Low-Carb Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
Keen to transform your dinner with air fryer meatballs? Discover the secret to perfectly cooked, flavorful bites that will leave you craving more.
Total time
50 min
Servings
5
Calories
282.6
Category
Dinner & Mains
Discover the ultimate low-carb twist on a classic French dish with these Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs. Perfectly seasoned ground chicken and turkey are stuffed with melty Swiss cheese and savory ham, then air-fried to golden perfection. A creamy Dijon sauce ties it all together for a quick, satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Makes 5 servings
- 1 ground chicken
- 1/4 ground turkey
- 1/4 parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 deli ham
- 1 swiss cheese
- 1/4 chicken broth
- 1 vegetable broth
- 1 Dijon mustard
- 1/2 lemon juice
- 1/2 heavy cream
- nutmeg
Method
Meatballs:
Combine ground meat, almond flour, grated parmesan cheese and egg. Season to taste.
Form into 15 meatballs and place into refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
Slice deli ham and cheese into small squares (to fit into center of meatballs) and stack squares alternately; 3 cheese and 3 ham.
After about 15 minutes remove meatballs from refrigerator and stuff with ham and cheese stacks by pushing one stack into the center of each meatball and rolling back into a ball shape.
Cook in air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes or until lightly browned and center reads 165°F.
Sauce:
In a small saucepan combine broth, Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
Simmer over medium heat, constantly stirring, until thickened.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately. If sauce sits for too long, it will separate.
Cook's notes
- Chill the meatballs before stuffing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs and even cooking.
- Stack ham and cheese tightly to ensure every bite has a gooey center.
- For extra crispiness, spray the air fryer basket with oil before cooking.
Easy swaps
- Instead of ground chicken, use ground pork or turkeyFor a richer flavor.
- Instead of almond flour, use coconut flour (use 1/4 cup)Absorbs more moisture; adjust egg.
- Instead of heavy cream, use full-fat coconut milkDairy-free option.
- Instead of Swiss cheese, use Gruyère or provoloneMelts similarly with distinct taste.
Frequently asked
Can I use all ground chicken instead of mixing with turkey?
Yes, but the turkey adds leanness. Using all chicken may result in slightly softer meatballs.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Chill the meatballs thoroughly and ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Cook at the recommended temperature to avoid bursting.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway.
Is the sauce necessary?
It enhances the flavor, but the meatballs are delicious on their own as an appetizer or over zucchini noodles.
