Chicken Alfredo Calzones Air Fryer

Air fryer chicken Alfredo calzones bring the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo pasta into a handheld delight. Perfect for nights when hunger strikes fast but you still want something satisfying and delicious, these calzones combine tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough pocket. They come together quickly and deliver a delightful mix of textures and tastes that the whole family will love.

I first made these calzones when unexpected guests arrived on a busy evening and I had almost nothing planned. The ease and delicious results were an instant hit, making these calzones a new staple in our weekly rotation. Seeing everyone’s surprise and smiles at the crispy outside and melting cheesy inside is always a joy.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover roasted or storebought rotisserie chicken for convenience and full flavor
• Alfredo sauce: Choose a creamy variety from the jar or homemade for richer taste and perfect texture
• Whole milk mozzarella: Shredded fresh from a block for that wonderful melt and stretch
• Garlic powder: Adds balanced garlic flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic
• Italian seasoning: Look for a blend with oregano thyme and basil for authentic Italian herbiness
• Extra virgin olive oil: Brushing the outside for a golden hue and enhanced Mediterranean flavor
• Refrigerated pizza dough: Buy smooth unbroken dough for easy handling and a light crispy crust
• Fresh egg: Used for an egg wash to give the calzones a beautiful golden shiny finish
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to round out and enhance all the other flavors

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it fully heat. This temperature ensures your calzones come out with perfectly crisp outsides and melted insides. A hot start is key for even cooking.

Prepare the Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken Alfredo sauce shredded mozzarella garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated so each bite is balanced and flavorful.

Roll and Cut the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle about onequarter inch thick. Cut this into four equal squares to help the calzones cook evenly and fit nicely in your air fryer basket.

Fill the Dough Pieces:

Spoon about onethird cup of the chicken Alfredo mixture into the center of each dough square. Keeping the filling centered prevents leaks while sealing and makes portion sizes uniform.

Seal the Calzones:

Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and press edges firmly with your fingers. Then crimp the edges with a fork to double seal. This stops the filling from escaping and gives a nice decorative finish.

Brush with Oil and Egg Wash:

Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil for flavor, then use a beaten egg wash to add a glossy golden shine once cooked. This little step makes them look straight from a professional kitchen.

Arrange and Air Fry:

Place the calzones spaced evenly in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown with crispy edges and the filling inside is hot and melted. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Rest Before Serving:

After cooking, let the calzones rest for about one minute. This brief pause helps the filling settle slightly so it’s hot but won’t burn your mouth and makes handling easier.

My favorite ingredient has got to be the mozzarella because watching it stretch as you pull apart the calzone is pure comfort food magic. This dish reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone gathers around sharing food and stories, making simple moments special.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. To refresh, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that perfect crisp outside and melted inside. You can also freeze fully assembled but unbaked calzones for up to three months. When ready, cook them from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have Alfredo sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of cream cheese and milk with a bit of grated parmesan to mimic that creamy flavor. For a twist on the cheese, try provolone or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Spinach or sautéed mushrooms can also be added to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving suggestions

These calzones are delicious on their own but pairing them with marinara sauce for dipping adds a classic touch. A Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables balance the richness for a fuller meal. Cut into smaller pieces and serve as party appetizers or pack them for lunches that taste great even at room temperature.

This recipe really taught me how versatile the air fryer can be beyond just crispy snacks. The balance of creamy filling and crunchy crust in these calzones hits all the right comfort food notes and every time I make them I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead?

Yes, homemade dough works well. Roll it to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into equal squares for consistent cooking.

→ What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the calzones in a 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes until they turn golden brown on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Avoid overfilling and seal edges tightly by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork to create a secure closure.

→ Can these calzones be frozen?

Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked calzones for up to 3 months. When ready, air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What sides pair well with these calzones?

They pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping, a crisp Caesar salad, or served alone for a complete meal.