If you’re a fan of cheesy, creamy, and crispy deliciousness, then you’re going to love these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. Imagine the classic flavors of chicken Alfredo—rich, cheesy, and garlicky—encased in a warm, golden, crispy dough. These calzones are perfect for a cozy dinner, a fun family meal, or even as a tasty snack to serve at your next gathering.

What makes this recipe extra special is the air fryer. I’m all about quick and easy meals, and the air fryer is such a game-changer for getting that perfectly crisp, golden finish on your food without the need for deep frying. These calzones come out beautifully crunchy on the outside, with a gooey, creamy filling inside that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I’ve been making calzones for years, but when I started using the air fryer, it was like a whole new world of possibilities opened up. No more waiting around for the oven to heat up, and no more worrying about frying oil splatters. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these Chicken Alfredo Calzones in no time!

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry—most of these ingredients are things you probably already have at home, and you can even customize the filling to make it your own!

For the Dough:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• All-purpose flour, for rolling

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)

• ½ cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Nonstick cooking spray or oil

For Dipping (Optional):

• Marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce (both are great for dipping!)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The first thing you’ll want to do is prepare the dough. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough (which I highly recommend for convenience), just roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. You’ll want to divide the dough into four equal portions. Each portion will make one calzone, so you’ll have a generous serving of cheesy goodness per person.

Using a rolling pin, roll each portion of dough into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter. Don’t stress too much about making the circles perfectly round—calzones are supposed to be rustic! The dough doesn’t need to be super thin, but you want it to be thin enough that it will cook through in the air fryer without being too doughy.

Once your dough is rolled out, you’re ready for the next step!

Step 2: Make the Filling

Now for the best part: the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if you’re using it). Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—this will bring all the flavors together beautifully.

If you’re using leftover chicken, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken, this part is a breeze. Just shred or dice the chicken, and mix it all together. You can also customize the filling by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, but I love the simplicity of the chicken and cheese combo. It’s comforting and always a hit with everyone.

Once everything is mixed and combined, you’re ready to assemble your calzones! The filling is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Fill the Calzones

Take each portion of dough you rolled out earlier, and place a generous portion of the filling in the center. Make sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges—this will help ensure you can seal them properly.

Next, fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. This part is super satisfying, especially when you see it all come together. Press the edges of the dough together firmly to seal the calzone. I like to use a fork to crimp the edges, which also helps to make sure there are no leaks while the calzone cooks.

If you want your calzones to look extra fancy, you can even use the fork to create a cute pattern around the edges. It’s all about making them look delicious and inviting!

Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying

Once your calzones are all filled and sealed, it’s time to get them ready for the air fryer. Start by brushing the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg. This gives them that gorgeous golden, glossy finish once they’re air fried. If you’ve ever had a calzone that looks too pale, this egg wash will solve that problem!

Before placing your calzones in the air fryer, spray the basket with a bit of nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking. You don’t need a lot—just enough to create a barrier between the dough and the air fryer.

At this point, your calzones are nearly ready to cook, and you can practically smell the cheesy goodness already! But there’s just one more step before you dive in.

Step 5: Air Fry the Calzones

Before placing the calzones in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the calzones start cooking right away, which is key to getting that perfect crispy texture.

Once the air fryer is ready, carefully place the calzones in the basket in a single layer. Be sure to leave some space between them, as you don’t want the calzones to be crowded. This will help them cook evenly and get that crisp, golden color all over. If your air fryer isn’t large enough to hold all four calzones at once, don’t worry! You can cook them in batches.

Now, air fry the calzones for 8-10 minutes. Here’s a helpful tip: halfway through cooking, flip each calzone over. This will ensure both sides get nice and crispy. Depending on the size of your calzones and your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time slightly, but keep an eye on them as they cook. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your calzones are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling inside will be incredibly hot, and you don’t want to burn your tongue on that gooey cheese! Trust me, the wait is worth it.

You can serve your calzones with a side of marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. I love to dip mine in marinara sauce for that perfect mix of creamy and tangy flavors, but the extra Alfredo sauce adds even more richness if that’s what you prefer. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

• Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pile on a lot of filling, but if you stuff your calzones too much, they might burst open during cooking. Stick to a generous but manageable amount of filling for the best results.

• Check the Crispiness: If you want your calzones extra crispy, you can add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Just be sure to monitor them closely so they don’t burn.

• Try Different Fillings: The great thing about calzones is that you can mix up the filling to suit your taste! You could use different kinds of cheese, throw in some spinach, or add a bit of cooked bacon or sausage. Don’t be afraid to get creative.

• Frozen Dough: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen pizza dough as well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start rolling it out, and you’ll get the same crispy result.

• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash is what gives your calzones that gorgeous golden brown color, so don’t skip this step. It makes a huge difference in the final look and taste.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for This Recipe

If you’ve never made calzones in the air fryer before, you might be wondering why this method works so well. Air frying creates a crispy outer layer that mimics deep-frying, but without the oil, making it a healthier option. Plus, it cooks so quickly! In just 8-10 minutes, you have a perfectly crispy calzone, and the air fryer ensures that the inside stays soft and gooey, with no soggy dough.

The air fryer also makes cleanup a breeze. No greasy pans or oil splatters to worry about. Just pop the basket in the dishwasher, and you’re good to go!

FAQ Section: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

I’m sure you’re just about ready to dig into those golden, crispy calzones, but before you go, let’s address a few common questions you might have about this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, or how to get the perfect air fryer results, I’ve got you covered!

1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut for this recipe. It saves time and ensures that your calzones come together quickly, without the hassle of making dough from scratch. You can find pizza dough in most grocery stores, and it works perfectly for these calzones. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can! If you’re planning to make these calzones for a busy weeknight or want to prepare in advance, you can assemble the filling the day before. Simply combine all the ingredients for the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the calzones, all you’ll need to do is roll out the dough, fill the calzones, and air fry them. This helps cut down on prep time and makes it even easier to get dinner on the table.

3. Can I freeze these calzones?

Definitely! These calzones freeze beautifully, and it’s a great way to make a big batch ahead of time. Once you’ve assembled and sealed the calzones, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After that, you can store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook them, just pop them into the air fryer from frozen—there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook all the way through.

4. How can I prevent the calzones from getting soggy inside?

To avoid soggy calzones, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the filling ingredients. For example, if your Alfredo sauce is particularly runny, you can thicken it slightly by simmering it on the stove for a few minutes before using it. Additionally, don’t overstuff your calzones—stick to a generous but controlled amount of filling to keep the dough from becoming too wet and soggy. Lastly, letting the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving helps prevent the inside from being too watery.

5. Can I make these vegetarian or swap out the chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by leaving out the chicken and adding in your favorite veggies instead. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious additions to the filling. If you want a protein-packed alternative, try swapping in cooked bacon or sausage. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is to your preferences!

6. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can definitely bake these calzones in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Just be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

7. How do I store leftover calzones?

If you have any leftover calzones (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again. Alternatively, you can use a regular oven, but the air fryer will give you the best results for that crispy texture.

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

And there you have it! These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious—perfect for a quick and comforting meal that everyone will love. The best part is that they’re so easy to make and customize to suit your tastes. Whether you’re using store-bought dough, making them vegetarian, or serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, these calzones are sure to be a hit.

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