Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the answer to busy-weeknight dinner dilemmas. Golden, buttery crust wrapped around a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and gooey mozzarella—ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the air fryer! These calzones hit every comfort-food craving, but they’re incredibly simple to pull off, even when time is tight. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re feeding a family or just need a cozy, hands-on meal after a long, hectic day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these crave-worthy calzones, plus some pro tips for best results:

• Premade Pizza Dough
  The foundation. Store-bought or from your local pizza spot for max convenience. Let it rest at room temp for easier stretching.
• Cooked Chicken
  Rotisserie works wonders, or use cooked chicken breasts. Shred or dice—just make sure it’s moist and tender.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  For that classic stretch. Always opt for freshly shredded for the ooziest melting.
• Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
  Completely optional, but highly recommended to add a tangy counterpoint to the rich filling.
• Butter Topping (Butter + Fresh Parsley)
  Brushed over hot calzones for irresistible flavor and a perfect finish. Don’t skip the fresh parsley!
• Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for your Alfredo.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the sauce ultra creamy.
  • Garlic: Use fresh—mince or grate for best flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning (or Cajun Seasoning): Go classic or add a spicy twist.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste. Start light, adjust as you go.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is essential for the best melt and sharp nutty bite.

Tip: Make the Alfredo and chicken a day ahead for lightning-fast assembly!

Variations

Getting creative keeps things fun! Try these changes to suit your taste or fridge situation:

• Spicy Buffalo: Swap Alfredo for buffalo sauce and toss in blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggie Power: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try provolone, smoked gouda, or fontina for a twist.
• Dough Alternatives: Use whole-wheat, gluten-free, or even crescent roll dough for something new.
• Seasoning Change-Up: Cajun seasoning amps up the kick, but ranch or lemon-pepper are both fantastic.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Stir in garlic until fragrant, then pour in cream and sprinkle in seasonings. Let it simmer gently to thicken—it takes just about 3 minutes. Add the Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is silky, thick, and glossy. Taste, adjust as needed, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Divide your pizza dough into equal pieces (aim for about 4 ounces each). With floured hands, stretch each ball into a 6-inch round pizza shape. Don’t stress about perfection—rustic is delicious!

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Spoon a little Alfredo sauce onto the center of each dough round, leaving the edges bare. Add shredded chicken and a luscious heap of mozzarella. Fold the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape and pinch or fold the edges to seal tightly.

Step 4: Prep for the Air Fryer

Melt butter and stir in parsley. Place calzones into the air fryer basket, then brush generously with the butter-parsley mixture.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden

Air fry the calzones at 375°F for about 8 minutes. At the halfway mark, open the air fryer and brush on more butter for an ultra-golden crust (totally worth it!). When they’re puffed and golden, brush once more right after they finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, ideally with warm marinara on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Picture these golden calzones straight from the air fryer, brushed with melted butter and flecked with parsley. Cut them in half to let the steam and aroma escape, showing off that gooey, cheesy filling. Serve with little bowls of warm marinara for dipping, a simple green salad, or even alongside roasted veggies for a well-rounded dinner. These also make fantastic hand-held party snacks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Calzones keep surprisingly well. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap cooked and cooled calzones tightly in foil, then freeze in a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

Reheating

Air fry at 350°F or bake at 375°F until hot and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the crust won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are pure weeknight joy—quick, filling, and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness. With the shortcut of prepared dough and rotisserie chicken, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying this homemade treat any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to play with the fillings and flavors, and above all, have fun making (and devouring) these irresistible calzones! Give it a try, and prepare for clean plates and happy faces at your table.

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