Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones satisfy that craving for creamy cheesy goodness with a crispy golden crust in a simple hand-held package. These calzones come together quickly thanks to store-bought dough and your air fryer does all the heavy lifting for that perfectly crisp finish without turning on the oven. This is my go-to when the family wants comfort food but I want minimal cleanup.

It took only one batch before my kids were begging for these in their lunchboxes every week and leftovers disappear before I blink.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken shredded: Brings protein and hearty texture Use rotisserie for extra flavor and convenience
• Alfredo sauce: Gives the rich creamy taste Opt for one with real cheese as a top ingredient
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers melty pull and that classic stringiness Choose whole milk mozzarella for best melt
• Garlic powder: Adds a punchy savory note Use a fresh jar for the best flavor
• Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth and ties everything together Sniff for freshness and green color
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavor Go easy if your Alfredo sauce is already salty
• Refrigerated pizza dough: Makes it fuss free and reliably tender Choose a brand you trust for flavor
• All purpose flour: For dusting and smooth rolling A little goes a long way
• Olive oil: Creates that beautiful golden browned crust Pick extra virgin for the best touch of flavor
• Egg wash: The secret for glossy finish and pretty color Look for bright yolks if possible

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Turn your air fryer to 375F to ensure even browning and that signature crispy shell

Mix the Filling:

Combine your shredded chicken Alfredo sauce mozzarella garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl Stir until every bite of chicken is coated and the cheese is evenly distributed

Roll and Shape the Dough:

Dust your work surface lightly with flour Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about one quarter inch thick Use a knife or pizza cutter to divide into four equal squares

Fill the Calzones:

Spoon roughly one third cup of the chicken Alfredo mixture into the center of each dough square Try not to overfill which helps keep the edges sealed and prevents leaks

Fold and Seal:

Fold each dough square over the filling to create a pocket Press edges firmly to seal and use a fork to crimp for added security This keeps in all the melty cheese and sauce

Brush with Olive Oil and Egg Wash:

Lightly brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil Whisk an egg in a bowl and brush the tops for added sheen and color

Air Fry Until Golden:

Arrange calzones in your air fryer basket leaving space between each for air to circulate Cook for ten to twelve minutes or until the dough is deeply golden and cooked through

Cool and Serve:

Let the calzones rest for a minute out of the air fryer so they are easier to handle and the cheese sets slightly Enjoy warm

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There is nothing I like more than using mozzarella here The stretch and melt bring back memories of sharing pizza nights with my family and now this calzone is on regular rotation I once made these for a school potluck and every parent asked for the recipe

Storage Tips

These calzones keep well wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture Microwaving softens the crust but works when you are in a hurry For longer storage freeze calzones individually and reheat directly from frozen using your air fryer

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch out the Alfredo sauce for pesto or marinara for a different flavor profile Use smoked turkey or ham instead of chicken for a fun twist Vegans can use plant based cheese and a dairy free sauce while gluten free pizza dough works well in place of regular dough

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these as a main meal with a simple green salad on the side For a party or lunchbox treat cut calzones in half and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping Pair with roasted broccoli or make a picnic basket for an easy outdoor meal

Cultural and Historical Context

Calzones originated in Naples as a portable street food close cousin to pizza They were designed to be easy to eat by hand and filled with whatever leftovers a home cook had on hand The creamy Alfredo filling is a modern American twist that brings together Italian and US comfort food traditions

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Try these calzones once and you will keep making them They are comfort food made simple and fun

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and can offer a fresher flavor and texture for your calzones.

→ What type of chicken is best?

Cooked and shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken is ideal for quick and flavorful results.

→ How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?

Firmly press and crimp the edges to seal. Avoid overfilling to keep the filling inside during cooking.

→ Is it necessary to use egg wash?

Egg wash helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color and glossy finish, but it's optional.

→ Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?

Absolutely, reheat at 350F for a few minutes until the calzones regain their crispiness and warmth.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.