If you love creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in golden, crispy dough, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzoneswill become your new favorite treat. With a rich Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted mozzarella, these calzones deliver all the flavors of classic Italian comfort food in a convenient handheld format. The air fryer gives the calzones a crispy crust while keeping the inside perfectly gooey and delicious.
This recipe is ideal for a quick dinner, a fun weekend project, or even a tasty lunch. Here’s how to make them!
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tools and Equipment
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preparing the Chicken Alfredo Filling
- Assembling the Calzones
- Air Frying the Calzones
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for the Best Calzones
- Variations and Customizations
- FAQs and Storage Tips
- Conclusion: A Delicious Italian-Inspired Treat
1. Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delightful combination of savory chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a crispy dough shell. The air fryer makes it possible to achieve a crispy crust without needing to deep-fry, and it also shortens the cooking time. These calzones are perfect for those craving Italian comfort food with a twist!
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (for spice)
3. Tools and Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet (for prepping)
- Pastry Brush
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Fork (for crimping edges)
4. Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Alfredo Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well coated and combined.
- Set Aside: Keep the filling aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Assembling the Calzones
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough into circles (6-8 inches in diameter) using a bowl or a large cookie cutter.
- Fill the Dough: Place a few tablespoons of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Be careful not to overfill.
- Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal securely. Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg to help with browning.
Step 3: Air Frying the Calzones
- Air Fry in Batches: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the calzones at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Repeat as Needed: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Keep the cooked calzones warm in the oven while you finish air frying the rest.
5. Serving Suggestions
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve the calzones with marinara sauce, extra Alfredo sauce, or garlic butter for dipping.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the calzones with a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a complete meal.
- As Appetizers: Make mini versions of these calzones for a tasty party snack or appetizer.
6. Tips for the Best Calzones
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the calzones, as they can burst open during cooking.
- Seal Tightly: Use a fork to crimp the edges securely to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures the calzones start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy crust.
7. Variations and Customizations
- Different Fillings: Try variations like BBQ chicken, pepperoni and cheese, or spinach and ricotta for different flavor profiles.
- Add Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for an even richer filling.
8. FAQs and Storage Tips
- Can I Freeze the Calzones? Yes! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked calzones. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How Do I Reheat Leftovers? Reheat leftover calzones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Can I Use Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but you can make it homemade if you prefer.
9. Conclusion: A Delicious Italian-Inspired Treat
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are an easy, cheesy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic chicken Alfredo in a fun and portable form. Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Get ready to enjoy a bite-sized version of creamy chicken Alfredo that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion!