Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Craving the amazing flavors of chicken cordon bleu but you don’t want to pound, stuff, and fry chicken? This poor man’s air-fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is just for you! It’s so quick, so easy, and so darn tasty!

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Unbelievably quick, easy, and delish, this lazy air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a favorite in our house! I love that it’s ready in about 30 minutes, and this hearty meal tastes so much fancier than it really is! Packed with flavor, it’s meaty, salty, cheesy, and oh-so-good!

Ingredients

• Frozen breaded chicken patties – Bake them according to package directions until crispy. Don’t microwave them—they’ll get soggy and won’t have the right texture.
• Sliced deli ham – Use thin-sliced ham. Black Forest or honey ham both work. Thick-cut ham won’t melt with the cheese the same way.
• Sliced Swiss cheese – Or really any other easy-melting cheese. Provolone or mozzarella also work. Don’t use hard aged cheeses—they won’t melt smoothly.

How To Make The Best Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Arrange the frozen breaded chicken patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them for proper air circulation.

Air fry the chicken for about 7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece over.

Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with a digital meat thermometer.

Open the air fryer basket and top each chicken patty with a layer of sliced ham followed by a slice of cheese.

Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for about 1 additional minute, or just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Carefully transfer the chicken to serving plates and serve immediately. Enjoy warm.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Heating times are approximate and will vary based on the thickness of your chicken cutlets and air fryer model.
• Always check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165-F with a digital meat thermometer before eating.
• Switch up the cheese! Don’t like swiss cheese? Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or whatever you have on hand.
• This is a great use of leftover ham. Slice it thinly and use it in place of deli slices.

Make It A Meal

With all the hard work done efficiently and quickly in the air fryer, you’ll have time to make scrumptious sides with your lazy man’s chicken cordon bleu. I’d pair this tasty meal with Creamed Corn, Spaetzle (homemade German noodles), simple rice made in your Instant Pot, bulgur pilav, or potatoes with sour cream and bacon. Trader Joe’s sweet potato gnocchi is also a tasty pairing with this recipe.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it at a lower heat in your air fryer, in the oven, or in the microwave.