If you’re craving that perfect blend of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, then you’ve got to try this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. It’s a fun, quick twist on traditional calzones that lets you enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors without heating up your whole kitchen. Using the air fryer means you get that perfect crunch and gooey inside every single time, making it an irresistible meal for lunch, dinner, or even a special snack. Trust me, once you give this recipe a go, it’ll become one of your absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy Alfredo sauce to the golden Parmesan topping, everything comes together effortlessly.
- Pizza dough (13.8 oz can or homemade): This forms the soft, chewy calzone crust that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded or diced): Adds a hearty protein base to make these calzones super satisfying.
- Alfredo sauce (1/2 cup): Brings that luscious, creamy flavor that’s the heart of this recipe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey goodness that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty kick to enhance the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle, savory depth that lifts the filling’s flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A perfect blend of herbs that adds classic Italian charm.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full flavors.
- Egg, beaten (1): Gives the calzones a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Olive oil spray or brush: Keeps the air fryer basket non-stick and ensures crisping without greasiness.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut it into four equal rectangles or circles, depending on the shape you prefer for your calzones. This evenly sized dough provides the perfect pouch for all the creamy filling inside.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and creamy texture.
Step 3: Stuff and Seal
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edge. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, then press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring nothing leaks out during cooking.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden finish once cooked. Lightly grease your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and help your calzones crisp up perfectly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Calzones
Place two calzones at a time into the basket, depending on your air fryer size. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an even golden brown and crispy crust. Repeat with the remaining calzones. Let them cool slightly after cooking so the filling sets and you don’t burn your mouth on that irresistible cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these calzones with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the creamy, cheesy filling beautifully. You can also offer some grated Parmesan on the side for extra savoriness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and color to your meal. For dipping, warm marinara or extra Alfredo sauce works wonders to amp up the flavor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting each calzone in half diagonally and arranging the pieces in a star shape on your serving plate. You can also serve them as bite-sized snacks by making mini calzones with smaller dough circles for a fun party appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. This helps preserve the flavors and keeps the dough from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, freeze the calzones uncooked by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They store well for a few weeks and can be air fried directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. This method keeps the crust perfectly crisp while warming the creamy filling evenly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and can add a fresh, personalized touch to your calzones. Just roll it out to the same thickness as the store-bought dough and proceed as usual.
What kind of chicken is best for these calzones?
Cooked chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean and tender, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Just shred or dice it before mixing.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the filling packs in some nutrients and texture while pairing beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
It’s best to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes before cooking to ensure the calzones cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just adjust the ingredients accordingly and cook in batches in your air fryer. Keep the cooked calzones warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way creamy chicken Alfredo meets crisp, golden air-fried dough in this outstanding Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. It’s quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious—perfect for those busy days when you want something homemade without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your meal rotation. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones combine tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese folded inside crispy golden pizza dough pockets. Perfect as a quick, satisfying Italian-American main dish made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray or brush (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal rectangles or circles, depending on your preference for calzone shape.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Calzones: Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges to allow sealing.
- Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Firmly press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp the edges and secure the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden finish during cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or brush to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Calzones: Place 2 calzones in the air fryer basket at a time, depending on size. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat and Serve: Air fry the remaining calzones in the same manner. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and help the filling set.
Notes
- Add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the filling for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.
- Calzones can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen before air frying for convenience.
