The air fryer gives these chicken Alfredo calzones a crispy, golden crust that’s hard to beat. As they cook, the outside becomes perfectly crisp, while the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken inside meld together into a comforting, cheesy filling. The heat from the air fryer works its magic, making the dough rise slightly, giving each bite the ideal balance of crunch and softness. It’s the kind of dish that smells so irresistible as it cooks, you’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting that first bite. And the best part? These calzones are quick and easy, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, but they feel special enough to impress guests when you’re hosting. With each delicious bite, you get a burst of savory chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese—comfort food at its finest, with a crispy twist.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
The key ingredients in these calzones come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy Alfredo sauce to the crispy pizza dough. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
* Chicken breast
This lean protein is cooked and shredded, forming the hearty base of the calzones. It absorbs the rich Alfredo sauce and adds a satisfying bite.
* Olive oil
A tablespoon of olive oil helps to sauté the chicken and gives it a subtle richness, while also contributing to the crispness of the calzone crust during air frying.
* Alfredo sauce
The creamy, velvety Alfredo sauce is the heart of the filling, offering a smooth texture and a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
This cheese adds that ooey-gooey meltiness that pulls everything together. It melts beautifully and stretches with every bite, making each calzone extra comforting.
* Grated Parmesan cheese
The Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella, giving the filling a depth of flavor. It’s also a perfect topping to sprinkle over the calzone before cooking for extra golden goodness.
* Pizza dough
The pizza dough is what wraps all the savory filling inside and gives the calzones their iconic pocket shape. As it cooks in the air fryer, it becomes perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and pillowy inside.
* Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds a mild, aromatic garlic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. It’s the little touch that makes the filling taste so flavorful and cozy.
* Dried oregano
This herb provides a subtle earthy and slightly sweet flavor. Oregano is a classic in Italian cooking, and it pairs wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken.
* Crushed red pepper flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, balancing out the rich, creamy elements of the dish and giving each bite a little kick.
* Egg
The beaten egg is used to seal the calzones, ensuring the dough stays intact while it cooks. It also contributes to a golden, glossy finish on the crust.
* Fresh parsley
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the finishing touch, bringing a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the filling.
Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfectly balanced calzone, with flavors that complement each other and textures that keep you coming back for more.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the calzones cook evenly and become perfectly crispy on the outside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with olive oil, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the flavors blend together and the cheese gets evenly distributed throughout the chicken and sauce.
4. Roll out the pizza dough onto a flat surface, lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking. This helps the dough stretch without tearing.
5. Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 10 inches in size. This will give you enough space to cut out the right number of pieces for your air fryer.
6. Cut the dough into equal squares or rectangles, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Make sure they fit comfortably without crowding the basket.
7. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture into the center of each piece of dough. Be careful not to overstuff, as this could cause the calzones to break open during cooking.
8. Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges together tightly to seal the calzone, ensuring that none of the filling can escape during cooking.
9. Carefully brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg. This gives the dough a beautiful golden finish once it’s cooked.
10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the calzones for added color and a burst of freshness.
11. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
12. Cook the calzones for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
13. Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling time to set and prevents burns from the hot filling.
14. Serve the calzones with extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. The creamy sauce complements the crispy calzones perfectly!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
* Serve with a fresh side salad – A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy and rich calzones. Try arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor!
* Pair with a garlic bread loaf – Since you’re already in the mood for Italian flavors, why not complement your calzones with a warm, buttery garlic bread? The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into that extra Alfredo sauce on the side.
* Add a glass of white wine – A chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio will pair beautifully with the creamy texture of the calzones. The crispness of the wine balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce and enhances the overall experience.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a delicious, well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
How to Store Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is always a good problem to have!), here are a few easy ways to store your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones and keep them tasting delicious:
* Refrigerating
Let the calzones cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the crust once more. Trust me, the crispy exterior and gooey filling will still be just as amazing!
* Freezing
If you want to save your calzones for a later date, freeze them before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook directly from frozen in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes—they’ll be just as crispy as when you first made them!
* Reheating
If you’re just reheating already-cooked calzones, the air fryer is your best friend. Set it to about 350°F (175°C) and heat the calzones for 3-5 minutes until the crust is crispy and the filling is hot. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the dough soggy.
With these simple storing methods, you can enjoy the savory goodness of your calzones long after the first bite!
Conclusion
And there you have it! These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and creamy. With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a golden, crispy crust, every bite is a little piece of comfort food heaven. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. The best part? They’re quick, easy, and can be stored for later—so you can savor them again and again.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions if you need a little help along the way. Cooking is all about having fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a golden, crispy dream! Packed with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese, each bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness wrapped in a flaky crust. A must-try!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with olive oil, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
-
Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly combined.
-
Roll out the pizza dough onto a flat surface, dusting it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
-
Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 10 inches in size.
-
Cut the dough into equal squares or rectangles, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
-
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture into the center of each piece of dough.
-
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, pressing the edges together tightly to seal the calzone.
-
Carefully brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg, giving them a golden finish when cooked.
-
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the calzones for added flavor and color.
-
Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other.
-
Cook the calzones for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
-
Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
-
Serve the calzones with extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Note
- Make sure to fully shred the chicken breast to ensure an even distribution of filling in the calzones.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the dough with a little more olive oil before air frying.
- You can substitute the shredded mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, though fresh gives a brighter flavor.
- Ensure that the calzones are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
