Description
Cordon Bleu Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring ground chicken, smoked ham, and Swiss cheese, coated with crispy Panko breadcrumbs and perfectly cooked in an air fryer. These bite-sized treats are golden, flavorful, and great 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 Coating
- Extra Panko bread crumbs for coating (optional)
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 until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the Bread Crumbs: Gradually fold in the Panko bread crumbs into the chicken mixture until it holds together well and is easy to shape.
- Form the Bites: Take small portions of the mixture and wrap each around a Swiss cheese cube, shaping them into 2-inch balls ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Optional Coating: For extra crispiness, roll each ball in additional Panko bread crumbs, coating evenly on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes for even cooking.
- Cook the Bites: Place the prepared bites in the air fryer basket making sure they do not touch each other. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a golden crust.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the bites halfway through and spraying again with cooking spray, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the hot cordon bleu bites with your choice of dipping sauces such as Dijon cream sauce or honey mustard for a perfect appetizer treat.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use frozen Swiss cheese cubes for easier shaping and to prevent the cheese from melting out excessively during cooking.
- Oven Alternative: You can bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- 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 to restore the crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces (approximately)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
