The crust comes out golden and crisp, while the inside is creamy with chicken, cheese, and Alfredo sauce. Each bite is warm, cheesy, and so comforting.
I made these calzones on a weeknight when I wanted something quick but filling. They tasted like takeout, but fresher and lighter from the air fryer.
If you want a cozy dinner that’s easy, creamy, and fun to eat, these chicken Alfredo air fryer calzones are perfect. Let me show you how to make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep work
- Crispy Perfection: The air fryer creates the perfect golden, crunchy crust
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults love these handheld treats
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble ahead and cook when ready
- Less Oil: Air frying uses much less oil than traditional deep frying
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make them your own
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 6 calzones—perfect for 3-6 people depending on appetite. Want more? Double the recipe and cook in batches.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
These air fryer calzones use simple ingredients that come together for maximum flavor and comfort.
The combination of three cheeses creates the perfect creamy, stretchy filling, while the Italian seasoning adds just the right amount of herb flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Calzones:
- Pizza Dough: 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough, at room temperature
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- Alfredo Sauce: 1/2 cup prepared Alfredo sauce, plus extra for dipping
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta Cheese: 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- Marinara Sauce: 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Variations for Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Add Vegetables: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling
- Bacon Lovers: Include crispy bacon pieces with the chicken
- Different Cheeses: Try provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella
- Herb Crust: Brush the outside with garlic butter and herbs before cooking
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Dough
Divide the pizza dough into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches wide.
3. Fill the Calzones
Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken Alfredo mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
4. Seal the Calzones
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely. Make sure no filling is leaking out.
5. Prepare for Air Frying
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg, then lightly brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Air Fry the Calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place 3 calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the calzones cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth with the hot filling.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Calzones
These versatile calzones are perfect for many occasions:
- Dinner: Serve with a side salad and extra marinara sauce for dipping
- Game Day: Cut into wedges for easy sharing during sports events
- Lunch: Pack in lunch boxes with a small container of dipping sauce
- Party Food: Make mini versions using smaller dough portions
- Date Night: Serve with a glass of white wine and Caesar salad
Storing Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Leftover Calzones: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness
- Make-Ahead: Assemble calzones and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling
- Don’t overfill the calzones or they might burst during cooking
- Seal the edges really well to prevent leaking
- Use a fork to poke a few small holes in the top to let steam escape
- Don’t skip the egg wash – it creates that beautiful golden color
- Let them cool slightly before eating to avoid burns from hot cheese
- Cook in batches if needed rather than overcrowding the air fryer
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Calzone |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
Recipe Card
PrintChicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 calzones 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
Prepare Dough: Divide pizza dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface.
Fill Calzones: Place 1/3 cup filling on half of each dough circle, leaving space at edges for sealing.
Seal: Fold dough over filling to make half-moon shapes. Press edges with fork to seal completely.
Prepare for Cooking: Brush tops with beaten egg, then lightly brush with olive oil.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Cook 3 calzones at a time for 6-8 minutes, flip, then cook 6-7 minutes more until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let cool 3-5 minutes before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones FAQs
Yes! Homemade dough works great. Just make sure it’s at room temperature and not too sticky.
You can substitute with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
The calzones should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves time.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones bring together all the comfort food flavors you love in a crispy, portable package. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in golden dough creates the perfect handheld meal.
