If you are craving something indulgent yet surprisingly quick, this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe will become your new kitchen favorite. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy Alfredo sauce, paired with gooey melted mozzarella, all wrapped in crispy, golden pizza dough cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these calzones deliver rich flavors and satisfyingly crunchy texture without the fuss. Let me walk you through every step of this delicious, warm, and irresistible dish that’s perfect anytime you want a taste of Italian-inspired comfort food made easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that combine to create a harmony of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes with a perfect crispy finish. Each component plays a star role, giving you that restaurant-quality bite at home without complicated preparation.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, this provides tender, juicy protein that acts as the base for your calzones’ filling.
- Alfredo sauce: Creamy and rich, whether homemade or store-bought, it infuses the filling with silky smooth flavor.
- Pizza dough: A sturdy yet soft dough holds the filling with a delightful golden crunch after air frying.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, delivering gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Fresh spinach: Optional but freshens up the filling with a subtle green twist and extra nutrients.
- Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant savory undertone that complements the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures the calzones crisp evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust in the air fryer.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken
The first step to building flavor is cooking the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 375°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method locks in moisture while creating a slightly golden exterior. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will blend perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce (if making homemade)
If you prefer a homemade touch, melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then whisk in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan until your sauce turns luxuriously smooth and silky. This step makes the filling truly indulgent with fresh flavors you can taste in every mouthful.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This creamy, cheesy mixture forms the luscious heart of your calzones. Don’t forget to fold in fresh spinach if you’re using it—it adds a vibrant color and subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
Step 4: Shape the Calzones
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into circles about 6 inches wide. Each circle is your canvas to assemble these handheld delights. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.
Step 5: Seal and Prep for Air Frying
Fold the dough over the filling to create half-moon shapes and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This ensures none of the delicious filling escapes while cooking. Give each calzone a light spray of olive oil to encourage a crisp, golden finish once in the air fryer.
Step 6: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the calzones for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown crust that signals they’re ready to enjoy. The air fryer crisps the outer shell nicely while keeping the filling piping hot and melting the cheese perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe up a notch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds an extra punch, and a drizzle of garlic butter can intensify the savory experience. All these simple touches build a beautiful presentation and give an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a fresh and balanced meal. Garlic knots or a bowl of tomato soup make comforting companions that echo the Italian flavors. These sides bring freshness and contrast to the rich calzones, rounding out your table perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the calzones cut into bite-sized wedges on a tasting platter with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or extra Alfredo. You can also transform leftovers into mini calzone sliders ideal for parties or lunchboxes. Getting creative with presentation makes this recipe versatile for any occasion or appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps preserve the flavors and texture without the calzones becoming soggy or dry.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange uncooked calzones on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer for convenience.
Reheating
Reheat leftover calzones in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their signature crunch and melty interior.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works wonderfully and saves time without sacrificing taste. Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce for the best creamy flavor.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
You can bake calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. While the texture may vary slightly, it still yields delicious results.
Is it necessary to include spinach in the filling?
Spinach is optional but highly recommended for added freshness and nutrition. You can omit it or swap it with other greens like kale or arugula based on your preference.
How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?
The calzones should be golden brown on the outside and piping hot inside. The cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the dough will feel crisp to the touch.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe is an absolute joy, from mixing up that creamy, cheesy filling to pulling perfectly golden calzones from your air fryer. This dish is a guaranteed showstopper that blends comfort food with convenience, and I truly hope you enjoy every warm, cheesy, delicious bite. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all encased in golden, crispy pizza dough calzones cooked perfectly in an air fryer. Optional fresh spinach adds a hint of freshness, making these calzones a flavorful and satisfying dinner option ready in just over 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Filling
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought)
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce (if making homemade): In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add fresh spinach if desired and mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Prepare the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into circles approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Assemble calzones: Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the filling. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly, sealing them with a fork to prevent leakage.
- Air fry the calzones: Preheat the air fryer again to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the calzones with olive oil spray to ensure a golden and crispy crust. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with other leafy greens or omit it for a traditional flavor.
- If using store-bought Alfredo sauce, warm it slightly to make mixing easier.
- Ensure the calzones are sealed tightly to avoid filling leakage during cooking.
- For extra crispiness, flip the calzones halfway through the air frying process.
- Leftover calzones can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
