Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a culinary adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious? Prepare yourself for the most incredible Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones you’ll ever taste! Forget those heavy, greasy calzones from the delivery menu; this recipe is a game-changer. We’re talking crispy, golden-brown pockets of pure comfort food, filled with a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and your favorite cheesy goodness. The air fryer works its magic, crisping the dough to perfection while keeping the inside delightfully soft and gooey.

What makes these calzones so special? It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The satisfying crunch of the air-fried dough contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and succulent chicken. It’s a symphony of taste in every bite! Plus, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t have a lot of time. It’s the kind of recipe that will make you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – that irresistible blend of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. It’s pure comfort food heaven, guaranteed to brighten even the dreariest of days. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you.

So grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You’re about to experience a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to achieve. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food upgrade!

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients, ensuring that even beginner cooks can whip up a delicious meal. Let’s dive into the ingredient list:

Pizza dough (1 lb): You can use store-bought for convenience, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
Cooked chicken breast (1.5 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver here.
Alfredo sauce (1.5 cups): Choose your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own from scratch for an extra special touch.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): The classic melting cheese for ultimate gooeyness.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, salty flavor to complement the Alfredo.
Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds that perfect pop of herby flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): For an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For brushing the calzones for extra crispiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s create these amazing Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it easy:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking.
Combine Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Pro Tip: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You want the filling to be flavorful!
Assemble the Calzones: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle or oval. Tip: Lightly dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Fill and Seal: Place half of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure they stay sealed. Pro Tip: Don’t overfill your calzones, or the filling might leak during cooking.
Brush with Oil: Brush the tops of the calzones lightly with olive oil. This will add extra crispiness during air frying.
Air Fry: Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Tip: Keep a close eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary.
Rest and Serve: Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents a messy filling explosion! Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

To ensure perfectly golden, crispy calzones every time, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
Use high-quality pizza dough: Fresh dough will yield the best results.
Don’t overfill the calzones: This can lead to messy spills and uneven cooking.
Adjust cooking time as needed: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on your calzones and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Let them rest: Allowing the calzones to rest after cooking helps the cheese set and prevents a messy filling when you cut into them.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment and customize these calzones to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick.
Vegetarian Calzones: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Gluten-Free Calzones: Use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe or pre-made gluten-free dough.
Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo: Add some chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling for a delicious twist.
Pesto Chicken Alfredo: Swap out the regular Alfredo for pesto for a brighter, herbier flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either air fry them again at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, reheating in the air fryer will maintain the crispy texture. Freezing is also an option; wrap the cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones:

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken? A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, saving you time and effort.
Q: How long do the calzones keep in the refrigerator? A: Leftover calzones can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make these calzones ahead of time? A: You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just add a few minutes to the air frying time.
Q: What if my air fryer is smaller and I can’t fit all the calzones in at once? A: Cook them in batches, ensuring they’re not overcrowded for even cooking.
Q: Are there any substitutions for the Alfredo sauce? A: While Alfredo sauce gives the classic taste, you can experiment with other creamy sauces like a creamy tomato sauce or even a cheesy béchamel.

The Final Word

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a true game-changer – a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy, golden-brown crust, combined with the creamy, cheesy Alfredo filling and tender chicken, creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. The air fryer makes it remarkably quick and easy, and the variations are endless!

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations with me on social media. Happy cooking!