Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
If you’re yearning for something hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, you’re in for a treat with Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones! Imagine bites of golden, crispy dough enveloping a creamy chicken Alfredo filling, with melty mozzarella and a burst of savory herbs in every mouthful. These calzones are the kind of comforting meal that’ll have your family raving, and best of all, they’re quick to whip up in the air fryer, making weeknight dinners feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones is how they transform a handful of everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Each component adds its own magic—from tender chicken to gooey cheese and fragrant seasonings, it all comes together to create that irresistible flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 can, 13.8 oz): The perfect shortcut for calzones, providing a fluffy and crisp base without the fuss of homemade dough.
- Cooked chicken breast, chopped (1 cup): Brings hearty protein and bites of tenderness—consider using rotisserie chicken for super easy prep.
- Alfredo sauce (1/2 cup): Infuses every calzone with creamy, garlicky richness and ties the filling together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Delivers that luscious, stringy cheese pull and mild flavor folks crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a pop of salty depth and nutty complexity to balance the creamy filling.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A little kick of garlic elevates all the flavors without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This fragrant blend rounds out the filling with hints of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Helps your calzones bake up gorgeously golden and slightly shiny on the outside.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures the exterior turns perfectly crisp in the air fryer—no sogginess here!
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A touch of fresh green brings vibrant color and a subtle herbal lift at the end.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Dough
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures the calzones start cooking immediately and get that wonderfully crisp texture. While things are heating up, roll out your refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface, giving it a gentle stretch before dividing it into four equal portions. You can go classic and cut circles with a bowl, or keep it easy by slicing rectangles—either shape is delicious!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in cheesy, herby goodness. This step is where all that dreamy flavor gets locked in!
Step 3: Fill and Shape Your Calzones
Spoon a generous portion of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each piece of dough, being careful to leave a border all around. Gently fold the dough over the filling to create that classic pocket shape, then press the edges together. Grab a fork and crimp the edges tightly—it not only seals in the deliciousness but gives a charming, rustic finish.
Step 4: Brush, Spray, and Air Fry
Beat an egg and brush it over the top of each calzone for that irresistible golden sheen. Lightly spritz the tops with a bit of olive oil spray—this ensures your Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones come out extra crisp and evenly browned. Place 1 or 2 calzones in your air fryer basket at a time (don’t crowd them!), and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when golden and puffy.
Step 5: Cool & Garnish
Once your calzones are beautifully browned, let them rest for about 5 minutes so the filling can set and won’t burn your tongue with molten cheese! Sprinkle over chopped fresh parsley, if you’d like, for a little burst of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley makes these calzones as pretty as they are tasty, but you could also try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A drizzle of extra Alfredo sauce across the top or a side bowl for dipping takes these Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your golden Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones with a crisp Caesar salad or classic Italian chopped salad for a fresh and balanced plate. For something cozy, serve alongside roasted vegetables or warm garlic knots—there’s nothing more comforting than a bread-on-bread combo!
Creative Ways to Present
Try a build-your-own calzone night, setting out all the filling ingredients so everyone can assemble their perfect calzone before air frying. Slice calzones into strips and serve with dipping sauces (Alfredo, marinara, ranch) for party-ready, shareable appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones, just let them cool completely before wrapping in foil or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat beautifully for a grab-and-go lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Pop a frozen calzone in the fridge overnight to thaw before reheating, and you’ll have an almost-instant homemade meal any night of the week.
Reheating
To keep the exterior crisp and the filling gooey, reheat your calzones in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes, or until hot throughout. The microwave works in a pinch, but the dough might soften—so air fryer is best if you want to recapture that fresh-baked texture!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that perfect cheese pull, you can swap or mix in provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda to shake things up. Just aim for a good melting cheese for best results.
Do I have to cook the chicken beforehand?
Yes, the filling needs cooked chicken for food safety and the best texture. Using rotisserie or leftover chicken makes the prep even faster, and ensures your filling bakes up creamy, not watery.
What’s the best way to seal the edges of my calzones to prevent leaks?
After folding the dough over the filling, firmly press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp all around. This double-seal technique helps keep all that luscious Alfredo inside where it belongs!
Can I add vegetables to the calzone filling?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, chopped broccoli, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes are awesome flavor boosters. Just make sure veggies aren’t too wet, as excess moisture can make the dough soggy.
Can kids help make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones?
They’ll love it! Little hands can help fill, fold, and crimp the calzones, and brushing on the egg wash is always fun. Just supervise the air fryer step, since it gets hot and works fast.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are proof that a handful of simple ingredients can deliver a restaurant-worthy, soul-warming dish right from your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, get ready for empty plates and big smiles—don’t be surprised if they become your new comfort food favorite!
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Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious twist on traditional calzones. Filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cheeses, these calzones are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 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
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- olive oil spray
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 4 equal rectangles or circles.
- Make Filling: Mix chicken, Alfredo sauce, cheeses, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Fill Dough: Spoon filling onto one half of each dough piece, fold over, and seal edges.
- Brush with Egg: Brush calzones with beaten egg and spray with olive oil.
- Air Fry: Air fry calzones for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Let cool before serving, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Garlic Alfredo sauce adds extra flavor.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
