If you’re craving gooey, savory comfort food with a crispy golden crust, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a must-try! Imagine: creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, melty cheese, all wrapped up in pillowy pizza dough, then air-fried to perfection. These calzones are fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests—and they turn your air fryer into a magic maker. Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are pure handheld happiness that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Everything here is easy to find, but each one has a key role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture of Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. You won’t need anything fancy, just these kitchen staples, and a little chef’s curiosity.
- Pizza dough: The dough forms the warm, chewy “pocket” that hugs all that creamy, cheesy filling. Homemade or store-bought—either works!
- Cooked chicken breast: Using diced, cooked chicken keeps the filling tender and protein-packed. Leftovers are perfect here!
- Alfredo sauce: This is the rich and creamy backbone of the filling—jarred or homemade both add tons of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Meltiness galore! Mozzarella creates those iconic cheese pulls when you break open the calzone.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to balance the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle brings aromatic warmth and rounds out the savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch infuses the calzone with classic herby goodness—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens everything up with freshness and a pop of color.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushing the calzone with beaten egg gives the crust that gorgeous, shiny golden finish.
- Olive oil spray: A quick spritz ensures a crisp, golden crust and helps prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Combine your diced cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well mixed. You’ll notice the filling already smells like a dream—this is your calzone’s gooey heart!
Step 2: Prep the Dough
Lightly dust your kitchen counter with flour to keep things from sticking. Divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each one into a 6–7 inch circle (they don’t have to be perfect—rustic is good!). The circles should be just thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Calzones
Scoop a generous portion of your delicious chicken Alfredo mixture onto half of each dough round, leaving a border around the edge. Now, fold the empty side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges together tightly—this seals in all the goodness and gives you that signature calzone look.
Step 4: Egg Wash for Shine
Brush the tops of the calzones with a beaten egg. This step might seem small, but it ensures your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones bake up glossy, golden, and mouthwatering. A quick swipe is all it takes!
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Spritz the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and encourage browning. Working in two batches, arrange two calzones in the basket with a little space between them. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a crust that’s deeply golden and slightly blistered. Repeat with the remaining calzones.
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy
Let your gorgeous calzones cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll be piping hot! This short wait lets the cheese settle and the crust finish crisping, so every bite is perfection. Now dig in and savor the moment!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Garnishes
Sprinkle more fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese turns these calzones into showstoppers—don’t be shy! If you want to go all out, drizzle with a bit of olive oil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Side Dishes
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are hearty on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or classic Caesar salad balances out the richness. For dipping, a side of extra Alfredo sauce or bright marinara really makes them sing and lets everyone customize their calzone experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Slice your calzones in half for a cheesy, delicious cross-section, and stack the halves on a big platter family-style. Mini calzones (using smaller dough rounds) make fun appetizers for parties or game day, while a calzone board with various dips, fresh veggies, and olives is perfect for grazing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, let your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones cool completely before storing. Wrap each calzone individually in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and make a delicious quick lunch.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Freeze unbaked or baked calzones by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, no need to thaw: just add a few minutes to the air fry time!
Reheating
To reheat, pop your calzone back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. This method preserves the crust’s lovely crunch and prevents sogginess. Microwaving is faster, but the texture will be softer. If you’ve frozen your calzones, give a little extra time in the air fryer to ensure the filling is warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds even more flavor. Just dice it up and use it exactly as you would the cooked chicken breast for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones.
Is homemade dough better than store-bought?
Both options work well! Homemade dough offers a personal touch, while store-bought keeps things hassle-free. Either way, your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones will be delicious—choose based on your schedule and cravings.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake your calzones on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a regular oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15–18 minutes, until golden and crisp. The air fryer just makes the process a bit quicker and crisps up the crust nicely.
Can I add veggies to the filling?
Yes! Try adding a handful of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even finely chopped broccoli for added texture, flavor, and nutrition. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture so your filling isn’t too wet.
What’s the best way to make mini versions?
Divide your dough into 8 pieces instead of 4 and adjust the rolling and filling amounts accordingly. Air fry for a slightly shorter time (about 8–9 minutes), watching closely so they don’t over-brown. Perfect for appetizers or kids’ lunches!
Final Thoughts
With their creamy filling, golden exterior, and incredibly easy preparation, Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are destined to become your new weeknight (or anytime) favorite! They’ll bring smiles to every table, so gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself—the deliciousness truly speaks for itself.
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Filled with a creamy Alfredo chicken mixture and baked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these calzones are perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
Chicken Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Assemble Calzones: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces, roll each into a 6–7 inch circle. Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, fold over, press edges to seal.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Brush calzones with beaten egg, spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Serve with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping.
- You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
