If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal with a crispy, golden crust and creamy, cheesy goodness inside, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. It takes all the rich, comforting flavors of classic chicken Alfredo and wraps them up in a perfectly crisp calzone, all done quickly in the air fryer. This dish is a game changer when you want a satisfying, homemade dinner that feels fancy but comes together with ease. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll absolutely become one of your favorite ways to enjoy chicken Alfredo in a portable, delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but each one plays an important role in layering flavors, textures, and that beautiful golden finish that makes this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe so irresistible.
- Premade pizza dough: Provides a soft yet crispy calzone crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and a tender texture, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and offers that gooey, cheesy pull everyone loves.
- Heavy cream: Forms the rich, velvety base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Butter: Used both in the sauce and for brushing, it gives a luscious, golden exterior and rich flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch.
- Italian seasoning: Blends perfectly into the sauce, adding herbal depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory notes that elevate the Alfredo sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping and adding a tangy contrast.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté just until you can smell that amazing aroma, about one minute. Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning; bring this gently to a simmer while stirring occasionally. After about three minutes, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until your sauce is luxuriously creamy. Season it with salt and pepper, then remove it from heat to cool slightly. This sauce is the heart of your calzones, so take a moment to enjoy the rich smell and texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Calzones
Divide your premade pizza dough into four equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, stretch each portion out into roughly a 6-inch circle—you want a nice even shape that’s big enough to hold all the filling but easy to fold over. Spoon a tablespoon of your Alfredo sauce into the center of each dough circle, spreading it just a little but making sure to leave room around the edges to seal. Then mound on your shredded chicken and a generous handful of mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press down firmly on the edges to create a tight seal. For extra security and a pretty finish, fold and crimp the edges carefully so nothing leaks out while cooking.
Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying
Mix the softened butter with the minced fresh parsley to create a flavorful green butter spread. Brush the tops of each calzone generously with this mixture; it helps the crust brown perfectly and adds a fresh herbal note. This little step makes a big difference in both taste and appearance, giving your calzones a restaurant-quality shine.
Step 4: Air Fry the Calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to go. Place your calzones in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other to ensure even cooking—cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for about 8 minutes until each calzone turns delightfully golden brown and crisp on the outside. To boost flavor and crispness, brush with more parsley butter halfway through cooking. When done, the calzones should be bubbling inside with melty goodness waiting for you.
Step 5: Serve the Calzones
Once they’re out of the air fryer, give them a couple of minutes to cool just enough to handle. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like a tangy contrast to the creamy filling. These calzones are perfect as a standalone meal or even as a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top right after cooking adds a fresh, decorative touch that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread rounds out the meal beautifully, offering textural variety and some fresh garden flavors alongside your indulgent calzones.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting each calzone in half on a diagonal to show off the gooey filling inside. Arrange on a wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, garlic butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a rustic, shareable look. For a fun twist, serve mini versions as party bites or alongside a warm bowl of soup for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe (and believe me, that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked calzones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying as directed.
Reheating
Reheat your calzones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-5 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work beautifully and add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the same approximate size for even cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Heavy cream creates the rich texture of Alfredo sauce, but if you want a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. The sauce won’t be quite as creamy but will still taste delicious.
Is it okay to use frozen cooked chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from your cooked chicken before adding it to avoid soggy calzones.
Can I add other veggies inside the calzones?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers complement the chicken Alfredo filling beautifully. Just be mindful not to overfill, so the calzones seal well.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps get that perfect crispy crust right from the start, so it’s recommended for the best results with this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is truly a special comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy, and crispy sensations in a way that’s easy and fun to make. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these calzones are sure to impress your family and friends. Give them a try—you might just find your newest go-to meal that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones feature a crispy golden crust filled with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines classic Italian flavors with the convenience of air frying to create a perfect weeknight meal or appetizer in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb premade pizza dough
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Calzones: Divide the premade pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, stretch each portion into a 6-inch circle. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough circle, spreading it slightly but keeping it away from the edges. Top with shredded chicken and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Fold and crimp the edges for extra security to prevent leaking while cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced fresh parsley. Using a brush, coat the tops of each calzone with the parsley butter mixture to add flavor and promote browning.
- Air Fry the Calzones: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the calzones gently in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other to allow even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the calzones again with the parsley butter for an enhanced buttery flavor and crispness.
- Serve: Remove the calzones and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Make sure to thoroughly seal and crimp the calzone edges to prevent filling leakage during air frying.
- Brushing with parsley butter twice enhances the crust’s flavor and crispness.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the calzones in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
