Description
Cordon Bleu Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers made with ground chicken, smoked ham, and Swiss cheese, coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, these flavorful bites make an ideal party snack or starter 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
- Extra Panko bread crumbs for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped smoked ham, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the Bread Crumbs: Gradually fold in the Panko bread crumbs to the meat mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture holds together well and is easy to shape.
- Form the Bites: Take small portions of the chicken mixture and encase each Swiss cheese cube, shaping them into approximately 2-inch diameter balls to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Optional Coating: For a crispier texture, roll each bite 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 let it preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook the Bites: Arrange the bites in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow hot air to circulate freely. Lightly spray the bites with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying again with cooking spray. Cook until they turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the cordon bleu bites hot with Dijon cream sauce, honey mustard, or your preferred dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use frozen Swiss cheese cubes for easier shaping and to prevent the cheese from melting out prematurely during cooking.
- Oven Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftover bites 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 maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 4-5 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
