Mouthwatering Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that comes together quickly, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone. This recipe combines tender chicken, dreamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a perfectly crispy golden crust made right in your air fryer. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone will win hearts with every bite and keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Convenient: The air fryer speeds up cooking time while delivering a perfectly crispy crust without deep frying.
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken create a luxurious and satisfying flavor combination.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt to ooey-gooey perfection inside every calzone.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and handheld meal that appeals to little ones and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak ingredients and fillings based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone irresistibly delicious. From the delicate dough to the rich cheese and creamy sauce, everything comes together effortlessly for a balanced, mouthwatering meal.
- Pre-made pizza dough: A quick and easy base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cooked chicken breast: Tender, shredded or diced chicken adds hearty protein.
- Alfredo sauce: Creamy and flavorful, the sauce binds the filling and adds richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, creating that classic cheesy pull.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth to compliment the mozzarella.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the crust for golden crispness and extra flavor.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Provide savory aromatics in the filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
Variations for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
This recipe is so versatile, you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty meatless calzone.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for heat.
- Different cheeses: Try provolone, gouda, or fontina instead of mozzarella for unique flavors.
- Whole wheat dough: Use whole wheat or gluten-free dough for a healthier or allergy-friendly alternative.
- Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for added texture and color.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and set aside.
Step 2: Roll and Assemble the Calzone
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a roughly 8-inch circle. Spoon the filling onto one half, leaving a small border around the edge for sealing.
Step 3: Seal the Dough
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press and crimp the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to seal the calzone well.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying
Brush the outside of the calzone with olive oil for a golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or Italian seasoning on top.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the calzone in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for about 10-12 minutes until the exterior is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese inside is bubbly.
Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the calzone carefully and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly for easier eating.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
- Don’t overload the filling: Too much filling can prevent the calzone from sealing properly and cooking evenly.
- Use cold cooked chicken: chilled chicken prevents the dough from getting soggy before cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer: A hot air fryer ensures a crisp golden crust right from the start.
- Brush with oil generously: This is key for crispiness and adds a nice sheen to the finished calzone.
- Rest before slicing: Letting the calzone cool slightly avoids messy, hot cheese spills when cutting.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
Garnishes
Finish your calzone with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add a healthy and refreshing contrast to the indulgent calzone.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into slices like pizza and serve with small ramekins of extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping—perfect for sharing and dipping enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap uncooked assembled calzones tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore that crisp crust, or microwave briefly if in a hurry (though the crust won’t stay as crispy).
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you control the flavor and texture just how you like it.
Is there a way to make this calzone dairy-free?
You can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a dairy-free version and use vegan cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and cheesy.
How long does it take to cook in the air fryer?
The calzone typically takes about 10-12 minutes at 360°F, but cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Can I prepare these calzones in advance for a party?
Yes! Assemble them ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer; then simply air fry or bake right before serving to keep them fresh.
What is the best way to get a crispy crust?
Brushing the dough with olive oil and preheating the air fryer ensures a golden, crispy exterior every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re in a rush or craving a cozy dinner at home, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to a homemade delight that everyone will love!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone
A quick and delicious Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone featuring tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Perfect for a convenient weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy finish without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 calzone (serves 1-2)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Dough and Crust
- Pre-made pizza dough – enough for one 8-inch calzone
- Olive oil – for brushing the crust
For the Filling
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced – about 1 cup
- Alfredo sauce – 1/2 cup
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 3/4 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated – 1/4 cup
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
- Roll and Assemble the Calzone: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an approximately 8-inch circle. Spoon the filling evenly onto one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge free for sealing.
- Seal the Dough: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, covering the filling. Press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork or your fingers to seal tightly, preventing filling leakage during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Brush the outside of the calzone generously with olive oil to ensure a golden, crispy crust. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the calzone in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crisp, golden-brown, and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the calzone from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier and less messy to slice and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overload the filling to ensure proper sealing and even cooking.
- Use cold cooked chicken to avoid soggy dough.
- Preheat your air fryer for best crust texture.
- Brush the calzone with oil generously for a shiny, crispy finish.
- Let the calzone rest before slicing to prevent hot cheese spills.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Air Fryer Calzone, Easy Dinner, Creamy Calzone, Quick Meal, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian