Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Chicken Alfredo calzones in the air fryer are my answer for busy nights when comfort food is required. These golden pockets are stuffed with creamy chicken Alfredo and gooey cheese, all wrapped in pizza dough with a crisp finish. This is the recipe I turn to when I want to impress my family without spending all night in the kitchen.

I first tried this on a night when we had unannounced guests and barely anything in the fridge. Since then these calzones have become a Friday night staple everyone eagerly waits for.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken shredded: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for easy prep and a rich flavor
• Alfredo sauce: Brings creaminess and balances the savory chicken Aim for a quality jarred sauce or make your own if time allows
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly and brings a classic stretch Choose whole milk mozzarella for best results
• Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes in every bite Fresh garlic works too if you mince it finely
• Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth A blend with oregano thyme and basil is perfect
• Olive oil: Brushed on top for a beautiful crisp and added flavor Go for extra virgin if you have it
• Refrigerated pizza dough: Makes the process so easy for weeknights Look for a smooth unpunctured dough for best results
• Egg for egg wash: Helps create a shiny golden finish on the crust Fresh eggs give the best color
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the filling Use just enough to make the flavors pop

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C so it is hot and ready for perfect browning and crisping

Make the Chicken Alfredo Filling:

Combine the shredded chicken Alfredo sauce mozzarella cheese garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper in a mixing bowl Stir thoroughly so every bite has even flavor

Roll and Cut the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface spread out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about one quarter inch thick Then cut the dough into four equal sized squares for even calzones

Fill the Calzones:

Scoop around one third cup of the chicken Alfredo mixture into the center of each dough square Try to keep the filling in the middle for clean edges

Seal and Shape:

Fold each dough square over the filling into a triangle or rectangle Press the edges tightly with your fingers and crimp with a fork to prevent leaks and add a decorative finish

Brush with Olive Oil and Egg Wash:

Lightly brush each calzone top with olive oil for flavor Beat the egg in a small bowl and use it to brush over the calzones for a shiny and golden baked look

Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:

Lay each calzone in the air fryer basket with enough space around them so hot air can circulate You may need to cook in batches to avoid crowding

Air Fry the Calzones:

Cook for ten to twelve minutes until the calzones are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through The aroma from the air fryer means they are almost ready

Let Cool Slightly and Serve:

After cooking gently remove the hot calzones and let them rest for a minute before serving This helps the filling set and prevents burnt tongues

Cheese is always my favorite part of this version I especially enjoy mozzarella for its melting qualities Sometimes I will grate fresh cheese right before adding it in for extra flavor My kids love making these with me and always request extra cheese in their calzone

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover calzones in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days Pop them back into the air fryer for a couple minutes to reheat and keep the crust crispy Avoid microwaving if possible as it softens the dough

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out mozzarella for a cheese blend like provolone or fontina if you want a creamier texture Leftover turkey instead of chicken works perfectly and adds its own flavor Even use a homemade Alfredo or a plant based sauce for a twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad and a squeeze of lemon on the side for balance Marinara sauce for dipping also works well if you like a little tanginess Kids especially love dunking their calzones

Cultural and Historical Context

These air fryer calzones are a playful mashup of Italian American classics Drawing on stromboli and traditional calzones this recipe evolves both by using Alfredo sauce which originated in Rome but gained real popularity in the US The air fryer makes it a modern family classic

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a handful of baby spinach to the filling in spring Try sundried tomatoes and grilled zucchini in summer Roast squash or sweet potatoes and layer them in for a fall twist

Last year I made these for a neighborhood potluck and they disappeared before anything else Even my picky eater nephew came back for seconds Making calzones air fryer style lets you make a big batch with little effort and everyone gets their own

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent calzones from bursting during air frying?

Seal the edges tightly by pressing with a fork and avoid overfilling for best results.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, cooked turkey, ham, or even sautéed vegetables work well as alternative fillings.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these calzones?

Marinara, ranch, or extra Alfredo sauce are excellent choices for dipping.

→ Is it possible to make these calzones ahead of time?

Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying for quick meals later.

→ How do I reheat leftover calzones for best texture?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispness.

→ Can I freeze unbaked calzones for later?

Yes, freeze assembled calzones and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to air fry time.