Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. They take everything you love about creamy chicken alfredo pasta and wrap it inside golden, crisp pizza dough, all cooked quickly in the air fryer. I started making these calzones when I wanted a handheld dinner that still felt indulgent, and the air fryer turned out to be a game changer. The outside becomes beautifully crisp without deep frying, while the inside stays rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. These calzones are ideal for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or even as a fun alternative to pizza night. They are filling, customizable, and easy to portion, making them great for both adults and kids. Once you try this air fryer version, it is hard to go back to oven-baked calzones.
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones: Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy air fryer calzones stuffed with creamy chicken Alfredo sauce and melty cheese, delivering classic Italian comfort with a quick, modern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Divide pizza dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a circle.
- In a bowl, mix chicken with Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
- Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Fold dough over filling, seal edges tightly, and crimp with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Place calzones in air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overfill calzones to prevent leaking.
- Cook in batches if needed.
- Serve with extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pizza dough forms the base of the calzones. It creates a chewy, crisp exterior that holds the creamy filling well.
Cooked chicken provides hearty protein. Rotisserie chicken works especially well for convenience and flavor.
Alfredo sauce delivers the signature creamy, garlicky richness. A thick sauce helps prevent leaking during cooking.
Mozzarella cheese adds stretch and melt, binding the filling together.
Parmesan cheese enhances savory depth and complements the Alfredo sauce.
Garlic adds extra aroma and flavor, reinforcing the classic Alfredo profile.
Italian seasoning brings subtle herbaceous notes that balance the richness.
Olive oil is brushed on the dough to promote browning and crispness in the air fryer.
Salt and black pepper help balance and enhance all the flavors.
Optional additions such as spinach or mushrooms add texture and freshness.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by dividing the pizza dough into equal portions and rolling each piece into a small circle on a lightly floured surface.
In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp with a fork if desired to prevent leaking.
Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. Preheat the air fryer, then place the calzones in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
Cook until the calzones are golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through if needed. Remove carefully and allow them to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people, making 4 medium calzones. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and air frying time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
Variations and Customizations
These calzones are very flexible. You can substitute grilled chicken with shredded turkey or cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. I tested a version with mushrooms and spinach added to the filling, and it added a nice balance to the creamy sauce.
Cheese choices can also be adjusted. Provolone adds a slightly sharper flavor, while a blend of mozzarella and fontina creates extra creaminess. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese slightly and add more chicken.
If you enjoy spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili oil to the filling. You can also serve these calzones with marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a hearty, protein-rich meal. Chicken provides lean protein, while cheese and sauce contribute richness. Enjoying them with a fresh salad helps balance the meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overfill
Too much filling can cause the calzones to burst while cooking.
Seal Well
Press and crimp the edges firmly to prevent leaks.
Even Cooking
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for best browning.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze unbaked calzones and air fry from thawed.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake in a hot oven until golden and cooked through.
What Alfredo sauce works best?
A thick, creamy sauce prevents sogginess.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli work well.
Do I need to flip them in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway helps even browning but may not be required in all models.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
How do I keep them crispy?
Reheat in the air fryer rather than the microwave.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara, garlic butter, or extra Alfredo sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious, convenient twist on classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and easy to customize, they are a reliable recipe that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
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