Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
If you’re looking to upgrade your weeknight dinners with something creamy, cheesy, and delightfully crispy, Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the answer you’ve been waiting for. These calzones are bursting with the savory magic of Alfredo chicken, gooey mozzarella, and golden, flaky pizza dough that gets perfectly crisp in the air fryer. Whether you serve them as a main course or as a party snack, you’ll fall in love at first bite—this recipe brings the bold flavors of a classic pasta dish into a handheld, portable form that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, you’ll transform humble staples into show-stopping Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. Each component brings its special touch—creamy, cheesy, herby, or crispy—to create a calzone you’ll crave again and again.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The flaky golden exterior starts with ready-made dough, making prep quick and reliable.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced, this adds hearty protein and soaks up the Alfredo perfectly.
- Alfredo sauce: Creamy, garlicky richness that marries all the filling ingredients together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For those glorious cheese pulls and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and packed with flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch that echoes classic Alfredo flavor.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground brings a gentle heat and depth to every bite.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green brings color and a pop of freshness.
- Egg: Beaten for a glossy egg wash that gives your calzones irresistible color.
- Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the crust in the air fryer and adds a hint of richness.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide it into four equal rectangles or circles depending on your preferred shape. Homemade dough also works if you have a favorite recipe, but store-bought makes these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones extra convenient. A thin, even sheet ensures the perfect balance of filling and crispy crust.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional parsley. Give everything a gentle toss so it’s evenly coated and deliciously creamy. The aromatic filling is where the calzone’s personality shines—think rich Alfredo flavor with just the right touch of herby brightness.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Calzones
Spoon your chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each piece of dough, taking care to leave about a half-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket and use a fork to crimp the edges securely. This seals in all that creamy goodness, so you’ll get maximum flavor and ooze with every single bite.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush each calzone with a little beaten egg for stunning golden shine. Then, give them a quick mist with olive oil spray. This not only helps the crust get beautifully crisp in the air fryer, but also amps up the flavor. Now, they’re ready for the magic!
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Gently place the calzones in the basket in a single layer—you may need to work in batches for the best results. Air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When they turn golden and crisp, let them cool slightly before serving; the aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or a little extra Parmesan on top will instantly brighten your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. For an extra hit of flavor, a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil right after air frying takes your presentation from homemade to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These calzones are wonderfully filling on their own, but pairing them with a crisp Caesar salad or simple roasted veggies will balance the richness and add crunch. If it’s a party, set out a bowl of warmed marinara or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping; friends and family will devour them before you know it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the calzones into wedges for an appetizer platter or picnic tray—they make excellent finger food for gatherings. Serving them alongside a flight of sauces lets everyone personalize their experience. For a family dinner, serve the calzones whole with a side of zesty Italian slaw for fresh contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a perfect grab-and-go meal for lunches or snacks.
Freezing
These calzones are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’re perfect for meal prep and will taste just as wonderful after reheating, especially when you’re pressed for time and still want something homemade.
Reheating
To bring your calzones back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. The air fryer preserves that wonderful crunch, so you don’t have to worry about soggy leftovers. Oven or toaster oven options are great too—just skip the microwave to avoid chewy dough.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts for these calzones. It comes pre-cooked, tender, and packs plenty of flavor, making your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones even quicker to prepare.
What other fillings can I add?
Get creative! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions to the filling. Just be sure not to overfill, so the calzones seal easily and cook evenly.
Can I make the calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the calzones ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to air fry. They’ll be ready for the air fryer when you need a quick, hot meal with minimal effort.
How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?
Press the edges firmly with a fork to ensure a tight seal, and don’t overfill with the Alfredo mixture. Double-check that the dough isn’t cracked and avoid letting filling touch the very edge—this helps lock everything inside during air frying.
Is there a way to make these lower calorie?
You can lighten them up by using light Alfredo sauce, part-skim cheeses, and extra chicken breast. Adding vegetables also stretches the filling with fewer calories, so you still enjoy rich taste without overindulging.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, because this recipe never fails to impress! With its golden crust, creamy filling, and endless ways to customize, it just might become your new comfort food obsession. Grab your air fryer and see how easy it is to turn classic flavors into a quick, crowd-pleasing meal!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. Filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and gooey cheese, these calzones are perfectly crispy on the outside and oozing with flavor on the inside. They make for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Others:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Roll out the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal rectangles or circles.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley.
- Fill the dough: Spoon the mixture onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold over to enclose the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush and air fry: Brush tops with egg wash and lightly spray with olive oil. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Place calzones in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for more flavor.
- These calzones also freeze well—just reheat in the air fryer until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
