Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is what I crave when I want something special that tastes as good as the deep-fried version but way easier. The coating crisps up perfectly while the chicken stays tender with gooey cheese and savory ham. The honey mustard adds tangy sweetness. You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy dinner without leaving home.
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I make these for busy weeknights, dinner parties, and date nights at home when I want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for entertaining and great for meal prep since you can bread them ahead and air-fry when ready. They keep in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Let me walk you through making this crispy, cheesy air fryer chicken cordon bleu recipe that looks impressive but comes together pretty quickly.
Pound and Season the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. I like using this meat mallet to gently pound each breast until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
Even thickness helps them cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Roll with Ham and Cheese
Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Emmental over the center of each flattened chicken breast. Starting at the wider end, roll each piece tightly into a log.
Use toothpicks to keep everything tucked in while cooking. The toothpicks prevent the rolls from unraveling and the cheese from oozing out everywhere.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
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Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Prepare the Breading Station
Mix the bread crumbs with paprika and oregano in one bowl. The paprika adds color and a subtle smokiness, while the oregano brings an herby note. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and well combined.
Coat the Chicken Rolls
Take each chicken roll and brush it thoroughly with the beaten egg, ensuring you cover every surface. Then roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating and flavors adhere evenly.
Lightly spray all sides with oil. An oil mister provides better coverage than regular cooking spray and helps panko breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.
Arrange the coated rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them so hot air can circulate. I always use my high-quality basket-style air fryer, which provides ample space for even cooking.
Air Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 160°F. A digital meat thermometer is essential for consistently cooked chicken.
If the tops are browning too fast, carefully tent them with a small piece of foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. The yogurt makes it lighter than mayonnaise-based sauces while keeping it tangy and rich.
Serve Hot
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the toothpicks and transfer the rolls to plates. Drizzle generously with the honey mustard sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy!
These chicken rolls travel really well if you’re heading to a potluck or bringing dinner to someone. Let them cool completely first, then pack them in a single layer in a container. An insulated casserole carrier keeps the dish warm.
Pack the honey mustard sauce separately in a small jar or container like this glass one with a lid to prevent the coating from becoming soggy. Reheat them in the host’s oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp up the breading again before serving.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 4 chicken breast filet
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 slices Deli ham
- 4 slices Emmental cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish if desired
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken filets between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound each piece until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.4 chicken breast filet, Salt & pepper
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese over the center of each chicken fillet. Roll each one tightly from the wider end into a log, then secure with toothpicks to keep them from unrolling while cooking.4 slices Deli ham, 4 slices Emmental cheese
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with paprika and oregano. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.1 egg, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 cup breadcrumbs
- One at a time, brush each chicken roll with the beaten egg, then coat it evenly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Lightly spray all sides with oil and arrange the coated rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each.Spray oil
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken rolls for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If the tops start browning too quickly, carefully tent them with a bit of foil.
- While the chicken cooks, mix together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey
- Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks and serve hot, drizzled with the honey mustard sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.Fresh parsley
Notes
- Pound evenly: Ensure the chicken is an even ¼ inch thick so it cooks at the same rate and rolls up smoothly without thick spots that remain undercooked.
- Use enough toothpicks: Secure each roll with 2-3 toothpicks, especially if your chicken pieces are larger, to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Try different coating options: Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor, dredge the chicken in flour before the egg wash for a thicker crust, or cut a pocket into the chicken instead of rolling it if you prefer a different presentation.
- Customize your cheese rolls: Use deli ham or leftover ham with any Swiss cheese slice, and add ½ teaspoon garlic powder or swap the oregano for Italian seasoning in the breadcrumbs for a more flavorful, delicious meal on top of the chicken.
- Check the temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the tender chicken breast reaches 160°F internally, so you know it’s fully cooked without cutting into it and losing all the melted cheese.
- Flash freeze for meal prep: If you’re making these ahead, freeze the uncooked, breaded rolls on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Let the chicken rolls cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I use a glass airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent the coating from getting soggy.
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp up the coating again. The microwave makes them soggy, so I always skip it.
For longer storage, wrap each cooled chicken roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer. The coating won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but it still tastes great.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
I usually serve them with roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts since the chicken is rich and the veggies add lighter, fresher contrast. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well. Mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice are great if you want something more filling.
For a complete French-inspired meal, add a crusty baguette for soaking up the honey mustard sauce. Roasted baby potatoes, sautéed haricots verts (thin French green beans), or a simple arugula salad with Dijon vinaigrette also pair beautifully with the rich chicken.
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