These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious, quick, and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal with a crispy, golden exterior and a creamy, cheesy filling. Packed with shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, these calzones are perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner. The air fryer makes them quicker to cook while achieving the perfect texture without the mess of deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Spoon 1/4 of the Alfredo sauce onto one side of each dough circle.
- Top with a portion of the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
- Carefully place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and 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
- Sauce Swap: While Alfredo sauce gives a rich and creamy texture, you can swap it out for marinara or barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses; add provolone, cheddar, or ricotta for a different flavor or texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some jalapeños to the filling for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the calzones back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to regain their crispy exterior.
10 FAQs
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
- Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly fine and will save time.
- Can I make the calzone dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, or even freeze it for later use.
- Can I use frozen chicken?
- You can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding to the calzones.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer?
- You can bake these calzones in the oven at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- How do I know when the calzones are done?
- The calzones are done when the dough is golden brown and crispy. You can also check by gently pressing on them—if they feel firm and no dough is visible, they’re ready.
- Can I use a different type of dough?
- Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry, crescent dough, or even a gluten-free pizza dough for a different twist.
- Can I freeze these calzones?
- Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for storage. When ready, cook them from frozen for 12-14 minutes.
- Can I make these mini-sized?
- Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into smaller pieces to make bite-sized calzones, and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
- You can use dried parsley in place of fresh. If you prefer a different herb, basil or oregano would complement the filling well.
- Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. The crispy golden dough paired with the creamy, cheesy filling is a combination that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a fun appetizer for a gathering, these calzones are the perfect choice. Try this recipe out and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal with your family!