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
Scale
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