Introduction
When I first made these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, my family couldn’t stop raving about them. The crispy golden crust, gooey Alfredo filling, and the comforting combination of cheese and chicken made it an instant favorite. It was the perfect weeknight dinner, quick to prepare yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Even my picky eater requested seconds! Now, it’s a regular on our meal rotation and a hit for game nights or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Quick and Easy: With store-bought pizza dough and an air fryer, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even a different sauce.
- Family-Friendly: A fun, hands-on recipe that kids and adults alike will love.
- Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer eliminates the mess of deep frying while delivering that perfect crispiness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a main dish, snack, or even party appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
Fill the Calzones:
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Seal the edges by pressing them together and crimping with a fork.
Apply the Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380 kcal
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Add a bowl of roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
- Cut into smaller pieces for party appetizers or snacks.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a fun and tasty meal on the go.
Additional Tips
- Homemade Dough Upgrade: If you have time, make your pizza dough from scratch for an even fresher taste.
- Prevent Leakage: Avoid overfilling the calzones, as this may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the calzones and freeze them uncooked. Air fry directly from frozen for a convenient meal.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor. - Can I bake these in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. - What’s the best way to shred chicken?
Use a fork or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quick and easy shredding. - Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought works perfectly, but homemade Alfredo sauce can elevate the flavors. - How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use parchment paper in the air fryer. - Can I freeze cooked calzones?
Yes, freeze them after cooling and reheat in the air fryer or oven when needed. - How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling. - What other proteins can I use?
Try cooked shrimp, ground beef, or turkey as alternatives to chicken. - Can I make mini calzones?
Certainly! Divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the air frying time. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a deliciously indulgent yet simple recipe that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike. The combination of creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in a perfectly crisp crust makes every bite irresistible. With minimal prep time and endless customization options, this dish is a must-try for any busy home cook. So grab your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
PrintChicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a crispy, cheesy delight filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Quick to prepare in the air fryer, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or as a party snack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Calzones:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Fill the Calzones:
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
- Seal the edges by pressing them together and crimping with a fork.
- Apply the Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through. (Cook in batches if necessary.)
- Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on top of the calzones before air frying.
- You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg