Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones: A Crispy, Creamy Comfort Food Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones bring together everything I love about comfort food: creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden, crispy dough. Instead of ordering takeout, this recipe allows you to recreate that indulgent Italian-American flavor at home with far less oil and mess. The air fryer gives the calzones a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside rich and cheesy. I tested this recipe on a busy weekday evening, and the results were impressive—restaurant-style calzones in under 30 minutes. Another reason this recipe stands out is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the filling, adjust the seasoning, or use store-bought dough to save time. These calzones are ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Once you try them, they will quickly become a reliable favorite in your weekly rotation.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza Dough
The foundation of the calzone is soft pizza dough. It crisps beautifully in the air fryer while remaining chewy inside. I prefer refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but homemade dough works just as well.

Cooked Chicken Breast
Tender, cooked chicken breast provides lean protein and substance. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut and blends perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Alfredo Sauce
A rich Alfredo sauce ties the filling together. You may use a high-quality store-bought version or homemade sauce if you prefer deeper flavor control.

Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and gives the calzones their signature cheese pull. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best texture.

Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth that balances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.

Garlic Powder
Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the filling.

Italian Seasoning
This blend of herbs adds warmth and classic Italian aroma to the calzones.

Olive Oil
A light brush of olive oil ensures a golden, crisp crust in the air fryer.

Egg (for egg wash)
An egg wash gives the calzones a professional-looking sheen and even browning.

Directions

Start by dividing the pizza dough into equal portions, depending on how many calzones you plan to make. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface. In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until evenly coated.

Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges firmly to seal. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash and olive oil.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the calzones in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes four medium-sized calzones. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.

Variations and Customizations

One of the strengths of this recipe is how adaptable it is. For a richer flavor, I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling. Both pair wonderfully with Alfredo sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds subtle spice without overwhelming the dish.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and provolone creates a more complex, savory profile. For a lighter version, try using grilled chicken and a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce. I once tested this recipe with whole-wheat pizza dough, and the result was surprisingly satisfying, with a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.

If you prefer a more indulgent option, add crispy bacon bits to the filling. The smoky notes complement the creamy sauce beautifully. These calzones are also a great way to use leftovers, making them both practical and delicious.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Each calzone provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Using chicken breast keeps the protein content high, while portion control helps manage calories. You may adapt the recipe for lower sodium or reduced fat by selecting lighter cheese and sauce options.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfect Dough Sealing
Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling leakage during cooking.

Even Browning
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; proper air circulation is essential.

Flavor Boost
A light sprinkle of Parmesan on top before cooking adds extra depth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen dough?

Yes, but allow it to thaw completely before shaping.

Can these be made ahead of time?

You may assemble them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What dipping sauces work best?

Marinara or extra Alfredo sauce pairs well.

Can I freeze cooked calzones?

Yes, freeze them individually and reheat in the air fryer.

Is air frying better than baking?

Air frying is faster and produces a crispier crust.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough for suitable results.

How do I prevent soggy calzones?

Avoid overfilling and use low-moisture cheese.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, just ensure they are cooked and well-drained.

What size air fryer is ideal?

A 5-quart air fryer works well for medium calzones.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors are appealing to children.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a satisfying blend of convenience and indulgence. With minimal preparation and impressive results, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both easy and refined. Whether for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, these calzones deliver consistent flavor and texture every time.

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