Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Get ready to elevate your meal game with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones! Combining the comforting flavors of creamy chicken alfredo with the crispy, golden perfection of an air-fried crust, these individual calzones are a game-changer.
Forget takeout and lengthy oven times. With the magic of your air fryer, you can have these cheesy, savory pockets of joy on your table in under 30 minutes. They're perfect for busy families, a fun meal for kids, or a satisfying treat for yourself. Let's dive into how to make them!
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Speed & Convenience: The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, without heating up your whole kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella all wrapped in a golden crust – what's not to love?
- Perfectly Portioned: Individual calzones make serving a breeze and minimize leftovers (unless you want them!).
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite veggies or different cheeses to make them your own.
- Less Mess: Air frying means less oil and easy cleanup compared to deep frying or baking sheets full of grease.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll be amazed at how simple the ingredient list is for such a satisfying meal. We're talking pantry staples and a few fresh additions to bring it all together. For best results, use a Quality Chef's Knife to shred your cooked chicken easily.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Making these calzones is a straightforward process, even for beginner cooks. We'll guide you through preparing the delicious filling, assembling your calzones, and air frying them to golden perfection. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones
- Don't Overfill: This is crucial! Too much filling can make it hard to seal the dough and may cause the calzones to burst open during cooking.
- Seal Tightly: After folding, press the edges of the dough together very firmly. Using a fork to crimp the edges creates an extra-secure seal and a pretty finish.
- Brush with Oil: A light brush of olive oil on the outside of the calzones helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook calzones in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air circulation is key for even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is already cooked and shredded. This recipe focuses on assembly and air frying, not cooking raw chicken from scratch.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your calzone fillings!
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or sautéed onions to the chicken Alfredo mixture.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling can add a nice kick.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Different Meats: Cooked sausage, ham, or even leftover turkey could replace the chicken for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the calzones perfectly. A side of warm marinara sauce for dipping is also highly recommended, or even a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these calzones?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic option for these calzones. You can either buy a pre-rolled sheet or a ball of dough, then divide it into 4 equal portions and roll each into a 6-7 inch circle before filling.
How do I prevent my calzones from opening in the air fryer?
The key to preventing your calzones from opening is a good seal. Make sure to press the edges firmly together after folding, then use a fork to crimp all around the sealed edge. Don't overfill the calzones, as too much filling can make sealing difficult and cause blowouts.
Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also assemble the calzones, brush with olive oil, and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. For longer storage, freeze unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Alfredo Calzones?
While these calzones are flavorful on their own, a side of warm marinara sauce is a classic choice for dipping. You could also try a pesto aioli, a simple garlic butter, or even an extra drizzle of Alfredo sauce for those who love it creamy!
Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make calzones filled with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted mozzarella, all crisped to perfection in your air fryer.
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach (if using), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: If using crescent roll dough, unroll it and separate into 4 rectangles (press seams together if using crescent rolls to form rectangles). If using pizza dough, divide it into 4 equal portions and roll each into a 6-7 inch circle.
Step 4: Spoon about 1/4 of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough rectangle/circle, leaving a small border.
Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are fully sealed.
Step 6: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. This helps with browning.
Step 7: Place 1-2 calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Flip halfway through cooking if desired for even browning.
Step 8: Carefully remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining calzones.
Notes
Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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