Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Golden Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe: Crispy Bliss

Tucked inside a crispy golden shell, these chicken Alfredo air fryer calzones burst with creamy, cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds dance.

Melted cheese and tender chicken blend perfectly within a light, flaky crust crafted in minutes.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a delightfully crunchy exterior that gives way to a rich, savory filling.

Every bite promises a delectable combination of classic Italian flavors with modern cooking convenience.

The homemade calzones come together effortlessly, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Serve these irresistible pockets hot and watch as everyone at the table reaches for seconds with eager excitement.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the calzone filling from leaking?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges when filling the dough, and firmly press and crimp the edges with a fork to create a tight seal. This helps prevent the filling from escaping during air frying.

  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time in preparing the filling. Just make sure to chop or shred it into small, even pieces.

  • What if I dont have an air fryer?

You can bake these calzones in a preheated oven at 425F (218C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Fall in Love with These Air Fryer Calzones

  • Craft Delightful Treats: Enjoy creating professional-looking desserts without advanced baking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress friends and family.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few simple pantry staples like peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate, making it incredibly accessible for anyone craving a sweet indulgence.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These truffles are universally loved, making them ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers where people appreciate homemade chocolates.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven and complex techniques – this recipe offers a stress-free dessert preparation that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients Checklist for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Main Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A versatile base that creates the perfect crispy and soft shell for the calzones.
  • Shredded Chicken: A protein-rich filling that provides hearty flavor and substance to the calzone.
  • Alfredo Sauce: A creamy white sauce that adds rich and luxurious texture to the chicken filling.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that melts beautifully and creates a gooey, flavorful interior with complementary taste profiles.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the calzone filling.
  • Egg: A golden-brown wash that gives the calzone a glossy and appetizing exterior finish.
Optional Serving Ingredient:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that adds a tangy contrast to the creamy calzone.

Making Chicken Alfredo Calzones in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Create Dough Circles

Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Gently roll each piece into a perfect circle about 6 inches wide.

Make sure the dough is smooth and even.

Step 2: Whip Up Savory Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder

Stir the ingredients until they’re thoroughly blended and look creamy and delicious.

Step 3: Assemble Flavor-Packed Pockets

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of each dough circle. Leave a small border around the edges for sealing.

Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then use a fork to crimp and seal the calzones completely.

Step 4: Add Golden Shine

Gently brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg. This will create a beautiful golden and glossy exterior when cooked.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the calzones in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching.

Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes. Plate them up and serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, chicken-filled treat!

Tips to Get the Crispiest Calzones

  • Press and crimp calzone edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during air frying.
  • Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure calzones don't stick and cook evenly.
  • Use 2-3 tablespoons of filling per calzone to avoid overstuffing and potential bursting.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption when air frying.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina for unique flavor profiles.

Creative Twists for Your Calzones

  • Vegetarian Calzone Remix: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted bell peppers for a plant-based version that's packed with flavor.
  • Seafood Switch: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or crab meat, using a lighter seafood Alfredo sauce to create a luxurious maritime-inspired calzone.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pizza dough with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas, creating a lighter wrap-style calzone for keto enthusiasts.

Best Sides and Drinks to Enjoy with Calzones

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the calzones' heaviness, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.
  • Match with Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Crispy breadsticks provide an extra texture dimension and enhance the Italian-inspired flavors of the chicken Alfredo calzones.
  • Complement with Chilled Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil create a cool, light side that harmonizes with the warm, cheesy calzone.

Storing and Reheating Calzones

  • Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place completely cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated calzones in the basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw beforehand.
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy chicken alfredo air fryer calzones blend Italian comfort with modern cooking convenience. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and creamy sauce nestle inside golden-brown pastry pockets you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Base and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) Alfredo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Separate pizza dough into 4 equal sections, then gently stretch and roll each piece into thin 6-inch circular shapes using minimal flour on a clean surface.
  2. Create a rich filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Position approximately 2-3 tablespoons of chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, maintaining a small clean border around the edges.
  4. Carefully fold dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges firmly to create a complete seal. Use fork tines to crimp and reinforce the closure.
  5. Delicately brush the calzone surfaces with beaten egg, ensuring a light, even coating for enhanced golden coloration.
  6. Heat air fryer to 375F (190C), then carefully arrange calzones in the basket without overcrowding. Cook in multiple batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and complete internal heating.
  8. Remove calzones and allow 3-4 minutes of resting time to stabilize internal temperatures. Serve immediately alongside marinara sauce for optional dipping.

Notes

  • Choose store-bought or homemade pizza dough for versatility, ensuring easy preparation and consistent texture.
  • Swap mozzarella and ricotta with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during air frying, creating a perfect seal.
  • Cook calzones in multiple batches to maintain proper air circulation and achieve crispy, golden-brown exteriors without overcrowding.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 462 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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