Let me introduce you to a real game-changer in the kitchen: the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. Imagine tender chicken blended with creamy Alfredo sauce and melty cheeses, all tucked inside a perfectly golden, crispy calzone made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe brings together comforting Italian flavors with the convenience and speed of air frying, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious twist on classic calzones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are thoughtfully chosen to balance creaminess, savory flavors, and the perfect texture for your calzones. Each part plays a vital role from the crispy crust to the cheesy, flavorful filling.
- 1 pound pizza dough: This serves as the delicious, golden crust that encases all the goodness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: Adds hearty protein and tender bites of chicken flavor.
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce: Brings richness and creamy indulgence to every mouthful.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that gives the calzones their gooey heart.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth that complements the creamy sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle garlic punch to elevate the savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden-brown shine on the crust.
- Olive oil spray: Helps to crisp the calzone exterior perfectly in the air fryer.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dough
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes—this ensures even cooking and crispiness from the moment your calzones hit the basket. While that warms up, divide your pizza dough into four equal parts on a lightly floured surface. Roll each piece into a circle roughly 6 to 7 inches wide. This size is perfect for folding into a half-moon shape and fits nicely in most air fryers.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cooked chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is the star of the show—the creamy, cheesy filling will keep your calzones irresistibly satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Spoon about ¼ cup of filling onto one half of each dough circle. Don’t pile it too high as overfilling could cause leaking during cooking. Leave enough space around the edges for sealing. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges together firmly using a fork to seal the filling inside.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying
Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray to encourage crisping. Place 2 to 3 calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch for even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the calzones are puffed up and golden brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do multiple batches. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this allows the filling to set slightly and avoids burns from piping hot filling.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. If you want an extra touch, a dusting of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra Alfredo sauce on the side works wonders.
Side Dishes
These calzones pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of marinara for dipping. A simple Caesar salad can balance the richness, while steamed broccoli or garlic roasted asparagus bring a pleasant textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these calzones sliced in half to showcase the creamy filling, arranged on a wooden board for a casual, shareable vibe. You can also offer a trio of dipping sauces like garlic butter, spicy arrabbiata, and classic marinara to excite every palate at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled calzones by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time to ensure the filling is hot and the crust crispy.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm your calzones in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This method crisps the crust perfectly while warming the filling thoroughly, unlike microwaving which can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce adds extra creaminess and allows you to customize the flavors. Just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid leaking during cooking.
What type of chicken is best for the filling?
Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver and adds wonderful flavor.
Can I make these calzones gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pizza dough substitute works well. Just be mindful of cooking times as some gluten-free doughs may cook faster or slower.
Is it possible to add veggies inside the calzones?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make delicious additions. Just lightly sauté or roast them beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Why is it important not to overfill the calzones?
Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out while cooking, resulting in a mess in the air fryer and less crisp crust. Keeping the filling moderate ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy meal that’s quick to make and impresses every time, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully satisfying dinner that combines the best of comfort food with the magic of air fryer convenience. Trust me—you’ll be coming back to this recipe over and over, sharing it with family and friends, and making it a staple in your dinner rotation.
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious, easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheeses enclosed in golden, crispy pizza dough pockets. Perfect for a quick dinner or snack, these calzones come together quickly using an air fryer for a perfectly baked result without heating up your oven.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, 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
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for cooking.
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6–7 inches in diameter to create the calzone base.
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cooked shredded or chopped chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble the Calzones: Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge to seal. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press the edges together firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly and prevent filling leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash and Olive Oil: Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg to promote browning, then lightly spray with olive oil to help crisp the crust.
- Air Fry the Calzones: Place 2–3 calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow hot air to circulate. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and puffed. Repeat with the remaining calzones.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Avoid overfilling the calzones to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these calzones can also be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
