Imagine a golden-brown, crispy crust filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Now imagine making it all in your air fryer in a fraction of the time. These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a game-changer! They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a classic restaurant dish in a portable, perfectly cooked package, all from the convenience of your kitchen.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

This recipe is a favorite because it’s a brilliant shortcut to a delicious and satisfying meal. The air fryer works magic on the dough, giving it a light, crispy exterior without any deep-frying, while the inside remains hot and gooey. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken and a simple, fun recipe that’s a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the calzone format makes it a great grab-and-go meal, perfect for a busy weeknight or a delicious lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to create these fantastic Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, building on your provided partial list:

• For the Calzones:
• 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust dough (or your favorite pizza dough)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce (jarred is fine, or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Dough: Refrigerated pizza dough is the easiest option for this recipe, making it a quick weeknight meal. You can also use store-bought fresh dough or your favorite homemade recipe.
• Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken or a rotisserie chicken is perfect here. For a quicker option, you can quickly pan-sear or boil chicken breasts and shred them.
• Alfredo Sauce: Jarred Alfredo sauce is a great time-saver. You can also use homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that perfect cheese pull. Adding some Parmesan to the filling or sprinkled on top adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Seasoning: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add a classic pizza-like flavor to the filling. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Dipping Sauce: Don’t forget your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping!

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, floured surface. Cut the dough into 4 equal rectangles.
3. Assemble the Calzones: On each dough rectangle, spoon about 1/4 of the chicken and cheese filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing the calzone completely. Cut a small slit or two in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
5. Brush and Top: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. If using, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Air Fry: Place 2 calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overlap). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining calzones.
7. Serve: Let the calzones cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the calzones, as this can make it difficult to seal them properly and cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
• Seal Tightly: Pinched and crimped edges are key to preventing a cheesy mess. Take your time to seal them well.
• Slit for Steam: The small slits on top are important for letting steam escape, which prevents the calzones from bursting.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air frying in batches ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Adjust Time: Air fryers vary in power and size. Keep an eye on your calzones and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a perfect complement to the rich and creamy filling. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables.

If you enjoy other easy, cheesy chicken dishes, you might also like:

• Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter – a great option for a fun dinner or party.
• These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners – for another satisfying and flavorful meal.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Calzones are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, the best method is to use the air fryer again! Simply air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. A toaster oven also works great. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust soggy.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate easy, cheesy, and satisfying meals, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:

• Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive – for a fun, crispy, and cheesy appetizer.
• This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit – another fantastic and easy casserole for dinner.
• How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip – another cheesy, party-ready recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a testament to how simple techniques and a few quality ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. They’re quick, they’re cheesy, and they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite in your weeknight meal rotation. Get ready for a delicious, effortless dinner!

What are your favorite air fryer recipes? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!