Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

introduction

Chicken Alfredo is a comfort classic, and calzones? Well, they’re the ultimate hand-held delight. What if we told you that you could combine the two into one irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and creamy bite-sized miracle using just your air fryer? Yep, that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’re not just tossing ingredients together—we’re creating a savory masterpiece that blends homemade alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and golden calzone dough into a crowd-pleaser that cooks up fast and easy. Plus, we’ll pack this article with air frying tips, ingredient hacks, expert tricks, FAQs, and trusted resources to make your Chicken Alfredo Calzone journey foolproof.

Let’s dive right into the crispy, cheesy world of air fryer chicken alfredo calzones.

Table of Contents

What Makes This Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe So Special?

Uniting Two Comfort Food Classics

Combining chicken alfredo with air fryer calzones isn’t just clever—it’s genius. You get the rich, creamy flavor of Alfredo sauce stuffed into a crispy, golden calzone shell, all made in the air fryer for max flavor with minimal oil. It’s a weeknight dinner game-changer.

Why bake for 30 minutes when you can air fry in 10?

Why Air Fryer Calzones Are a Must-Try

Fast & Fuss-Free: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook evenly. No more soggy bottoms or overbaked edges.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer slashes oil without sacrificing that crave-worthy crunch.
Perfect Texture: Golden on the outside, oozy on the inside. Every bite is a flavor bomb.

The Secret Sauce? It’s Alfredo, Of Course!

There’s no shortcut when it comes to Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re whipping it up from scratch or using a quality store-bought version, this creamy blend of parmesan, butter, and garlic brings the whole dish together. It’s the star of the show—don’t skimp.

Need a silky-smooth homemade version? Check out this authentic Alfredo sauce recipe (anchor text: authentic Alfredo sauce recipe) for a restaurant-quality upgrade.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Busy parents needing quick yet comforting meals
Students craving cheesy, satisfying bites
Air fryer fanatics ready to try something new
Anyone who thinks outside the pizza box

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a weekend treat, these air fried chicken calzones hit the mark.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the essentials that make these air fryer calzones downright irresistible. From the creamy base to the golden crust, every element plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture.

The Heart of It All: Cooked Shredded Chicken

At the core of this recipe is tender, well-seasoned shredded chicken. You can use:

Leftover rotisserie chicken (super convenient)
Grilled or baked chicken breasts (for more control)
Poached chicken thighs (for a juicier, richer flavor)

Pro tip: Season the chicken lightly with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a pinch of black pepper to bring it to life before mixing it into your Alfredo.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Store-Bought or Homemade

You’ve got two solid options here:

Jarred Alfredo sauce – a time-saver, but choose a quality brand with real cream and parmesan.
Homemade Alfredo sauce – a richer, fresher choice. Try this creamy homemade Alfredo sauce (anchor text: creamy homemade Alfredo sauce) if you’re feeling fancy.

Either way, the sauce must be thick enough to hold inside the calzone without spilling.

Mozzarella Cheese – For That Gooey Stretch

Let’s be honest—no calzone is complete without melty, stretchy mozzarella. Go for:

Low-moisture mozzarella (it melts beautifully without making your calzone soggy)
Fresh mozzarella if you’re feeling bold, but make sure to pat it dry

Want more depth? Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that nutty kick.

Store-Bought or Homemade Pizza Dough

Your calzone shell matters just as much as the filling. You can:

Grab a refrigerated pizza dough tube for speed
Use homemade dough for a fluffier texture and better control of flavor

If going homemade, ensure the dough is slightly elastic and well-rested before rolling it out.

Garlic Butter – For That Golden Finish

Right before air frying, brush your calzones with garlic butter made with:

Melted unsalted butter
Minced garlic
A dash of dried parsley

It adds a restaurant-style shine and a flavor boost that’s totally worth the extra minute.

Optional (But Amazing) Add-ins

Give your calzones a signature twist by tossing in:

Chopped spinach or cooked broccoli (for color and nutrients)
Crumbled bacon or pancetta (for that salty crunch)
Red pepper flakes (for a tiny kick)

These ingredients not only elevate flavor but also create variety for picky eaters or adventurous foodies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Ready to whip up golden, gooey, flavor-packed air fryer chicken Alfredo calzones? Here’s exactly how to do it—from dough prep to crispy perfection—without breaking a sweat.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Alfredo Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ to ¾ cup Alfredo sauce (thick, not runny)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 2 tbsp cooked spinach, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
Mix gently until everything is coated but not soggy.

Tip: If your filling feels too loose, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or extra shredded cheese to thicken it up.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, cut your pizza dough into equal portions (4–6 pieces depending on how big you want them).
Roll each piece into a round, about 6–7 inches wide.
Be careful not to roll it too thin—this helps prevent leaks.

