Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and fun, you’re in the right place. Picture this: crispy, golden calzones with a gooey, cheesy Alfredo filling. Yes, you heard that right—chicken Alfredo, wrapped up in a crispy dough pocket, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Trust me, these little pockets of joy are going to rock your world. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these calzones—they’re made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Chicken: The star of the show! Tender, cooked chicken (leftovers work great) is the filling, packed with flavor and ready to be enveloped in that perfect, crispy dough.

Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and rich. This sauce is the base that ties everything together. Trust me, you won’t want to skimp on this ingredient.

Mozzarella Cheese: Gooey, melty mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch to every bite. It’s the cheesy goodness you crave.

Pizza Dough: The outer shell that holds everything in. It bakes to a golden crispness that contrasts so beautifully with the creamy filling.

Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle adds so much flavor. It elevates the taste of the chicken and Alfredo sauce, making everything so much more delicious.

Italian Seasoning: This is the secret to making everything taste like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. The perfect touch to balance out the creamy and cheesy elements.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your calzones the perfect golden crisp. Preheating is essential for the best texture, so don’t skip this step!

Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine your cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to taste, mixing until everything is well-coated. This is where the magic happens—the creamy sauce and tender chicken become one delicious mixture.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into circles. You want them to be big enough to fold over the filling, but not too large. Aim for about 5-6 inches in diameter.

Fill and Fold: Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Top with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. Don’t worry about it being perfect—just make sure it’s closed up tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out.

Cook to Perfection: Place the calzones in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Finishing Touches: Once done, remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. This will make them easier to cut into and give the flavors a chance to settle.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice them up and enjoy! These calzones are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

These calzones are pretty hearty on their own, but here are some suggestions to round out your meal:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy calzones.

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious Alfredo sauce that might spill out. Garlic bread works wonders here.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like asparagus or bell peppers, are a great way to add some color and nutrition to the meal.

As a Standalone: Sometimes, you just need a few calzones, a napkin, and no distractions. It’s a complete meal on its own!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: To save time, chop and measure the ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep everything fresh.

Spice It Up: Want to give your calzones a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the chicken filling.

Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use low-fat Alfredo sauce or a cauliflower-based dough.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer to maintain that crispy texture.

Double the Batch: These calzones freeze beautifully, so why not make a double batch? They’re perfect for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute pizza dough with something else?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have pizza dough, you can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even phyllo dough for a flakier result.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the calzones up to the point of cooking. Just store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready, pop them in the air fryer.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to get that crispy texture back.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the uncooked calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, air fry them straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The air fryer is your best friend here! Just pop the calzones back in for a few minutes at 375°F to crisp them up again.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, this recipe is easy to double. Just make sure your air fryer can fit the extra calzones, and cook in batches if necessary.

Q7: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A7: Of course! Store-bought Alfredo sauce is totally fine if you’re short on time, and it will still taste amazing.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Yes! You can use provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. Mozzarella just gives that perfect gooey melt, but feel free to mix it up.

Q9: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Simply swap the chicken for some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You could also add some ricotta or a blend of veggies to keep it hearty.

Q10: What sides should I serve with this dish?
A10: A light salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread are perfect choices. You want something fresh and light to balance out the richness of the calzones.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones that are easy, cheesy, and downright delicious. These little pockets of joy will make your taste buds sing and bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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