Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken breast that reveals a molten center of gooey Swiss cheese and savory ham - without the guilt of deep-frying! This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, transforming a classic French-inspired dish into a quick, healthier weeknight marvel that'll have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secret to restaurant-quality chicken that's incredibly crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing each between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese in the center of each flattened chicken breast.
- Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides to seal the ham and cheese inside. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each rolled chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
- Spray the tops of the chicken rolls with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from air fryer, let rest for 3-5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve hot with a side of vegetables or salad, and optional dipping sauce like dijon mustard or honey mustard.
Tips
- Pounding Technique: When flattening chicken breasts, use even, gentle strokes to create a uniform thickness. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents dry edges.
- Sealing Matters: Roll the chicken tightly and use toothpicks to prevent the cheese and ham from leaking during cooking. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Breadcrumb Coating: For extra crunch, consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with some grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents proper air circulation and can result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part for food safety.
- Spray Technique: A light spray of cooking oil on the breadcrumb coating helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 150mg
