Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe: Tasty Pockets

Whipping up a delightful chicken alfredo air fryer calzones means embracing comfort food with a crispy twist.

Innovative cooking techniques transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering pockets of cheesy goodness.

Stuffed with creamy alfredo sauce and tender chicken, these calzones offer a quick meal solution for busy evenings.

Crisp edges and melted filling create a perfect balance of textures that surprise you.

Minimal prep work ensures anyone can master this delectable dish without stress.

Compact air fryer technology guarantees a golden-brown exterior with minimal oil.

Serve these irresistible calzones and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why Chicken Alfredo Calzones Are a Tasty Air Fryer Win

• Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make these calzones a go-to dinner solution for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins like ham, sausage, or keep it vegetarian with spinach and mushrooms to match family preferences.
• Master Impressive Presentation: Golden-brown, crispy exterior with a cheesy, rich filling creates a restaurant-quality dish that looks professionally prepared without complex techniques.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Handheld design appeals to kids and adults alike, transforming a standard meal into an exciting dining experience everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

• Pizza Dough: The foundation of the calzone that provides a crispy and chewy base for the filling.

• Shredded Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds substance and flavor to the calzone.
• Alfredo Sauce: A creamy sauce that brings richness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy interior.
• Ricotta Cheese: A soft cheese that adds a light and creamy component to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that provides a sharp and salty flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Herbs and spices that boost the overall taste and aroma of the calzone.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, glossy exterior on the calzone.

• Marinara Sauce: A complementary dipping sauce that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the calzone.

How to Air Fry Crispy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Step 1: Create Dough Circles

Slice your pizza dough into four equal sections. Gently roll each piece into round shapes about the size of a small plate.

Ensure the circles are smooth and even.

Step 2: Whip Up Savory Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Melty mozzarella cheese
• Smooth ricotta cheese
• Nutty Parmesan cheese
• Zesty Italian seasoning
• Aromatic garlic powder

Stir all ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble Delicious Pockets

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

Fold the dough over, creating half-moon shapes. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork to lock in all the delicious goodness.

Step 4: Add Golden Shine

Gently brush the tops of your calzones with beaten egg. This will create a beautiful, glossy exterior that screams “eat me!”

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Fire up your air fryer to 375F. Carefully place the calzones in the basket, making sure they’re not touching.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. If needed, cook in batches to maintain that crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

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

Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for Creamy and Golden Chicken Calzones

• Ensure pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and stretching without tearing.
• Prevent overfilling calzones by using just 2-3 tablespoons of mixture to avoid leakage during cooking.
• Seal edges tightly with a fork to create a secure seal and prevent cheese from escaping during air frying.
• Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent calzones from sticking and ease cleanup.
• Experiment with different protein options like shredded turkey or ham for variety in your calzone filling.

Calzone Twists to Try with Alfredo Filling

• Vegetarian Calzone: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Swap Alfredo sauce with salsa, add jalapeños, and include pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pizza dough with large lettuce leaves or thin egg wraps, filling with original chicken and cheese mixture.

Dishes and Drinks to Pair with Chicken Alfredo Calzones

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the creamy Alfredo chicken calzone, balancing the heavy cheese and creating a refreshing contrast.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to provide a bright, tangy complement that lightens the calzone's dense texture.
• Match with Zesty Marinara: Serve alongside a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for dipping, which adds a vibrant tomato flavor that enhances the Italian-inspired profile of the calzone.

How to Store Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Place cooled calzones in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated calzones in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw beforehand.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking during air frying?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges when filling the calzones and seal them tightly by pressing and crimping with a fork. This helps create a secure seal that prevents the filling from escaping during cooking.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time in preparing the filling. Just make sure the chicken is finely shredded and mixed well with the other ingredients.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake these calzones in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy chicken alfredo air fryer calzones deliver Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Rich creamy filling nestled in golden pastry pockets promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup (28 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Dough and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Additional Sauce:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) Alfredo sauce
• Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform the pizza dough into four uniform circular shapes, rolling each piece to approximately 6-inch diameter for consistent sizing.
2. Craft the filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, melted mozzarella, rich ricotta, aged Parmesan, aromatic Italian seasoning, and zesty garlic powder in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully position 2-3 tablespoons of the savory mixture onto one half of each dough circle, maintaining a small border around edges for proper sealing.
4. Gently fold the dough over, creating a crescent-like pocket, and meticulously crimp the edges using a fork to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
5. Apply a luxurious egg wash across the surface, ensuring a glossy, golden-brown exterior once cooked.
6. Activate the air fryer to 375F (190C) and allow it to preheat completely before cooking.
7. Arrange the prepared calzones inside the air fryer basket, spacing them to allow proper air circulation and prevent sticking.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway if needed, until the exterior transforms into a crisp, amber-colored shell and the interior reaches optimal temperature.
9. Remove and allow calzones to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling the filling to stabilize and reduce potential burning.
10. Serve immediately alongside marinara sauce for an optional dipping experience, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the filling by substituting chicken with leftover turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Ensure the dough edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during air frying, using a fork to crimp the edges creates a perfect seal.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before air frying for an additional crispy, golden crust that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked calzones for a quick meal later, just add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time when air frying directly from frozen.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 498 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg