika – For an extra boost of seasoning.
  • Cooking Spray – Helps crisp up the coating without excess oil.
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How to Make Air Fryer Cordon Bleu

A full printable version of this Air Fryer Cordon Bleu recipe with ingredients,instructions and measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Prep the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to about ¼-inch thickness. This really helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier.

Add the Filling

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each piece of chicken. Lay a slice of ham on top, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Carefully roll up the chicken and secure it with toothpicks.

Coat the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three bowls:

  1. Flour mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
  2. Beaten eggs.
  3. Panko breadcrumbs.

Roll each chicken roll-up in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to make sure they stick.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F(I just bought a new airfryer and i love it). Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches exactely 165°F.

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Rest & Serve

Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out too soon. And you serve hot with your favorite sides!

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Tips For The Best Baking Results

  • Pound the Chicken Evenly: This makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
  • Secure with Toothpicks: Keeps the filling from spilling out. Just remember to remove them before serving!
  • Use Panko for Extra Crunch: The air fryer gives great crispiness, but panko breadcrumbs make it even better.
  • Don’t Overstuff: Too much cheese can ooze out while cooking.
  • Let It Rest Before Slicing: This helps keep everything inside and prevents the cheese from running out.

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What to Serve with Air Fryer Cordon Bleu

This crispy, cheesy chicken pairs well with just about anything! For a classic pairing, serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. If you want something lighter, a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus balances out the richness.

For a restaurant-style meal, drizzle it with a simple Dijon cream sauce or serve it alongside buttered noodles. And if you’re making it for a casual dinner, pair it with crispy air fryer fries or garlic bread for a fun twist!

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Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Cordon Bleu

To Store: Keep Cordon Bleu leftovers in an airtight container in that fridge for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Wrap uncooked, breaded chicken tightly in plastic wrap then store in your freezer for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding an extra 5–7 minutes to the air fryer time.

To Reheat: Pop it back in the air fryer and set temperature at 350°F for 5 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, it can make the coating soggy.

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Air Fryer Cordon Bleu Variations & Substitutions

Switch up this Air Fryer Cordon Bleu by using provolone, mozzarella, or gouda instead of Swiss. For a low-carb version, coat with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Add cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick, or drizzle with a creamy Dijon sauce for extra flavor. However you make it, it’s always crispy, cheesy, and delicious!.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Cordon Bleu

Can I make this Air Fryer Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh, but if frozen, let it thaw completely before cooking.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Roll the chicken tightly, secure with toothpicks, and don’t overstuff with cheese.

Should I preheat my air fryer?

Preheating helps with even cooking, so it’s recommended.

Can I bake this instead?

Absolutely! Bake it at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.

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Once you try making Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to the traditional method. It’s crispy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and so much easier than frying. Whether you’re making it for a fancy dinner or just switching up your weeknight routine, this air fryer version is a must-try.

Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!

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air-fryer-cordon-bleu-recipe

Cheesy Air Fryer Cordon Bleu Recipe

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  • Author: Liliya
  • Prep Time: 14 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—this Air Fryer Cordon Bleu is a game-changer! It’s light, golden, and packed with ham and Swiss cheese, all in just 16 minutes of cooking time.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Roll-Ups:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
  • 2 slices ham
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone, mozzarella)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Breading:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (for crispiness)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin or mallet. This helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
  2. Add the Filling: Spread Dijon mustard on each chicken piece, then layer with ham and Swiss cheese. Carefully roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Set up three bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. Roll each chicken roll-up in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to stick.
  4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the coated chicken roll-ups with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The outside should be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  5. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, spray a little more oil halfway through cooking.
  • Need a shortcut? Use pre-sliced deli chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
  • Make it gluten-free by swapping panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
  • Want more flavor? Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
  • Best dipping sauces: Honey mustard, garlic aioli, or creamy ranch.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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