Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones: A Cheesy, Crispy Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re craving a delicious fusion of Italian comfort food and modern air-frying technology, these Chicken Alfredo Calzones are the perfect solution. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mixed with a creamy Alfredo sauce, all tucked inside a crispy, golden pizza dough pocket. This dish delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these calzones are as versatile as they are satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible dish using your air fryer for an extra-crispy finish with less oil!
Why You’ll Love These Calzones
There are many reasons why these Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a must-try:
Quick & Convenient: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Magic: Enjoy a crispy texture without deep frying—your air fryer works wonders by producing golden, crunchy calzones.
Rich & Creamy Filling: The combination of shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious, savory filling.
Customizable Flavor: With garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: Each calzone is packed with flavor and makes a hearty meal, ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun snack for gatherings.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients for both the filling and the dough assembly. This way, you can enjoy a smooth cooking experience without any interruptions.
For the Chicken Alfredo Filling:
1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup Alfredo sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought version or prepare a homemade one for extra flair.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This adds melty, gooey texture to every bite.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with robust garlic flavor.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall taste with its herby notes.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors.
For the Pizza Dough:
1 lb pizza dough: Use store-bought or homemade dough for your calzones.
1 egg, beaten: This will serve as an egg wash to give your calzones a beautiful, golden finish.
Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Alfredo Filling
Begin by combining the key ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until all components are well incorporated. The filling should be rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for encasing in your pizza dough.
Pro Tip: If you like an extra cheesy filling, feel free to add an additional ¼ cup of mozzarella or Parmesan.
2. Shape the Calzones
Divide your 1 lb of pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6–7-inch circle. Ensure the circles are even in thickness to guarantee uniform cooking in the air fryer.
On each dough circle, spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half. Be sure to leave about a ½-inch border around the edge to allow for proper sealing.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges firmly, ensuring that the filling stays securely inside during cooking.
Remember: Sealing the edges tightly is key to preventing any leakage of the delicious filling while the calzones cook.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes. While waiting, lightly brush the tops of your assembled calzones with the beaten egg. This egg wash will give the calzones a gorgeous, golden-brown color as they crisp up in the air fryer.
Next, spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking and to ensure a uniform, crispy texture on all sides.
4. Air Fry to Perfection
Place 2 calzones in the air fryer basket at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket; proper air circulation is essential for achieving that perfect, crispy finish.
Set the air fryer timer for 8–10 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip the calzones to ensure even browning on both sides. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes—your air fryer might cook a bit faster, and you want to avoid over-browning.
Once the calzones are a beautiful, golden brown and the dough is crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle and even more enjoyable to eat.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these calzones with a side of marinara or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables also pairs beautifully with this rich dish.
Nutritional Information
Each calzone, when divided equally among 4 servings, offers approximately 495 kcal per serving. They provide a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats—making them a hearty meal that fuels your body while delighting your taste buds.
Final Thoughts: A Gourmet Meal Made Simple
These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the creamy, cheesy filling, the perfectly seasoned chicken, and the crisp, golden dough that ties it all together. The convenience of the air fryer means you can achieve restaurant-quality results without a lot of fuss or mess, making this recipe a perfect choice for any busy day or special occasion.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create calzones that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re sharing them with family or serving them as a gourmet lunch at work, these calzones are sure to impress.
