If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food mashup, you’re in for a treat: Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are about to become your new obsession. These golden, pillowy pockets combine creamy Alfredo-coated chicken with melty cheese, all wrapped in crisp, air-fried pizza dough. Each bite offers that irresistible crunch followed by rich, cheesy goodness, making them perfect for dinner, game day, or whenever your cravings strike. Ready in under half an hour, and made with simple ingredients, this recipe brings together classic Italian-American flavors in the most crave-worthy way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each item plays a starring role, contributing luscious flavor, gooey texture, or dreamy crispness—letting every bite feel special yet delightfully easy to create at home. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Pizza Dough: The foundation of your calzones—choose store-bought for speed or homemade for a personal touch, but make sure it’s rested and ready to roll for that perfect, chewy bite.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken delivers tender, protein-packed filling and soaks up the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- Alfredo Sauce: This rich, creamy sauce is key for lusciousness; use your favorite jarred version or home-cooked if you’re feeling fancy.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that classic, stringy, mouthwatering cheese pull when you break open a calzone.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Gives a nutty, salty edge and helps form that crisp, cheesy crust on top of each calzone.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that amps up every nostalgic pizza flavor in one simple scoop.
- Garlic Powder: For a gentle kick of extra savoriness that makes the filling truly irresistible.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures the outside bakes up gloriously glossy and promotes that trademark crispiness.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve the deeply golden brown exterior that makes these calzones feel straight out of a pizzeria.
- Marinara Sauce (optional): The perfect tangy counterpart for dipping and elevating every bite, if you’re feeling saucy.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Pizza Dough
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step means your Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones hit a hot basket immediately, ensuring a fast rise and golden exterior. Meanwhile, divide your pizza dough into four equal balls and roll each into a 6–7 inch circle—don’t worry about perfection, rustic shapes are charming!
Step 2: Mix the Dreamy Chicken Alfredo Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This mixture turns tender chicken into a creamy, herby, and cheesy sensation—the luscious heart of your calzone.
Step 3: Fill and Fold the Calzones
Spoon the creamy filling onto half of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of border so nothing leaks out during air frying. Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges together and crimp them with a fork. This not only looks adorable but is also your best defense against escaping cheese!
Step 4: Egg Wash and Olive Oil Spritz
Next comes the golden touch: brush the tops with beaten egg, then lightly spritz with olive oil. For an extra hit of flavor—and a bakery-style finish—consider sprinkling a little extra Parmesan on top before they go into the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy and Golden
Arrange the calzones in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches for the crispiest results. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides develop that craveable golden crunch. Keep an eye out in the last minute—the magic happens fast!
Step 6: Serve Up the Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Once the calzones are golden and piping hot, serve them right away with warm marinara sauce on the side for dunking. Get ready—once you break them open, you’ll witness the glorious cheese pull and creamy chicken filling in all its glory!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil gives a pop of bright green color and a burst of freshness right before serving. A shower of extra Parmesan is always welcome, and a pinch of crushed red pepper can add just the right amount of heat for those who like a little kick with their comfort food.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil for a zesty contrast, or serve them with roasted veggies to round out the meal. Garlic knots or a side of herby potato wedges are fun, indulgent additions for a real pizzeria night at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your calzones in a bread basket lined with parchment for a cozy, hands-on gathering, or slice them into wedges for fun appetizer servings at a party. For family dinner, serve them straight from the air fryer alongside bowls of dipping sauce, letting everyone tear in and customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best texture for up to 3 days, ready to power up your lunches or midnight snacks!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze cooked or uncooked calzones. Simply wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When hunger calls, pull out just what you need—no need to thaw for long!
Reheating
For the crispiest results, pop refrigerated or frozen calzones back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes (adding more time if frozen). This reheats the filling and toasts the crust beautifully, restoring that “just made” taste and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—it’s tender and flavorful, making prep even speedier for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
If you don’t have Alfredo, a creamy garlic cheese sauce or even a blend of ricotta and a little milk works nicely. Feel free to experiment with other creamy sauces you love!
Can I make these Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. The cheese and Alfredo combo still delivers all the irresistible flavor.
How do I prevent calzones from bursting open in the air fryer?
Be sure not to overfill, and always leave a border of dough around the edge for crimping. Press firmly with a fork and make sure the seal is tight—this helps keep all that gooey goodness inside.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply prepare more filling and dough, then cook in batches. You can even keep cooked calzones warm in a low oven while the rest finish air frying.
Final Thoughts
With their crisp, golden exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are pure comfort in every bite. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people and a batch of these delightful hand-held treats, and let the coziness and flavor speak for themselves. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a weeknight regular or your new party essential—enjoy every warm, cheesy moment!
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Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, a perfect meal option that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- olive oil spray
- marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide pizza dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a 6–7 inch circle.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spoon filling onto half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold dough over to form a half-moon and press edges together. Seal by crimping with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle the tops with extra Parmesan before air frying.
- You can also swap chicken for cooked sausage or veggies for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
