If you have been searching for a delightful, cheesy, and comforting meal to jazz up your dinner routine, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy Alfredo sauce, melded with bubbly mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough that perfectly balances crispness and softness. This dish captures the essence of classic Italian flavors, elevated with the ease and convenience of the air fryer, making it an absolute winner when you want something both homemade and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet perfectly chosen to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Each item plays a key role: the tender chicken brings protein and heartiness, the Alfredo sauce offers creamy indulgence, mozzarella adds that irresistible cheesiness, and fresh spinach gives a vibrant pop of color and a subtle earthiness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 1 pound, cooked and shredded for tender, juicy bites that soak up sauce beautifully.
- Alfredo sauce: One cup of homemade or store-bought, which adds that creamy, garlicky richness that defines this recipe.
- Pizza dough: One pound of store-bought dough gives you that perfect canvas with a chewy yet crispy crust after air frying.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Two cups to melt into gooey goodness inside and on top of the calzones.
- Fresh spinach (optional): One cup, adding a fresh, green note and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon to infuse an extra layer of savory depth.
- Olive oil spray: For a light, golden finish on the calzones’ outside crust.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breasts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until beautifully golden brown. This hands-off method results in juicy chicken with a slightly crispy exterior that shreds apart easily — perfect for absorbing all that creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
If you’re going the homemade route, melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and luscious. Whether homemade or store-bought, the sauce is the soul of the recipe, offering rich, garlicky creaminess that coats every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Take a bowl and toss the shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and half of your mozzarella cheese. If you’re adding spinach, mix it in at this stage. The filling should be creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — it will become the delicious heart of your calzones.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Circles
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into circles about 6 inches wide. This size is perfect for individual calzones that cook evenly in the air fryer and satisfyingly portioned for a family meal or gathering.
Step 5: Fill and Seal Your Calzones
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, carefully sealing the edges with a fork to trap the delicious filling inside during cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the calzones with olive oil spray to encourage a golden, crispy crust. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the calzones turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. The result is a crunchy exterior with an ooey-gooey cheesy center that you will crave again and again.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over your warm calzones to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also elevate presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy cheese. Garlic roasted vegetables or a simple tomato basil soup make satisfying sides that round out the meal without overshadowing the star calzones.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of marinara sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy the meal, perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover calzones should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain deliciously moist inside while maintaining crispness when properly reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked filled calzones by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating
To reheat, place refrigerated or thawed calzones back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works wonderfully and saves time. Just choose a high-quality, creamy sauce for the best flavor. Or, if you feel adventurous, try making it fresh for a richer taste.
What type of pizza dough is best for calzones?
Store-bought pizza dough is perfectly fine for convenience, especially fresh varieties. If you make your own dough, aim for a slightly chewy but tender texture that crisps nicely in the air fryer.
Can I add other veggies instead of spinach?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure any veggies are cooked or prepared before filling to avoid excess moisture inside the calzones.
Is the air fryer necessary for this recipe?
The air fryer really shines here because it crisps the calzones perfectly without drying out the filling. However, you could bake them in a traditional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?
Look for a golden brown crust with a bubbly cheese center. When tapped, the calzones should sound hollow, indicating that the dough is cooked through. The filling should be hot and cheesy when cut open.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe enough if you crave a dish that’s both indulgent and effortless. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that brings the best of cheesy, creamy Italian flavors wrapped in a crispy crust. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these calzones will become a beloved regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try — I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
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 combine tender shredded chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella cheese inside a golden, crispy crust. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these calzones are a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce
- For homemade: butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese (quantities per homemade Alfredo recipe)
Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cook 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 golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once cooled slightly.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce (if homemade): In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Combine Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add fresh spinach if using, and mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Sprinkle in garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into approximately 6-inch diameter circles to form individual calzones.
- Fill and Seal Calzones: Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press the edges together firmly using a fork to seal completely.
- Air Fry Calzones: Lightly spray the formed calzones with olive oil spray for a golden finish. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Alfredo sauce for a quicker preparation.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the calzones tightly to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Adding spinach is optional but adds a fresh, healthy touch.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of your calzones and the model of air fryer.
- Serve hot for the best taste and texture.
