If you’re craving comfort food with a crispy twist, get ready to fall in love with Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. This irresistible mashup takes piping hot, garlicky chicken Alfredo filling, tucks it inside pillowy pizza dough, and air fries it until golden and crunchy on the outside with gooey, cheesy goodness inside. Whether you’re cooking for family movie night, a weeknight dinner, or just want a quick Italian-American treat, there is something undeniably joyful about biting into one of these easy-to-make calzones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones brings something special: ultra-tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, stretchy mozzarella, and a quick sprinkle of herbs for that classic Italian flavor. Keep it simple, but make every component count for flavor and texture that sings.
- Pizza Dough: The backbone of your calzone; for best results, let it come to room temperature before rolling for easier shaping.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shred or chop finely for even distribution; rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze.
- Alfredo Sauce: Lush, velvety, and garlicky, this binds together the filling for that creamy bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Speckled throughout the filling, it melts down to irresistible gooeyness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds punchy umami and a little extra saltiness—don’t skip it!
- Garlic Powder: Subtle background flavor that ties the filling together and makes it craveable.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings those herbaceous, pizza-shop vibes—oregano and basil are the star players.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and bright, parsley adds freshness and color to the finished calzone.
- Egg (for egg wash): Beat with water and brush onto the dough to guarantee that shiny, bakery-worthy finish.
- Olive Oil Spray: Essential for getting that golden outer crust in the air fryer without deep frying.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Start by dividing your pizza dough into four equal portions. Work on a lightly floured surface and roll each piece into an 8-inch circle. Don’t rush this step—a gentle touch ensures your crust cooks up tender but crisp, not tough. Let the pieces rest while you tackle the filling, which keeps the dough from shrinking.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Toss everything together until fully mixed. This is where the magic happens—the cheeses melt and blend, the Alfredo coats the chicken, and the herbs infuse every bite with bright Italian flavor.
Step 3: Fill and Shape Calzones
Spoon a generous portion of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, taking care to leave a border around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling, forming half-moon calzones. With your fingers or a fork, crimp and seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during air frying.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the tops of your calzones. This simple step gives the final result a gorgeous, glossy golden color—just like your favorite pizzeria.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spritz the basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange two calzones in the basket, allowing space for airflow. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each calzone is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining calzones, then let them sit for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Garnishes
Finish these calzones with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (it brightens the whole plate), an extra dusting of grated Parmesan, and maybe even a light drizzle of Alfredo or your favorite marinara for dipping. For heat-lovers, red pepper flakes are a welcome addition too.
Side Dishes
Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones pair beautifully with simple sides. Toss together a zippy Italian salad with greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette, or serve roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic knots or a small bowl of soup (like tomato basil) make this meal irresistibly cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack halved calzones on a platter with a bowl of warm dipping sauce nestled in the middle for crowd appeal, or slice calzones into strips for party-style finger food. Serve on a wooden board lined with parchment for a rustic, “bistro” effect, or even wrap one in parchment for an on-the-go lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—they reheat beautifully without getting soggy, especially in the air fryer.
Freezing
For ultimate convenience, you can freeze these calzones before air frying. Assemble and seal the calzones, then lay them on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from frozen—just add 3 or 4 extra minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating
To make leftover calzones taste freshly baked, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and crispy again. If air frying isn’t an option, a toaster oven works wonders too. Skip the microwave, as it can make the crust chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a timesaver and works wonderfully for Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. Just let it warm up slightly so it’s easy to roll out.
What’s the best way to seal the edges of the calzones?
Pinching the edges tightly with your fingers works well, or use a fork to crimp and seal for a decorative touch. If you’re concerned about leaks, a quick brush of water around the edge before folding can help cement the seal.
Can I make these calzones with different fillings?
Definitely! The air fryer calzone method is super versatile—try swapping in ham and cheese, pepperoni and sauce, or spinach and ricotta for variations. Just make sure not to overfill.
Is there a way to make them lighter?
For a lighter option, use low-fat cheeses and whole wheat pizza dough. You’ll still get the iconic crispy texture, but with fewer calories and more fiber.
What dipping sauces go best with these calzones?
Classic Alfredo sauce is always a crowd-pleaser for dipping, but marinara, pesto, or even ranch are fun alternatives. Serve a variety for dipping and keep everyone happy.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a batch of Crispy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. They’re a playful, family-friendly spin on Italian-American comfort that’s just as fun to eat as they are to make. If you give this recipe a try, prepare to add it to your regular dinner rotation—the crispy shell and creamy, savory filling is bound to become a household favorite!
