Masters of kitchen
If you’re new to calzones, they’re like pizza’s cozy cousin—sealed, stuffed, and baked (or in this case, air fried) to golden perfection. These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones combine juicy chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella inside a crisp, golden crust made effortlessly in your air fryer.
This comforting twist on the classic calzone delivers all the flavor of chicken Alfredo pasta in a portable, flaky package. Best of all, cooking them in the air fryer cuts down on time without sacrificing that irresistible crunch.
If you’re craving comfort food in handheld form, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones —it’s hard to know where to start!
For one, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With store-bought dough, pre-cooked chicken, and jarred Alfredo sauce, you can have them on the table in about 20 minutes. They’re also a big hit with kids and adults alike—creamy, cheesy, and comforting with every bite.
These calzones are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and reheat in the air fryer for a crispy, gooey meal anytime.
Bold Tip: Double the recipe—you’re going to want leftovers.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
This recipe keeps things simple, using a short list of pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what you’ll need to pull together these cheesy, crispy pockets of joy:
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Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie, grilled, or leftover baked chicken works great. Just chop or shred it finely.
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Alfredo Sauce – Use your favorite jarred version or make it homemade if you have time. The creamier, the better!
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Mozzarella Cheese – For that ooey-gooey stretch when you bite in.
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Ricotta or Cream Cheese (Optional) – For extra creaminess inside the filling.
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Pizza Dough or Crescent Dough – Store-bought works perfectly. Pizza dough makes a firmer, more traditional crust, while crescent dough gives a buttery, flaky texture.
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Seasonings – A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little black pepper take the filling to the next level.
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Optional Add-ins – Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor and texture if you want to customize.
Keep it simple or get creative—these calzones are super forgiving!
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make these air fryer calzones, which is part of their charm. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
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Air Fryer – Basket or oven-style both work; just adjust spacing accordingly.
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Rolling Pin – For flattening the dough into circles or ovals.
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Small Bowl + Pastry Brush – To brush on oil or egg wash for that golden finish.
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Fork or Crimper – For sealing the edges tight.
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Optional: Parchment paper or air fryer liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
That’s it—easy setup, easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you can whip up these delicious calzones with confidence.
Step 1: Prep the Filling
In a bowl, mix your chopped or shredded cooked chicken with Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, and any optional add-ins like spinach or mushrooms. Season with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a pinch of black pepper. Keep the filling thick—not too saucy—to avoid leaks.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Divide your dough into 4–6 portions, depending on how big you want your calzones. Roll each portion into a flat circle, about 6–8 inches wide.
Step 3: Fill & Fold
Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Don’t overstuff! Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Step 4: Seal the Edges
Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork for a tighter seal. This helps prevent any cheesy filling from leaking out in the air fryer.
Step 5: Brush for Crispiness
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or egg wash. This gives the calzones that golden, bakery-style crust.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place 2–3 calzones in the basket or tray, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the basket—air needs to circulate for even crisping. Work in batches if needed.
Let cool slightly before serving—they’ll be hot and gooey inside!
How Long to Cook Air Fryer Calzones (And How to Know They’re Done)
The ideal cook time for air fryer calzones is about 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.
You’ll know they’re ready when:
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The crust is golden brown
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The edges are firm and crisp
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You can see a little bubbling or melted cheese at the seams
Friendly Tip: Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before biting in. The filling will be piping hot, and resting helps the cheese settle just enough for a clean bite.
Tasty Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Chicken Alfredo Calzone, it’s time to get creative! This recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can easily tweak the filling to match your cravings or whatever’s in the fridge.
Spicy Alfredo Calzones
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the filling. The creamy Alfredo balances the heat beautifully.
Veggie-Packed Version
Sneak in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even caramelized onions. Not only do these add flavor and texture, but they also make your calzones a bit healthier.
BBQ Chicken Alfredo
Mix a spoonful of barbecue sauce into your Alfredo for a smoky, sweet twist. This variation pairs especially well with sharp cheddar or smoked mozzarella.
