If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish brings together the rich flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with juicy chicken wrapped inside a perfectly golden, crispy crust thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s simple to make yet feels indulgent — a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Prepare to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken adding protein, to the melty mozzarella and Parmesan giving it that irresistible cheesiness, all wrapped in soft pizza dough that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The base for your calzones that creates a flaky and tender crust with minimal effort.
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped): Adds hearty protein and texture, making each bite satisfying.
- Alfredo sauce: Brings creamy richness and that iconic garlicky flavor we all love.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully, providing gooey, stretchy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the filling.
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the aroma and flavor without overpowering the palate.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish off the dish.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the calzones a beautiful golden shine when baked.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the crust crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by rolling out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into four equal rectangles or circles. This creates the perfect size to hold all that creamy, cheesy chicken filling without being too bulky or fragile.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped cooked chicken with the Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly coated and looks deliciously cheesy and well-seasoned.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough piece, making sure to leave a border all around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal that will keep all that goodness inside while cooking.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg wash, which will give them a gorgeous golden color once air fried. Then, lightly spray each calzone with olive oil to ensure the crust crisps up nicely and doesn’t dry out.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place 1 to 2 calzones in the basket—depending on size and space—and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining calzones until all are cooked evenly.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the warm calzones to add a splash of vibrant green color and a mild herbal note that lightens the rich filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These calzones pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For dipping, serve extra Alfredo sauce or marinara on the side to complement every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the calzones into bite-sized wedges and serve them on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces such as garlic butter, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata. This presentation makes them perfect party appetizers or a shareable snack for movie nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your calzones, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavors and textures.
Freezing
You can also freeze these calzones before cooking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, simply air fry them from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the calzones back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This quick reheating revives the crust’s crunchiness and warms the filling evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully if you have it on hand. Just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness and cut into the same size portions to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
What type of chicken is best to use?
Cooked chicken breast is perfect for this recipe. You can use grilled, roasted, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that tastes incredible.
Can I add other fillings or vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Just be mindful of moisture content, as too much can make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make these calzones dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cheeses and Alfredo sauce with dairy-free alternatives. Plant-based cheeses and creamy cashew-based Alfredo sauces work well and keep the calzones just as tasty.
How long do I air fry the calzones if frozen?
If cooking from frozen, add about 2 to 3 minutes extra, so cook for approximately 10 to 13 minutes at 350°F (175°C), checking for that golden, puffy crust as your indicator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and easy to prepare, the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is your answer. It combines familiar favorite flavors in a fun, portable form that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a trusted go-to for family dinners or casual entertaining!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a deliciously easy and quick meal featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with creamy Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella, all wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough cooked perfectly in the air fryer. Perfect for a comforting main course that’s kid-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 4 equal rectangles or circles to create the calzone bases.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the calzones: Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges to ensure a good seal.
- Seal the calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to cover it, then pinch the edges together firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, preventing the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Add egg wash and oil: Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. Lightly spray with olive oil to promote crispiness in the air fryer.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat before cooking.
- Cook the calzones: Place 1 to 2 calzones in the air fryer basket, depending on size and basket capacity. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the calzones are puffed up and golden brown on the outside.
- Repeat and garnish: Remove cooked calzones and set aside to cool slightly. Repeat with remaining calzones. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if using, and serve warm with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save prep time.
- Calzones can be frozen before cooking. When air frying from frozen, add 2–3 minutes extra to the cooking time.
- Serve with additional Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce on the side for dipping to enhance flavor.
