Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy, golden air fryer chicken alfredo calzones have become my latest obsession in quick meal adventures.

Melted cheese and tender chicken nestle inside perfectly browned pastry pockets.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel gourmet with minimal effort.

Restaurant-quality results emerge from your compact kitchen appliance in minutes.

Folding these delectable parcels requires zero professional cooking skills.

Stuffed with creamy sauce and savory protein, these calzones promise satisfaction in every bite.

What Makes Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones a Quick Delight

  • Quick Family Dinner: Combines beloved Italian flavors in a handheld meal that kids and adults will adore, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels while delivering restaurant-quality results.
  • Smart Cooking Method: Air fryer technique ensures crispy golden exterior and perfectly melted cheese inside, reducing oil usage and cooking time compared to traditional oven baking.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to modify with different protein options, swap cheeses, or add extra herbs, allowing personalization for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Main Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy base that will hold the delicious calzone filling.
  • Alfredo Sauce: A creamy white sauce that adds rich flavor to the calzone.
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and protein-packed meat that serves as the primary filling.
Cheese Group:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a gooey and savory texture to the calzone.
Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal flavor to the finished calzone.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Step 1: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank the air fryer to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious action.

Step 2: Divide and Conquer the Dough

Split the pizza dough into four equal portions, preparing for calzone magic.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough Circles

Grab each dough piece and transform it into a perfect circular canvas.

Step 4: Spread the Creamy Goodness

Generously spoon Alfredo sauce onto one half of each dough circle:
  • Alfredo sauce

Step 5: Layer on the Delicious Fillings

Sprinkle your toppings across the saucy half of each circle:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley

Step 6: Fold and Seal the Calzones

Fold the empty half of dough over the loaded side, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch and crimp the edges tightly to lock in all the yummy ingredients.

Step 7: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Step 8: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the calzones turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Pull out those gorgeous calzones and serve them piping hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

  • Use room temperature dough for easier rolling and less tearing during preparation.
  • Brush calzone edges with egg wash to create a golden, crispy seal and prevent filling from leaking.
  • Pat chicken dry before shredding to ensure crisp texture and prevent excess moisture inside the calzone.
  • Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before air frying for a deliciously crisp, cheesy crust.
  • Allow calzones to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help filling set and prevent burning your mouth.

Variations to Try with Chicken Alfredo Calzones

  • Veggie Lovers' Calzone: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option packed with colorful, nutritious ingredients.
  • Spicy Southwest Calzone: Add jalapeños, swap Alfredo for salsa, and include shredded pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Calzone: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-style stuffed pocket with tangy, rich notes.
  • BBQ Chicken Calzone: Switch Alfredo sauce with tangy BBQ sauce, use rotisserie chicken, and sprinkle cheddar cheese for a smoky, comforting meal.

Pairing Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the calzone, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the cheesy, chicken-filled experience.
  • Fresh Side Salad Boost: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the calzone, adding a zesty, peppery crunch that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Cool Dipping Sauce Delight: Whip up a quick marinara or garlic aioli for extra flavor depth, giving diners a tangy complementary sauce that elevates the calzone's creamy interior.

Proper Storage for Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

  • Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual calzones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place calzones in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and warm throughout. No need to thaw frozen calzones first.
  • For quick reheating, microwave refrigerated calzones for 1-2 minutes. Note that the crust might become slightly soggy compared to air fryer method.

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones

  • What ingredients do I need for Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones?

You’ll need pizza dough, Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.

  • Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought pizza dough both work great for this recipe.

  • How do I prevent the calzones from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing the calzones inside.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the calzones in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy, cheesy air fryer chicken alfredo calzones bring Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy golden pockets packed with tender chicken, rich alfredo sauce, and melted cheese guarantee a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 g) pizza dough
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) Alfredo sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat air fryer to 375°F, preparing for crispy calzone creation.
  2. Separate pizza dough into four uniform portions, ensuring equal size.
  3. Gently stretch each dough section into thin, circular shapes using light hand movements.
  4. Distribute Alfredo sauce evenly across one half of each dough circle, leaving a border for sealing.
  5. Layer shredded chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese across sauced dough surface.
  6. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for added herbal brightness.
  7. Carefully fold bare dough half over filled section, creating a half-moon shape.
  8. Press and crimp edges firmly with fingertips to create a secure seal, preventing filling leakage.
  9. Arrange calzones inside air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through for even golden-brown coloration.
  11. Remove when exterior is crisp and deep golden, with cheese visibly melted inside.
  12. Allow 2-3 minutes cooling time before serving to prevent potential burns.
  13. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and appetizing.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy bottoms by lightly brushing the outside of calzones with olive oil, which helps achieve a crispy golden exterior.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower or gluten-free pre-made dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked and shredded finely to distribute evenly throughout the calzone, creating consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Customize fillings by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and varied texture without compromising the classic Alfredo taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 495 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star