Mini Calzones
Hosting a party? Use smaller dough circles to make bite-sized calzones that are perfect for appetizers or lunchboxes.
Gluten-Free or Keto Options
Use a gluten-free pizza dough or fathead dough if you’re watching carbs. Just make sure the dough is sturdy enough to hold the filling and air fry without falling apart.
Pro Tip: No matter which variation you choose, just keep the filling thick and avoid overstuffing for best results.
Make-Ahead, Freezer & Reheat Tips
These calzones are meal-prep gold. You can make them ahead of time and have a delicious meal ready in minutes later on.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can fully assemble the calzones and store them unbaked in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Cover them with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Baked calzones can also be refrigerated and reheated later.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, let the calzones cool completely (if baked), then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. You can freeze them either baked or unbaked.
Reheating for Best Texture
Avoid soggy calzones by reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. No need to thaw first—just add a couple of extra minutes if frozen solid.
Avoid the microwave if possible. It tends to make the dough chewy rather than crispy.
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Calzones
These calzones are hearty enough to stand on their own, but a few simple sides can turn them into a full, satisfying meal.
Fresh Salad
A crisp Caesar or Italian-style salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the calzones.
Roasted or Steamed Veggies
Garlic parmesan broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini all pair beautifully and add some green to your plate.
Dipping Sauce
Serve with extra Alfredo sauce or warm marinara for dipping. That extra dunk makes each bite even better!
Drink Pairings
A glass of lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal nicely without overpowering the flavors.
Pro Tip: If serving to a crowd, offer a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can customize their experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even easy recipes can have hiccups. Here are some quick fixes for the most common calzone challenges:
Dough Not Sealing?
Dip your finger in water or use a light egg wash along the edge before folding—this helps seal the dough securely. Press and crimp with a fork.
Filling Leaking Out?
This usually happens when the calzone is overfilled or the filling is too runny. Keep fillings thick and use less sauce than you think you need.
Undercooked Inside?
Always pre-cook your chicken and warm the filling before adding it to the dough. Cold fillings may leave the dough undercooked in the center.
Burnt Edges?
Lower your air fryer temperature slightly, or loosely cover calzones with foil halfway through cooking.
Bonus Tip: Keep an eye on the first batch to learn how your specific air fryer behaves—every model runs a little differently!
FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is flavorful and convenient. Canned chicken also works if you drain it well and mix it with enough Alfredo to make it creamy but not watery.
What type of Alfredo sauce works best?
Go for a thick, creamy Alfredo. Store-bought is great for convenience, but if you’re feeling fancy, homemade Alfredo adds a rich, fresh flavor.
Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely. Crescent roll dough makes a softer, more buttery calzone. Just be gentle when handling it—it’s more delicate than pizza dough.
How do I prevent calzones from opening in the air fryer?
Seal the edges well using a bit of water or egg wash, and crimp tightly with a fork. Avoid overfilling, which puts pressure on the dough and can cause it to burst.
How long do calzones last in the fridge?
Baked calzones will stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Rolling Pin
- Fork or crimper
- Small bowl & pastry brush
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese optional
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 package pizza dough or crescent dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil or 1 egg for brushing
- Optional: sautéed spinach mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, optional ricotta, and seasonings. Stir until thick and well blended.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide dough into 4–6 portions. Roll each into a flat circle (6–8 inches wide).
- Fill & Fold: Spoon filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- Brush the Tops: Use olive oil or beaten egg to brush each calzone for a golden crust.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook calzones in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
- Rest & Serve: Let calzones cool 2–3 minutes before serving. Enjoy with marinara or Alfredo for dipping!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble and store unbaked calzones in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked calzones for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tip: Air fry from frozen at 350°F for 7–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
- Use crescent dough for a softer, buttery crust or pizza dough for a traditional chewy finish.
- For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling.