If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food with a crispy twist, you are absolutely going to adore this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in rich Alfredo sauce, combined with a melty blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all tucked inside a perfectly golden, crispy calzone shell made effortlessly in your air fryer. This dish brings together all the cozy flavors of an Italian classic with a quick and convenient cooking method, making it a total weeknight winner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy cheeses to the crispy pizza dough, each element is straightforward yet essential to making your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe sing.
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: Provides tender, savory protein and a hearty filling base.
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce: Brings rich, creamy indulgence with hints of garlic and Parmesan.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, gooey cheesiness for that irresistible melt.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Offers a smooth, mild creaminess that lightens the filling texture.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty bite that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough: Serves as the soft yet crisp calzone outer shell, easy to handle and quick to cook.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the calzones for a golden, glossy finish and extra crispness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavor of the filling and dough.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when you place your calzones inside, they begin cooking immediately and develop that perfect crispy exterior you’re craving.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This creamy, cheesy filling is the heart of your calzones, so take your time to blend it well to infuse every bite with rich flavor.
Step 3: Divide and Roll Out the Dough
Take your refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out onto a clean surface. Cut the dough into four equal pieces to create the perfect individual calzones. This step is more fun than it sounds—imagine those little dough pockets holding all that deliciousness!
Step 4: Assemble the Calzones
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture in the center of each dough piece. Then fold the dough over, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. A well-sealed calzone means no cheesy filling escapes during cooking.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Brush each calzone with olive oil, which will help them brown beautifully in the air fryer. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors further—you want that golden crust with a touch of savory seasoning.
Step 6: Air Fry the Calzones
Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching so air can circulate and crisp them evenly. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside while staying bubbling and cheesy inside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove your calzones carefully from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This brief rest helps the filling set slightly so it doesn’t spill out when you take that first heavenly bite.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can brighten your calzones with a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you love heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes is a brilliant way to wake up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for balance, or serve alongside roasted vegetables to keep the meal light yet satisfying. Garlic bread or a cup of tomato soup are classic companions that elevate the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the calzones into strips for sharing, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You could also serve them with small bowls of extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping—this interactive approach turns an everyday meal into an event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes for a fantastic lunch or quick dinner option that reheats beautifully without losing its crispy charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe on hand for longer, freeze them before cooking. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and place in the freezer for up to two months. When ready, air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend because it revives that crisp crust perfectly. Heat at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time when making this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe.
What type of Alfredo sauce works best?
You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce to keep it quick, but homemade Alfredo sauce makes the filling extra special and lets you control seasoning to your liking.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be excellent additions to add extra flavor, color, and nutrition to the calzones.
Is it okay to freeze the calzones after cooking?
Freezing them after cooking is possible, but the texture might change slightly. For best results, freeze them before cooking and air fry directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the calzones in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about making and sharing this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy creamy, cheesy Italian flavors in a fresh, crispy form that is surprisingly quick and easy. Whether it’s for a family dinner, an after-school snack, or a casual get-together, these calzones are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones combine tender shredded chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and a blend of cheeses, all wrapped in crispy, golden pizza dough pockets cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Calzone Filling
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Dough and Finishing
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the calzones.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Divide and roll dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 4 equal pieces to form the calzone bases.
- Fill the dough: Place a spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture in the center of each dough piece, being careful not to overfill.
- Seal the calzones: Fold each dough piece over the filling to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal fully.
- Oil and season: Brush the outside of each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Cook in air fryer: Arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer carefully, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Calzones.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked before shredding to avoid undercooked filling.
- If you don’t have Alfredo sauce, you can make a quick sauce by mixing cream, butter, and garlic powder.
- Do not overfill the calzones to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Let calzones cool for a few minutes after cooking; filling will be very hot.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil in the filling.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
