Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones offer a quick, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy a cheesy, savory meal with minimal effort. These golden brown, crispy pockets are filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese, making them a perfect dinner or snack for busy weeknights. Using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a perfectly cooked calzone every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil, for brushing
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
- Place a portion of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the calzone.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Swap the Sauce: If you prefer marinara, swap the Alfredo sauce with your favorite tomato-based sauce.
- Cheese Options: Try using a mix of different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella filling.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the calzone in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F to maintain its crispiness. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, store-bought dough works great for this recipe. You can also use pre-made calzone dough if you prefer.
- Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that will save you time in the kitchen.
- Do I need to pre-cook the chicken? Yes, the chicken should be cooked before adding it to the calzone to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Can I freeze these calzones? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked calzones. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the calzones in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I use a different sauce? Yes, feel free to swap the Alfredo sauce with marinara or any other sauce of your choice.
- How do I seal the calzone properly? Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough after folding it over the filling. This ensures the calzone stays sealed during cooking.
- Can I add more cheese? Of course! Feel free to add more mozzarella or any other cheese to make your calzones extra cheesy.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the calzones ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
- Can I make these without garlic or onion powder? Yes, you can omit them if you prefer or substitute with fresh garlic and onions for a more robust flavor.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a perfect combination of crispy dough, creamy filling, and cheesy goodness. They are a quick and easy dinner that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal after a long day or need a fun recipe for your next gathering, these calzones are sure to be a hit with everyone!