Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Crispy, Cheesy, and Made in the Air Fryer

If you love the rich, cheesy, and crispy goodness of Chicken Cordon Bleu, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of pounding, rolling, and breading chicken, then these Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are the perfect solution!

Made with ground chicken, savory smoked ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, these little bites are packed with flavor and cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and totally irresistible—whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner option.

Plus, because they’re air-fried, you get that delicious crispy coating without needing a ton of oil. Less mess, less hassle, and all the flavor! Let’s jump right in and get started.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy bites:

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 1 pound ground chicken – Lean but still juicy, perfect for shaping into bites.
• ½ cup smoked ham, finely chopped – Adds that signature cordon bleu flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a little extra depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory taste.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Brings a subtle herbaceous note.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – A must-have for that signature tangy flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
• ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs – Gives the bites structure and a little crunch.

For the Filling & Coating:

• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes – The creamy, melty center.
• Cooking spray – Helps the bites crisp up in the air fryer.
• (Optional) Extra Panko bread crumbs – For an even crunchier exterior.

Step 1: Make the Chicken Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the following:
✔ Ground chicken
✔ Chopped smoked ham
✔ Garlic powder & onion powder
✔ Smoked paprika & dried thyme
✔ Salt & pepper
✔ Dijon mustard
✔ Eggs

Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Breadcrumbs

• Gradually add ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs to the mixture.
• Stir or knead until the mixture is just firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, add a little more Panko, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Shape the Chicken Bites

Now for the fun part—forming the cheesy, delicious bites!

• Take a small amount of the chicken mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your hand.
• Place one cube of Swiss cheese in the center.
• Carefully wrap the chicken mixture around the cheese, shaping it into a ball about 2 inches in diameter.
• If you want extra crunch, roll the bites in additional Panko bread crumbs before cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before we start cooking, let’s preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

This step is important because a preheated air fryer ensures that the bites cook evenly and develop that crispy, golden-brown crust right from the start.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. (This allows for better air circulation and even cooking!)
• Spray the tops of the bites generously with cooking spray—this helps them crisp up beautifully!

Pro Tip: If you’re making a big batch, cook in multiple batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer.

Step 6: Air Fry the Bites

• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning the bites halfway through.
• When flipping, spray them again with cooking spray to help them develop that crispy, golden coating.
• The bites are done when they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

As soon as the bites are ready, serve them hot, straight from the air fryer!

Best Dipping Sauces

These Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce. Here are some great options:

✔ Dijon Cream Sauce – A mix of Dijon mustard, mayo, and a splash of lemon juice.
✔ Honey Mustard – Sweet, tangy, and perfect with the smoky ham and cheese.
✔ Garlic Aioli – A creamy garlic mayo dip for extra richness.
✔ Ranch Dressing – Because ranch goes with everything!

Serving Suggestions

These crispy bites are super versatile! Here are a few ways to serve them:

✔ As an appetizer – Perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.
✔ With a side salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
✔ In a sandwich – Stuff them into a buttery brioche bun with extra Dijon sauce for a fun twist.
✔ With roasted veggies – Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a complete meal.

We’ve mixed the savory ground chicken, wrapped it around melty Swiss cheese, and cooked these delicious bites to golden, crispy perfection in the air fryer. Now, let’s go over some frequently asked questions and share a few final tips to make sure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites turn out perfect every time!

FAQ: Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites Questions Answered

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the bites in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you need to store them longer, freeze them for later (see below).

2. Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites?

Definitely! Here’s how:
✔ Before Cooking: Shape the bites, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from frozen at 400°F for 15-17 minutes.
✔ After Cooking: Let them cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again.

3. Can I bake these in the oven instead of air frying?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

4. What can I serve with these bites?

These bites go great with:
✔ Dipping sauces like Dijon cream sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
✔ A fresh side salad to lighten up the meal.
✔ Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
✔ Mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can also try:
✔ Mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
✔ Cheddar for a sharper, bolder flavor.
✔ Gruyère for a richer, nuttier taste.

6. How do I make these bites even crispier?

✔ Double-coat them in Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
✔ Use cooking spray generously to help crisp up the coating.
✔ Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are everything you love about the classic dish, but in a fun, bite-sized, and air-fried version! They’re crispy, cheesy, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a quick dinner.

The best part? They’re air-fried, so you get all the crunch without the extra oil. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making a family-friendly meal, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? What’s your favorite dipping sauce? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy cooking! 😊

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