If you’re using homemade dough, let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling to make it more pliable.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Calzones

Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle.
Leave a ½-inch border around the edges.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together, then crimp with a fork for a tighter seal.

Want an extra-tight seal? Brush the inside edge with a little water before crimping.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter

Mix together:

2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon dried parsley

Brush the tops of your sealed calzones generously with this buttery mix. This is what gives them that glossy, golden finish that smells like heaven.

If you’re out of butter, a light olive oil brush works in a pinch too.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for better airflow.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese near the seam.

Every air fryer is different—if your calzones are browning too fast, reduce the temp slightly or shorten the time by a minute.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let your calzones rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheesy Alfredo filling firm up a bit and avoids burning your mouth.

Slice in half, serve with a side of marinara or Alfredo sauce, and dig in!

Looking to up your sauce game? Here’s a simple Alfredo recipe with a cheesy twist (anchor text: simple Alfredo recipe with a cheesy twist).

Tasty Variations of Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the sky’s the limit. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies, swap out proteins, or cater to picky eaters or special diets, these variations will breathe new life into your air fryer calzone routine.

Chicken Alfredo and Broccoli Calzones

Broccoli and Alfredo are a match made in creamy heaven.

Add ¼ to ½ cup finely chopped steamed broccoli to the filling.
Optional: sprinkle in a little sharp cheddar for contrast.

This combo sneaks in veggies without sacrificing flavor—perfect for kids or meal-prepping health-conscious lunches.

Spicy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Add a kick for those who like it hot!

Toss your shredded chicken with crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Mix in chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for double the heat.

You’ll get a fiery bite wrapped in a creamy hug—who could resist?

Alfredo Veggie Calzones (Meat-Free)

No chicken? No problem. These calzones are just as delicious vegetarian-style.

Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Use a garlic-heavy Alfredo for an extra flavor boost.

Want a little crunch? Toss in some caramelized onions or roasted chickpeas for texture.

Bacon Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Oh yes, bacon lovers—this one’s for you.

Crumble 2–3 slices of cooked bacon into your Alfredo filling.
Pair with spinach or mushrooms for a savory, smoky balance.

The bacon brings a salty edge that enhances the creamy Alfredo and juicy chicken.

BBQ Chicken Alfredo Calzones

This wild-card twist mashes up BBQ flavor with Italian-American comfort food.

Mix shredded chicken with 1–2 tbsp of BBQ sauce and a little Alfredo.
Add a bit of smoked gouda or cheddar instead of mozzarella.

It’s sweet, tangy, smoky, and oh-so melty. Perfect for summer dinners or game day snacks.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Option

Watching your carbs? Here’s how to hack this recipe:

Use low-carb dough made with almond or coconut flour.
Swap traditional Alfredo with a keto-friendly version (made without flour or thickeners).
Keep filling rich with cheese, spinach, and lean chicken.

Still crave-worthy, but lighter on the carb count!

For a keto-friendly dough tutorial, check out this almond flour pizza dough guide (anchor text: almond flour pizza dough guide).

Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out.

Use store-bought gluten-free pizza dough or make one using rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
Always check the label on jarred Alfredo sauces—they’re not all gluten-free.

Pair this with fresh veggies and mozzarella, and you’ll have a celiac-friendly comfort food hit.

These creative calzone ideas prove one thing: Chicken Alfredo in the air fryer is just the beginning. 🍕

FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Can you cook a calzone in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air frying calzones is one of the quickest, easiest ways to get that crispy crust and melty center without turning on the oven. They cook in about 8–10 minutes and require very little oil. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even browning.

How do you keep calzones from leaking in the air fryer?

Great question! The key is not overfilling your calzones and ensuring the edges are sealed properly. Here’s how to avoid leaks:

Leave space around the edges
Use a fork to press and seal the seams tightly
Brush the edges with water or egg wash before folding to help them stick
Also, make sure your Alfredo sauce isn’t too runny—thicker sauces stay put better.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Calzones?

Yes, you totally can. Freeze them before cooking for best results:

Assemble and seal your uncooked calzones.
Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
When ready, air fry directly from frozen at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the best dough for air fryer calzones?

You’ve got options, depending on time and dietary needs:

Store-bought pizza dough for convenience
Homemade pizza dough for better texture and control
Gluten-free or low-carb doughs for special diets
Aim for dough that’s soft but not too sticky, and avoid rolling it too thin—it needs to hold the filling without tearing.

Can I use leftover chicken Alfredo in this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before stuffing it into your dough. Leftover chicken Alfredo pasta can be a clever shortcut—just chop it finely and mix in extra mozzarella to help it bind together.

How do I reheat Chicken Alfredo Calzones in the air fryer?

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crisp:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F
Cook calzones for 3–5 minutes, or until heated through
Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy instead of staying crispy.

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