If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends creamy indulgence with crispy, golden perfection, this Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken and cheesy Alfredo sauce wrapped in a flaky dough, then cooked until puffed and crisp in the air fryer. It’s comfort food elevated with a simple twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Whether you’re a fan of Italian-inspired meals or just love a great calzone, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and work harmoniously to create a balanced, delicious calzone. Each component adds its own magic — from creamy Alfredo to cheesy goodness and perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Cooked chicken (1 cup, shredded or diced): Provides tender, protein-packed filling with great texture.
- Alfredo sauce (½ cup): Brings rich, creamy flavor that binds the filling beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, melty cheesiness for ultimate comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Gives a sharp, savory kick to enhance the overall taste.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): Infuses classic herb notes that tie everything together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening flavors.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package): Provides a quick and easy base with light, flaky texture—feel free to use homemade dough if you prefer.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to create that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the calzones don’t stick to the air fryer basket and crisp nicely.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to crisp your calzones perfectly. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the filling well until every bite will have the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
Step 2: Shape the Dough and Fill
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut it into four equal pieces for individual calzones that are just the right size. Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing. Fold the empty side over the filling and press down with a fork along the edges to crimp and seal your calzones securely.
Step 3: Apply Egg Wash and Prepare for Air Frying
Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg. This step is key for achieving a glossy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes. Then, spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray — this stops sticking and helps those golden crusts develop beautifully.
Step 4: Air Fry and Flip
Place one or two calzones (depending on the size of your air fryer) into the basket, making sure they are not touching, so they cook evenly. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy and golden. Repeat this process with the remaining calzones until all are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes after cooking—this helps the filling set slightly and avoids any scalding bites. Serve them with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping to turn this simple meal into an irresistible feast.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Top your calzones with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can add an elegant finish, while a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil gives another layer of flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These calzones pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also work wonderfully, or consider a cup of savory tomato soup for dipping and cozying up on chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice calzones into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces, turning the meal into interactive finger food. Another idea is to use smaller dough rounds to make mini calzones for appetizers or party snacks that are sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and make for quick, satisfying meals the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these calzones in advance, you can freeze them before air frying. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month and can be cooked straight from frozen using the air fryer with a few extra minutes added to cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is in the air fryer itself. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method preserves the texture much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can elevate the flavor and texture even more. Just make sure it’s rolled evenly and not too thick to ensure it cooks through in the air fryer.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy filling is kid-friendly, and you can easily customize the seasonings or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to suit your family’s preferences.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use cooked sausage, ham, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to switch things up while still enjoying the creamy Alfredo base.
Do I need to flip the calzones halfway through air frying?
Flipping helps both sides get evenly golden and crispy, which is a signature feature of these calzones. So yes, flipping halfway through is recommended for the best results.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the filling in advance saves time on cooking day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble right before air frying for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to put together, with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner, casual gathering, or just a treat-yourself night, these calzones offer that wonderful combination of comfort, convenience, and pure indulgence. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option that combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheeses wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these calzones offer a convenient, mess-free way to enjoy Italian-inspired stuffed pizza pockets with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the calzones evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal pieces for individual calzones.
- Assemble Calzones: Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around edges to allow sealing. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely, preventing leaks.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny crust after cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place 1–2 calzones in the basket at a time making sure they don’t touch for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry Calzones: Cook for 8–10 minutes at 375°F, flipping the calzones halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The calzones should be golden brown and fully cooked when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove calzones and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra flavor, serve with additional Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize your calzones by adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
- These calzones can be made ahead of time and reheated in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.
- Ensure the dough edges are sealed well to avoid filling leakage during cooking.
- If using homemade dough, adjust cooking time slightly depending on dough thickness.
