Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
If you have a craving for something rich, cheesy, and satisfyingly crispy, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Combining the creamy decadence of homemade Alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken and melted mozzarella, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, these calzones are pure joy in every bite. The air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked exterior with minimal fuss, making this recipe an accessible but impressive meal to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for a comforting night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but packs incredible flavor by using essential ingredients that balance richness, texture, and freshness in every calzone.
- Premade pizza dough: The perfect base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer while holding all the delicious fillings.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, bringing juicy, tender bites without extra prep.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds that classic melty, gooey texture that calzones are famous for.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture in the Alfredo sauce you’ll adore.
- Butter: Used both in the Alfredo sauce and brushed on the calzones for richness and golden color.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Oh, the aroma! Garlic elevates the sauce with its fragrant, savory punch.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in herbaceous notes that tie the flavors together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: The key to that authentic cheesy, nutty Alfredo flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, minced: For a hint of freshness and a lovely green finish.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Ideal for dipping if you want that tangy contrast to the creamy interior.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Start by melting butter gently over medium-low heat, then add minced garlic until it smells absolutely irresistible. Slowly stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer and thicken just enough. The magic happens when you fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, transforming it into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 2: Assemble the Calzones
Divide your pizza dough and stretch each piece into a perfect 6-inch circle. Spoon a generous tablespoon of Alfredo sauce onto the center of each circle, then pile on shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese. Fold over the dough carefully to create half-moons, pressing and crimping the edges to seal the delicious fillings inside. This step is so satisfying and sets the stage for all those lovely flavors to meld.
Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying
Mix softened butter with minced fresh parsley and give each calzone a generous brush on top. This adds a buttery gloss and a fresh herb kick that makes each bite even more delightful. The parsley butter melts and infuses as they cook, giving the crust that inviting golden-brown finish.
Step 4: Air Fry the Calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the calzones inside, making sure they have room to crisp up evenly. In just about 8 minutes, they transform into golden, crispy pockets of cheesy, comforting goodness. Don’t forget to brush them again with parsley butter halfway through cooking to deepen the flavor and maintain that gorgeous shine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let your calzones rest briefly after air frying so the filling can settle, then serve them warm. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you love a little tangy zip to complement the cheesy richness. Each bite combines crispy crust, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese — pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan right before serving adds a pop of color and an inviting fresh taste to every calzone. You can also drizzle a tiny bit of garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor that makes these feel restaurant worthy.
Side Dishes
These calzones pair perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to add some fresh crunch and balance out all the creamy richness. Garlic bread or a simple bowl of marinara sauce for dipping also makes excellent accompanying choices, creating a full and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these calzones on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of dipping sauces, like pesto or spicy arrabbiata. You can also slice them in half to showcase the cheesy chicken interior, making for an appetizing presentation that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This preserves the flavors without letting the crust become soggy, so you can enjoy them just as much the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, assemble the calzones but don’t air fry yet. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to cooking time for perfectly fresh results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover calzones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to revive that crispy crust and warm the filling thoroughly. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough chewy or soggy; the air fryer keeps them tasting freshly baked and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you customize thickness and flavor. Just roll it out to about 6 inches in diameter and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh shredded by hand or fork will create a tender, satisfying filling.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it gently before assembling your calzones to keep it smooth and creamy.
Is it necessary to brush the calzones with parsley butter?
While not required, the parsley butter adds extra flavor and helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color, making it well worth the little extra step.
Can these calzones be made in a traditional oven?
Definitely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them since oven times can vary.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. It’s comforting, flavor-packed, and perfectly crispy, all without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends at your next get-together, these calzones bring cozy, cheesy happiness to the table every time. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love all over again with this simple, scrumptious dish!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones offer a delicious twist on traditional calzones by incorporating creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a soft pizza dough and air fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside and rich in flavor on the inside, this easy recipe is a quick and satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Calzone Filling & Assembly
- 1 lb premade pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning; bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally, allowing it to slightly thicken over about 3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
- Assemble the Calzones: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, stretch each piece into roughly a 6-inch circle. Spoon 1 tablespoon of Alfredo sauce onto the center of each circle, spreading it slightly but keeping it away from the edges. Top with shredded chicken and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and crimp the edges for extra security to prevent filling leakage.
- Prepare for Air Frying: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced fresh parsley. Using a brush, coat the tops of each calzone with this parsley butter mixture for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Air Fry the Calzones: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes until the calzones are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, brush the calzones again with the parsley butter mixture to enhance flavor and color.
- Serve: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes after air frying. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shredded chicken option.
- If the dough is sticky, dust your hands and surface with flour to prevent sticking while shaping.
- You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it; just rewarm gently before assembling.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling leaks during air frying.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; adjust accordingly.
- Marinara sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich Alfredo filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
