There’s something heartwarmingly nostalgic about calzones. For me, they bring back memories of Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s kitchen table in Naples dough on our hands, laughter in the air. But today, I’m putting a modern twist on this classic comfort dish. Enter the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone a fusion of creamy Alfredo chicken and crispy, golden air-fried calzone dough. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and made easier with the magic of the air fryer.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student craving something homemade, or simply a food lover with a weakness for Italian-American classics, this recipe will be your new go-to.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Season: Year-round
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¾ cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Spinach (fresh or sautéed)
- Mushrooms, sliced and cooked
- Red pepper flakes for heat
For Brushing:
- 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
- Garlic butter (optional)
Instructions: Making Chicken Alfredo Calzones in the Air Fryer
Prepare the Dough (Skip if using store-bought)
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour in a warm area.
Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add optional ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Assemble the Calzones
- Divide dough into 4 portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
- Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling onto one side of each dough round, leaving a border.
- Fold over and crimp edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Air Fry the Calzones
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Brush each calzone with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Place calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches.
- Cook for 9–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can burst your calzone.
- Seal Well: Use a fork and press tightly to prevent leakage.
- Add Herbs to Dough: Mix in Italian herbs for an aromatic crust.
- Use Homemade Alfredo: Richer flavor and control over ingredients.
What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo Calzones
To balance the creamy richness of the calzones, pair them with:
- Simple Arugula Salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted Garlic Broccoli
- Marinara Dipping Sauce for a tangy contrast
- Sparkling Water or White Wine (for adults)
Make It Your Own
These calzones are incredibly customizable:
- Swap chicken with turkey or shredded pork
- Use pesto instead of Alfredo for a basil-forward twist
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flair
- Make it vegetarian with just cheese, spinach, and mushrooms
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap uncooked calzones individually and freeze. Cook straight from frozen just add 2–3 minutes in the air fryer.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for best crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: 30 minutes total time!
- Air Fryer Magic: Less oil, crispy crust
- Comforting Flavors: Creamy chicken meets cheesy goodness
- Kid-Approved: Perfect for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and save time later
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are more than just a weeknight meal—they’re a culinary hug. Crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, they bring a perfect balance of tradition and innovation to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.