Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Crispy Golden Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Crispy chicken alfredo air fryer calzones bring a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Stuffed pockets of cheesy goodness promise a quick and satisfying meal that will make you smile.

Creamy alfredo sauce mingles with tender chicken inside a golden, perfectly crisped exterior.

Small kitchen appliances like the air fryer make this recipe a breeze to prepare.

Comfort food meets convenience in these handheld parcels of pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple yet spectacular these calzones can be.

Why Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Are A Crispy Creamy Win

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering meal that comes together faster than traditional oven-baked versions, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra cheese, or experiment with different proteins to make these calzones uniquely yours, giving you total creative control in the kitchen.
  • Transform Leftovers Brilliantly: Repurpose leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken into a gourmet-style pocket meal that feels totally fresh and exciting for the whole family.
  • Master No-Fuss Cooking: The air fryer does the hard work, delivering crispy golden exteriors and melty interiors without complicated cooking techniques or extensive cleanup.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Main Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of the calzone filling.
Cheese Components:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Alfredo Sauce: Creamy ingredients that provide rich, smooth texture and enhance the overall taste of the calzones.
Dough and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: Soft and flexible base for creating the calzone pockets.
  • Beaten Egg: Helps create a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on top of the calzones.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic herbal flavor to the calzone surface.
  • Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.

How To Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Alfredo Filling

Shred or chop cooked chicken and mix it with creamy Alfredo sauce and a generous portion of mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl. Ensure the ingredients are well combined for a delicious and cohesive filling.

Step 2: Roll and Shape Dough

Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough. Use a round cookie cutter or knife to create uniform circles or squares that will become your calzone pockets.

Step 3: Create Calzone Pockets

Place a hearty spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture in the center of each dough piece. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Seal and Crimp Edges

Carefully fold the dough over to create a pocket, encasing the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the calzone. Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative and secure seal.

Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying

Gently brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for an aromatic touch if desired.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the calzones in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Step 7: Cook and Crisp

Air fry the calzones for 10-12 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and become crispy on the outside.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes to prevent burning. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy chicken Alfredo tucked inside a crispy, golden crust.

Tips For Air Frying Chicken Alfredo Calzones Perfectly

  • Seal Edges Tightly: Press and crimp edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during air frying.
  • Choose Right Dough: Use fresh pizza dough or premade dough for consistent texture and easier handling.
  • Control Cheese Amount: Don't overfill with cheese to avoid messy spills and ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
  • Monitor Browning Time: Check calzones around 8 minutes to prevent burning, as air fryer temperatures can vary between models.
  • Serve with Dipping Sauce: Complement calzones with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for added flavor and moisture.

Variations For Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

  • Vegetarian Calzone Swap: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Calzone: Add diced jalapeños, swap Alfredo for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower pizza crust to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and add chopped olives for a Mediterranean-inspired calzone variation.

Best Pairings For Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
  • Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy calzone and provide a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.
  • Enhance with Marinara Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick homemade marinara or use store-bought sauce for dunking, adding a tangy tomato element that brightens the cheesy, creamy chicken filling.
  • Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a lemon or lime-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and add a subtle citrus note that lifts the overall meal experience.

How To Store Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

  • Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate each calzone with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Cook frozen calzones for 5-7 minutes or refrigerated calzones for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • For quick reheating, microwave refrigerated calzones for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

  • What ingredients can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with cooked ground beef, pulled pork, or even vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

  • Can I make these calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the calzones in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just make sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

  • Do I need any special equipment?

An air fryer is essential, but you’ll also need a rolling pin, fork, and basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and pastry brush.

  • How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?

Ensure you seal the edges completely by pressing firmly with a fork and avoiding overfilling the dough. This helps keep the filling inside during cooking.

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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering chicken alfredo air fryer calzones blend Italian comfort with crispy perfection. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and golden pastry create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken, shredded
  • 1 package pizza dough
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce

Preparation Ingredients:

  • 1 egg, beaten

Seasoning:

  • Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine shredded chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and grated mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
  2. Dust a clean surface with flour and carefully roll out pizza dough, then slice into uniform circular or rectangular shapes.
  3. Position a generous spoonful of the chicken-Alfredo mixture in the center of each dough piece, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the filling for extra cheesy goodness.
  5. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a sealed pocket, and firmly press edges together to prevent leakage.
  6. Use a fork to crimp and decoratively seal the calzone edges, reinforcing the closure.
  7. Gently brush the exterior with beaten egg, which will help achieve a golden, glossy surface.
  8. Optional: Dust the tops with Italian seasoning for enhanced aromatic flavor.
  9. Preheat air fryer to 375°F, ensuring consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
  10. Arrange calzones in a single layer within the fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  11. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until exterior turns a rich, appetizing golden brown.
  12. Remove from air fryer and allow a brief cooling period to prevent burning, then serve and savor the delectable chicken Alfredo calzones.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by adding roasted garlic or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during air frying.
  • Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap pizza dough with gluten-free dough or cauliflower pizza crust.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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