Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a quick and delicious dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights. These handheld delights feature a golden, crispy crust filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family favorite: A kid-approved meal that’s fun to eat and easy to customize.
- Crispy and golden crust: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy crust without needing a deep fryer.
- Customizable filling: Add your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for other proteins.
- Mess-free cooking: No need for excessive oil or complicated prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Directions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough or crescent dough and cut into equal-sized circles or rectangles.
- Fill the calzones: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on each piece of dough. Add shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Seal the edges: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Season and brush: Lightly brush the top with olive oil or cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy warm with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 calzones (depending on dough size)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Buffalo style: Replace Alfredo sauce with buffalo sauce and add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
- BBQ chicken: Use BBQ sauce instead of Alfredo and add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Different cheeses: Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Mini calzones: Use smaller dough portions to make bite-sized calzones, perfect for appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes for a softer texture.
- Freezing: Wrap uncooked calzones in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly for these calzones.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover cooked chicken are all great options.
Can I make these calzones in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Marinara, pesto, or garlic butter are excellent alternatives.
How do I keep the calzones from bursting open?
Avoid overfilling and make sure the edges are tightly sealed.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and diced or shredded before adding it to the calzones.
Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free pizza dough or crescent roll dough to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a simple, flavorful, and versatile meal that the whole family will love. With their crispy crust and creamy, cheesy filling, these calzones are sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you enjoy them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion!
PrintChicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect combination of crispy, golden crust and creamy, cheesy filling. Loaded with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella, they make a quick and satisfying dinner or snack. Perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the calzones.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the Calzones:
- Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one side of each dough circle, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they’re closed.
- Add Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a golden finish. For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush them with olive oil as well.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a lighter version, use whole-wheat pizza dough and reduced-fat cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.