Description
Cordon Bleu Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring ground chicken, smoked ham, and Swiss cheese. Wrapped in a crispy panko breading and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these bites offer a flavorful twist on the classic dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup smoked ham, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- Cooking spray
Optional Ingredients
- Extra Panko bread crumbs for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped ham, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add the Bread Crumbs: Gradually incorporate the Panko bread crumbs into the mixture until it holds together firmly without being too dry.
- Form the Bites: Take small portions of the chicken mixture and carefully shape around each cube of Swiss cheese, forming 2-inch balls that fully encase the cheese.
- Optional Coating: For extra crispiness, roll each ball in additional Panko bread crumbs to create a crunchy outer layer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for several minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Bites: Arrange the bites in the air fryer basket with space between them so they cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the bites halfway through the cooking time and spraying again with cooking spray to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior and fully cooked chicken inside.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as Dijon cream sauce or honey mustard.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use frozen Swiss cheese cubes to make shaping easier and to prevent excessive melting during cooking.
- Oven Alternative: You can bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes for best texture and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
