If you’re craving something that combines creamy indulgence with crispy delight, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. Imagine pockets of golden, flaky dough stuffed with tender shredded chicken, luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all perfectly crisped in the air fryer. This dish is comfort food elevated—easy to make, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a taste. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe lies in its simple yet richly flavored ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy Alfredo sauce to the tender chicken and oozy cheese, all wrapped in soft, golden dough.
- 1 lb premade pizza dough: Provides a chewy, fluffy base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Adds hearty protein and a juicy texture—rotisserie chicken works wonders here.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that irresistible gooey pull.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the Alfredo sauce luxuriously rich and silky.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Delivers a luscious, buttery flavor essential to the sauce and brushing on the crust.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Italian herb notes for a savory lift.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened: Mixed with parsley to brush on the calzones, adding color and fragrance.
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and brightens the buttery topping.
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional): Provides a tangy contrast to the creamy filling and crispy crust.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Start by melting 5 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally for about three minutes. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. This homemade Alfredo sauce is going to turn your calzones from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 2: Assemble the Calzones
Divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a floured surface, gently stretch each piece into a roughly 6-inch circle—don’t worry about perfect shapes; rustic is charming here. Spoon about one tablespoon of the Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough circle, being careful not to spread it too close to the edges. Next, pile on the shredded chicken and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. For extra security and a pretty finish, fold and crimp the edges.
Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying
Mix your softened butter and minced parsley in a small bowl to create a fragrant brush-on glaze. Brush the tops of each calzone liberally with this parsley butter—it will add beautiful color and a fresh, buttery aroma once cooked.
Step 4: Air Fry the Calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch—air circulation is key to that crispy crust! If you need to, cook them in batches. Air fry for about 8 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the calzones with additional parsley butter halfway through cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, let your calzones cool for a few minutes—they’ll be hot and steamy inside. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfyingly cheesy, creamy meal.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a lovely touch of color and flavor. For a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be a fabulous garnish to sprinkle on the side.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. A light tomato soup also complements the creamy filling beautifully, perfect for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the calzones into wedges and serve them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara and extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, create mini calzones as appetizers or party snacks, adjusting dough and filling amounts accordingly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and retain their flavor, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat calzones in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden, crunchy crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of premade?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize thickness and flavor. Just be sure it’s chilled and easy to stretch for folding.
Is it okay to use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Shred it finely so it mixes evenly with the sauce and cheese inside the calzones.
Can I make these calzones without an air fryer?
Definitely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, though heavy cream gives the richest and creamiest texture.
Is marinara sauce necessary for serving?
Marinara is optional but highly recommended for dipping. It cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce and adds a wonderful tangy contrast.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe—it’s a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy that feels special without being complicated. Give this recipe a try and you’ll have a new favorite meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all to yourself. Once you taste these calzones, they might just become your go-to comfort food for any occasion.
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Deliciously crispy Chicken Alfredo Calzones made quickly in an air fryer. These handheld pockets are filled with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese, then perfectly golden and buttery on the outside. A comforting, easy meal that pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
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 to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let the sauce 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 1 tablespoon of the prepared Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough circle, spreading slightly but keeping 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. Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and crimp the edges for extra security to prevent leaks during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced fresh parsley. Using a brush, generously coat the tops of each calzone with the parsley butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps get a golden crust.
- Air Fry the Calzones: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space and are not touching — cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes until the calzones are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, brush the tops again with the parsley butter to enhance browning and taste.
- Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes after air frying to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient and flavorful shortcut.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the calzones well to prevent the cheesy filling from oozing out during air frying.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the calzones in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried Italian herbs if fresh is not available.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and size of calzones.
