Description
Cordon Bleu Bites are a delightful appetizer made from ground chicken and smoked ham, stuffed with Swiss cheese cubes, seasoned with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, then air fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect crispy outside with a melty cheesy center, making them ideal for parties, game days, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup smoked ham, finely chopped
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
Seasonings and Bindings
- 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
Coating
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
- (Optional) Extra Panko bread crumbs for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped smoked ham, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Add the Bread Crumbs: Gradually incorporate the Panko bread crumbs into the mixture, mixing continuously until the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape without falling apart.
- Form the Bites: Take small portions of the chicken mixture and carefully wrap them around each cube of Swiss cheese, shaping them into approximately 2-inch balls ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Optional Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, roll each bite in additional Panko bread crumbs, coating evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Bites: Place the bites in the air fryer basket, arranging them so they do not touch. Lightly spray the bites with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking time and spraying again with cooking spray to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. Ensure they are fully cooked internally.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Cordon Bleu Bites hot with Dijon cream sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use frozen Swiss cheese cubes to make shaping easier and to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Oven Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
