If you love the creamy, comforting flavors of chicken Alfredo but want something fun and handheld, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are just what you need! Flaky, golden-brown dough stuffed with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese—it’s like a mini pizza pocket but better. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping all that cheesy goodness sealed inside. Plus, they come together quickly, making them a great option for a weeknight dinner or even a fun snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Chicken Alfredo calzones are everything you love about a classic pasta dish, wrapped up in a crispy, handheld package. They’re super easy to make, thanks to store-bought pizza dough, and they cook up in the air fryer in just minutes. No need to turn on the oven! Plus, they’re customizable—add your favorite veggies or extra cheese for even more flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need (full list below):
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- Alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Find the full list of ingredients below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut it into circles or rectangles, depending on the size you prefer for your calzones.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread a spoonful of Alfredo sauce onto one side of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer on some shredded chicken and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you’d like, add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Step 3: Seal the Calzones
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp them with a fork to ensure they stay sealed while cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil or an egg wash for a golden finish. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the calzones cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They’ll be hot inside! Serve them with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the calzones hard to seal and cause leaks while cooking.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: This saves time! Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: After air frying, brush the calzones with melted garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of buffalo sauce inside the filling.
- Different Cheese Options: Try adding cheddar or provolone for a fun twist on the classic flavors.
- Dough Options: Crescent roll dough or pre-made biscuit dough can also be used for a softer texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These air fryer calzones are perfect with a side of extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping. Serve them with a fresh Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re making them for a party, pair them with garlic knots and a side of crispy fries for an indulgent spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly if you have the time to make it. Just roll it out to the same thickness and follow the same steps.
Can I freeze these calzones?
Absolutely. Assemble them, but don’t cook them. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I bake them instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
What’s the best Alfredo sauce to use?
You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience, but homemade Alfredo made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan will take these calzones to the next level!
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a fun and delicious twist on classic flavors, with a crispy crust and cheesy, creamy filling that’s hard to resist. Quick to make and easy to customize, they’re perfect for a weeknight meal, game-day snack, or anytime craving. Try them out and enjoy every cheesy bite!
PrintChicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a fun and delicious twist on the classic creamy pasta dish, transformed into a crispy, handheld delight. Made with store-bought or homemade pizza dough, these calzones are stuffed with tender shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The air fryer gives them a perfectly golden-brown crust, making them a quick and easy meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 calzones 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into circles or rectangles, depending on your preferred calzone size.
Step 2: Add the Filling
- Spread a spoonful of Alfredo sauce on one side of each dough piece, leaving a small border.
- Layer with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Optionally, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 3: Seal the Calzones
- Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly brush the tops with an egg wash or olive oil for a golden crust.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
- To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- You can prepare these calzones ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg