Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones – A Crispy, Creamy Comfort Food Favorite

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If you’ve ever been torn between ordering pizza or pasta for dinner, why not bring the best of both worlds together in one compact, crave-worthy package? Introducing Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones – the perfect combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, savory chicken, and melted cheese wrapped in golden, crispy dough. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, game-day appetizer, or comfort food indulgence, this recipe delivers in both flavor and convenience.

In this detailed post, you’ll discover how easy it is to make these delicious calzones from scratch (well, semi-scratch thanks to premade dough), complete with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Air frying makes them faster and healthier than deep-frying, while still achieving that irresistible crust. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are:

  • Quick to prepare – ready in just about 20–25 minutes.

  • Air-fried for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

  • Customizable – swap fillings, cheeses, or sauces to suit your taste.

  • Perfect for meal prep, parties, or freezing for later.

  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – who doesn’t love cheesy handheld comfort food?

Ingredients (with US Cup Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these golden calzones to life.

For the Calzone Dough:

  • 1 lb premade pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast, diced

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a kick)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Butter Topping:

  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened or melted

  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

  • Air fryer (any size; you may need to cook in batches)

  • Rolling pin

  • Medium saucepan

  • Mixing bowls

  • Pastry brush

  • Cutting board

  • Knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create golden-brown calzones with creamy, cheesy filling.

Step 1: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Start by making the Alfredo sauce, which forms the creamy foundation of the filling.

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.

  2. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 teaspoon of seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

  4. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

  5. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and mix until melted and smooth.

  6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. Divide your 1 lb of pizza dough into 4 equal portions.

  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness.

  3. Don’t worry about perfection—these are rustic and homemade!

Step 3: Assemble the Calzones

  1. On one half of each dough circle, spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of Alfredo sauce.

  2. Add ½ cup diced chicken and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

  3. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.

  4. Pinch the edges tightly, then crimp with a fork to seal completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 teaspoons of minced parsley.

  2. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 5: Air Fry the Calzones

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Brush each calzone with the prepared garlic butter.

  3. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, seam-side down. Cook in batches if needed.

  4. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with more butter.

  5. Once golden brown and crisp, remove and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping (optional).

  2. Enjoy as-is or pair with a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~350 kcal

  • Fat: 24g

  • Protein: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Sugar: 1g

  • Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Prep & Cook Time Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 8 minutes

  • Total Time: 23 minutes

  • Servings: 4 large calzones

Tips for Success

  • Use Room-Temperature Dough: Cold dough is hard to stretch and seal. Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes before rolling.

  • Seal Well: Make sure to crimp tightly with a fork so no cheesy filling escapes during cooking.

  • Don’t Overfill: Less is more. Too much sauce or cheese can make the calzones hard to seal or leak in the air fryer.

  • Reheat in the Air Fryer: To re-crisp leftovers, reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

  • Freeze for Later: You can freeze assembled, uncooked calzones for quick meals. Just increase cook time by a few minutes if air frying from frozen.

  • Flavor Swaps: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a gourmet twist.

Recipe Variations

Here are some creative twists to make these calzones your own:

1. Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Swap Alfredo sauce for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of Parmesan.

2. BBQ Chicken Calzones

Use BBQ sauce as the base and cheddar cheese with grilled chicken.

3. Vegetarian Option

Omit chicken and fill with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

4. Pepperoni Pizza Calzones

Use marinara sauce and fill with mozzarella and pepperoni slices for a pizza pocket.

What to Serve With Calzones

Pair your air fryer calzones with:

  • Caesar salad

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Tomato soup

  • Garlic knots

  • Fresh fruit or coleslaw (for lighter sides)

Storage and Reheating

Storing:

  • Place leftover calzones in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until heated through.

  • You can also microwave for 60–90 seconds, though it won’t stay as crispy.

Freezing:

  • Freeze unbaked calzones on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

  • Air fry from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but homemade gives the richest flavor. If using store-bought, warm it slightly before spreading.

Can I use crescent dough or puff pastry?

You can! Crescent roll dough will yield softer, fluffier calzones; puff pastry will be crispier and flakier.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the ultimate fusion of comfort food favorites. With creamy homemade sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese all wrapped in crisp, golden dough, they offer everything you love about pizza, pasta, and pastries in one bite. Plus, with the ease of the air fryer, they’re quick enough for busy weeknights and special enough for weekend indulgence.

Whether you’re making them for dinner, parties, or freezing them for future cravings, these calzones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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