Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones 🍗🧀🍕

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delightful twist on the classic pizza calzone. Filled with a creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and plenty of cheese, these calzones are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight meal, appetizer, or snack, they’re made even easier by using the air fryer, which gives them a golden, crispy texture in no time!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) – For the perfect calzone crust, soft and slightly chewy.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded – A flavorful and protein-packed filling.
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce – Adds richness and creaminess to the calzone.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a slightly sweet flavor.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that extra cheesy, umami kick.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – For an aromatic herby flavor.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the filling.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten – To brush over the calzones for a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Optional for Serving:

• Marinara sauce – A tangy dipping sauce to complement the rich, creamy calzones.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions.
• Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle using a rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
• Mix everything until well combined. This creamy filling will be the heart of your calzones.

3. Fill the Calzones:

• Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
• Seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers, and then crimping the edges with a fork to ensure they stay closed while cooking.

4. Apply the Egg Wash:

• Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful, glossy, golden finish when air-fried.

5. Air Fry:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the calzones into the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s some space between them for even cooking.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through. (You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.)

6. Serve:

• Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving, as they’ll be very hot inside.
• Serve with marinara sauce for dipping if desired, adding a tangy contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Yield: 4 Calzones

Tips:

• Chicken Swap: You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker filling or opt for grilled chicken for a slightly different flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheeses for others like provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese for a richer filling.
• Air Fryer Tip: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the calzones in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
• Extra Flavor: Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage:

Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain the crispiness.

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are an indulgent, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, they deliver the comforting, creamy flavors of Alfredo and chicken in every bite. Enjoy!