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Easy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

If you are craving something crispy, gooey, and packed with delicious flavors, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese all wrapped inside golden, crispy dough, these calzones are a total game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re easy to prepare, quick to cook, and bursting with rich, savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or need a satisfying meal in a flash, you’ll love just how approachable and flavorful these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones turn out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings when time is tight.
  • Irresistible Crunch: The air fryer crisps the calzones to golden perfection without excess oil.
  • Rich and Creamy Filling: Savory chicken and Alfredo sauce blend for a comforting, cheesy center.
  • Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit for picky eaters.
  • Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients for dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones is refreshingly short and straightforward. Each item contributes to the dish’s fantastic balance of texture, taste, and color, making it simple to shop for and enjoy while cooking.

  • Pre-made pizza dough: This convenient base crisps up wonderfully in the air fryer and holds the filling perfectly.
  • Cooked chicken breast: Tender, shredded chicken adds protein and hearty texture to every bite.
  • Alfredo sauce: Creamy and flavorful, this sauce binds all the ingredients together with richness.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy deliciousness inside the calzone.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that enhances the Alfredo flavor.
  • Garlic powder: Provides subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Fresh parsley (optional): For a touch of color and fresh herbal notes on the finished calzones.
  • Olive oil or cooking spray: Used to crisp the dough perfectly in the air fryer.

Variations for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

One of the best parts about this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones recipe is how easy it is to customize. Swap out or add ingredients to suit your taste buds, dietary restrictions, or whatever leftovers you have on hand.

  • Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and layers of flavor.
  • Spicy twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
  • Switch the cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different melty texture and taste.
  • Low-carb option: Use a cauliflower-based crust or keto-friendly dough alternatives.
  • Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free Alfredo sauce, plant-based cheese, and shredded jackfruit for chicken.
Easy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mixing shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir everything together until combined and creamy, making sure the chicken is evenly coated for maximum flavor in each bite.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into about 6-inch circles. This size keeps the calzones manageable yet filling, allowing room for the tasty mix inside without overfilling and causing leaks.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Then fold the other half over and crimp the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork to seal the calzone well.

Step 4: Air Fry the Calzones

Brush or spray the outside of the calzones lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up golden in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until puffed and perfectly crisp on the outside.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, let the calzones cool slightly before serving. The filling will be luscious and bubbling, and the crust beautifully crunchy — an irresistible combo you’ll want to dig into right away.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

  • Pre-cook the chicken: Using already cooked chicken keeps the filling moist and avoids drying it out during air frying.
  • Don’t overfill: Overstuffing may cause the calzones to burst open during cooking, so leave a border when folding.
  • Seal edges well: Pinching or pressing edges firmly prevents yummy sauce leakage while frying.
  • Check air fryer space: Make sure calzones aren’t crowded to ensure even crisping on all sides.
  • Let rest before eating: Cool for a few minutes to let the filling set slightly for easier handling and safer eating.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a vibrant touch of green and fresh herby flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich Alfredo filling.

Side Dishes

Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light tomato soup for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that balances creamy and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice calzones into wedges and serve them on a wooden board for a rustic feel. Add small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even garlic butter to elevate the presentation and taste experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked calzones by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adjusting time by a few minutes, perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen calzones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes to regain that crispy crust and warm, melty interior; avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works wonderfully and saves time without compromising the creamy, rich flavor that makes these calzones so delicious.

What type of chicken is best for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast is best because it’s lean and tender, but leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken will also add great flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative or cauliflower crust to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.

How do I prevent the calzones from leaking sauce?

Make sure to leave a small border around the dough when adding filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal; this helps keep the cheesy Alfredo sauce contained during cooking.

Is it possible to freeze cooked Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?

While freezing uncooked is best, you can freeze fully cooked calzones by cooling them first, wrapping tightly, and reheating thoroughly in the air fryer when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a satisfying blend of crispy crust and creamy, cheesy filling that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special treat. Simple ingredients, quick preparation, and the magic of the air fryer come together in this recipe, delivering comfort and flavor in every bite. Give this one a try—you might just find your new favorite easy dinner hack that the whole family adores!

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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are crispy, golden pockets filled with tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty cheeses. Ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a speedy, kid-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights that combines comforting creamy fillings with a crunchy air-fried crust, making them convenient, delicious, and customizable for various dietary needs.

  • Author: James
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 calzones
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)

Ingredients

Base

  • Pre-made pizza dough (about 6-inch portions per calzone)

Filling

  • Cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
  • Alfredo sauce (½ cup)
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded (¾ cup)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup)
  • Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)

For Crisping

  • Olive oil or cooking spray (as needed for brushing or spraying)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the pre-made pizza dough into approximately 6-inch diameter circles. This size helps keep the calzones easy to handle and prevents overfilling.
  3. Fill and Fold: Spoon a generous portion of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle. Leave a small border around the edges to allow sealing. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges firmly with fingers or a fork to seal the calzone completely.
  4. Air Fry the Calzones: Lightly brush or spray the outside of each calzone with olive oil. Place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the calzones are puffed and golden brown with a crispy crust.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes after cooking to let the filling set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use already cooked shredded chicken to keep the filling moist and flavorful.
  • Do not overfill the calzones to avoid leaking during cooking.
  • Seal edges tightly by pinching or pressing with a fork to prevent sauce leakage.
  • Arrange calzones without overcrowding in the air fryer for even crisping.
  • Let calzones rest briefly after cooking for easier handling and safer eating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 calzone
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Calzones, Air Fryer Recipes, Quick Dinner, Kid-Friendly, Comfort Food

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