A delightful fusion of creamy chicken Alfredo wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, these air-fried calzones are a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Made with rotisserie chicken, homemade Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella, they bring together classic Italian flavors in a convenient, handheld dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air Fryer Convenience – Crispy calzones without deep frying.
- Creamy & Cheesy Filling – A rich Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and melted mozzarella.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with store-bought pizza dough.
- Family-Friendly – A fun and customizable dinner everyone will love.
- Perfect for Dipping – Serve with marinara for extra flavor!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the 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
For the Calzones:
- 1 lb premade pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced (for topping)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Directions
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 5 tablespoons butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, remove from heat, and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Calzones:
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough circle, avoiding the edges.
- Add shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Press and crimp the edges firmly to seal.
Prepare for Air Frying:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter and minced parsley.
- Brush the top of each calzone with the parsley butter mixture.
Air Fry the Calzones:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, brushing with more parsley butter halfway through.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 680 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Spinach & Mushroom – Sautéed spinach and mushrooms make a great vegetarian addition.
- Buffalo Chicken – Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before adding to the calzones.
- Whole Wheat Option – Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked calzones for up to 2 months. Thaw before air frying.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! Homemade dough works great, just ensure it’s rolled evenly.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I keep the calzones from bursting open?
Seal the edges well by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack work well.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper.
Can I make mini calzones for appetizers?
Absolutely! Make smaller portions and reduce the air frying time by a few minutes.
What’s the best way to seal calzones?
Pinch the edges tightly and fold over, or use a fork to crimp them closed.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms are great options.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures an evenly crispy crust.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade has a fresher taste and creamier texture.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and creamy flavors, all wrapped up in an easy-to-make, handheld meal. Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prep, or game day snacks, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality calzones right from your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a crispy, golden delight filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Quick, easy, and air-fried to perfection, they make for an irresistible weeknight dinner or game-day snack!
Ingredients
For the Calzones:
- 1 lb premade pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 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, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Calzones:
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions.
- On a floured surface, stretch each portion into a 6-inch circle.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough circle, spreading slightly but avoiding the edges.
- Top with shredded chicken and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and crimp the edges for extra security.
3. Prepare for Air Frying:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter and minced parsley.
- Brush the tops of each calzone with the parsley butter mixture.
4. Air Fry the Calzones:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching (cook in batches if necessary).
- Air fry for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Brush with more parsley butter halfway through for extra flavor.
5. Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Tip: Brush calzones with egg wash before air frying for a shiny, golden finish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the calzones and freeze uncooked. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
- Add More Flavor: Sprinkle calzones with grated Parmesan before air frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snack, Air Fryer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
