If you love comfort food with a gourmet twist, then the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine golden, crispy pockets of pizza dough filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and a melty blend of cheeses, all cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a light and speedy finish. This recipe brings together luscious flavors and convenient cooking, making it an irresistible meal whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. If you’ve been craving something rich but also crave that satisfying crunch, these calzones are exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic with this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. Each component is simple but essential in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy that makes these calzones so crave-worthy.
- 1 lb pizza dough: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra personal touch; the dough forms the golden, chewy crust that encases all the goodness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Tender, shredded chicken adds hearty protein and makes every bite filling.
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce: The creamy, garlicky sauce binds the filling together with rich flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully to create that gooey, stringy texture we all love.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, slightly sweet creaminess that complements the Alfredo perfectly.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty kick that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This fragrant mix of dried herbs brings a classic Italian vibe to every bite.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes in the Alfredo sauce without overpowering.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash for that shiny, golden crust.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping if you want a tangy contrast to the creamy filling.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by combining the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so the filling is creamy, well-seasoned, and balanced in texture. This mixture is the heart of the calzones, packed with flavor and just the right consistency to hold together inside the dough.
Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough
On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a roughly 7-inch circle, aiming for an even thickness to ensure the calzones cook uniformly. Don’t worry about perfect circles — rustic shapes add charm, but try to keep the edges neat for easier sealing.
Step 3: Assemble the calzones
Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge for sealing. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal the calzones securely, keeping all that cheesy, saucy goodness safely inside during cooking.
Step 4: Apply the egg wash
Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg. This step creates that gorgeous, shiny golden crust we all want. It also helps give the dough a nice, crisp texture after air frying.
Step 5: Air fry the calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Place the calzones in a single layer in the basket, making sure they have a little space between them for even cooking. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden-brown and crisp, and the cheese inside is bubbling with delight. The air fryer cooks these calzones to perfection — crispy outside, gooey inside — all without the oiliness of traditional frying.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
While these calzones are delicious as they are, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top adds a fresh pop of color and an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. You might also dust a little extra Parmesan on the crust right after cooking for a salty finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus make excellent companions, providing a healthy crunch and balance to the creamy calzones. And of course, a bowl of marinara on the side is perfect for dipping if you want a tangy flavor boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, slice the calzones into smaller portions and serve on a large wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces — think garlic butter, spicy arrabbiata, or even a zesty pesto. You could also turn these into a casual party snack by making mini versions, perfect for sharing and nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures they stay moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled but uncooked calzones by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then air fry as usual for a fresh-cooked feeling meal.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated calzones, the air fryer works beautifully again — just heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds delicious, seasoned meat to your calzones and saves preparation time. Just shred it and use it as directed in the recipe.
Is it possible to make these calzones dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a dairy-free alternative and replace the cheeses with plant-based versions. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but you’ll still have a tasty, satisfying dish.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all make wonderful additions to the filling, adding more depth and nutrients to the calzones.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
You can bake these calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and check periodically to avoid over-browning.
How do I prevent the calzones from bursting open during cooking?
Make sure to seal the edges firmly either by pinching the dough or crimping with a fork. Don’t overfill the calzones, as too much filling can cause them to burst. Also, applying the egg wash helps seal the dough edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy yet tender calzone filled with creamy chicken Alfredo and melty cheese. This Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe combines comfort and convenience, turning a few simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that feels special any day of the week. Give it a try and watch how quickly these little pockets of joy disappear — I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones combine the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken and melted cheeses, all encased in a crispy, golden air-fried pizza dough shell. Ready in just 22 minutes, this recipe offers a delicious, convenient twist on classic calzones using an air fryer for a perfectly cooked, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
To Finish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create the creamy filling.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough out into a large rectangle or circle about ¼ inch thick, ensuring there is enough dough to cut into 4 equal portions.
- Assemble the Calzones: Divide the filling equally among the 4 sections of dough, placing it on one side of each piece and leaving a small border around the edges for sealing. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal, crimping if desired to prevent leaks.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the top and edges of each calzone with the beaten egg. This will help them develop a golden, glossy finish when air-fried.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even cooking. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the calzones rest for a couple of minutes after cooking, then serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If your air fryer is small, cook calzones in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Ensure edges are sealed very well to avoid filling leakage during cooking.
- For extra crispness, flip calzones halfway through air frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
