Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are like a warm hug wrapped in crispy, golden-brown goodness. Imagine biting into a calzone that’s bursting with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese—it’s a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. You can enjoy these delightful pockets of joy for lunch, dinner, or late-night snacking while binge-watching your favorite show.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of making calzones on Friday nights. It was chaotic fun, with everyone tossing ingredients into the dough like we were competing for a culinary Olympics medal. The kitchen turned into a mess of flour and laughter as we tried to outdo each other with the most outrageous fillings. Now, every time I make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, those memories flood back, and I can’t help but smile at how something so simple can hold such deep connections.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are not only a breeze to whip up but also incredibly satisfying
- The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent
- The golden crust is visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying solo during movie night
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with whatever leftovers you have in the fridge!
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or prepare your own from scratch if feeling adventurous.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced chicken will work best; seasoned to your liking adds extra flavor.
- Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the creamy heart of our calzones that brings everything together wonderfully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for a melty texture; it’s the gooey glue that holds all the goodness inside.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle enhances flavor; think oregano and basil dancing together in harmony.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle before air frying helps achieve that perfectly crisp exterior.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Just like warming up before exercise (but way more fun), this step ensures that your calzones cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about half an inch thick. Use a round cutter or a large bowl to cut out circles—think of them as little culinary canvases waiting for your masterpiece.
Step 3: Fill the Calzones
Place shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning on one half of each dough circle. Don’t be shy; fill them up like you’re stuffing an oversized suitcase!
Step 4: Seal ‘Em Up
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and pinch down the edges tightly. You want these beauties sealed like they’re hiding treasure inside—because they are!
Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly coat each calzone with olive oil using a pastry brush or just your fingers. This will give them that mouthwatering golden color when they cook in the air fryer.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Air fry your calzones in batches for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want them looking like they just stepped off a runway!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra Alfredo sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite of these irresistible Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones! They’re not just food; they’re memories waiting to happen.
You Must Know
- Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are not just a culinary delight; they offer a fun twist on classic flavors
- The gooey cheese and savory chicken create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion
- They also make excellent leftovers for lunch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To efficiently craft Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor. While that sizzles, prepare your pasta and sauce simultaneously. Once everything is ready, fill the calzone dough and air fry them to golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your calzones by swapping out chicken for veggies or using different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy again, avoiding sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F for safety and flavor
- Don’t overfill calzones—too much filling may cause them to burst while cooking
- Experiment with seasonings; adding Italian herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly
Sometimes I whip up these calzones for friends during game night, and they always demand the recipe! Watching their faces light up with each cheesy bite makes it all worthwhile.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?
To make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, you will need cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs. You can customize the filling by adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Ensure all ingredients are prepared in advance to streamline the cooking process.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?
Cooking Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before placing the calzones inside. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your calzones and the specific model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them for a golden-brown finish.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought pizza dough for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. This option saves time and effort while still delivering delicious results. If you prefer homemade dough, that works well too! Just roll it out thinly to achieve a crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.
Are Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones healthy?
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried calzones. By using an air fryer, you reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, making them lower in fat. Additionally, using whole-grain pizza dough and lean chicken can enhance their nutritional profile. Customize your fillings with vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones :
In summary, Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones offer a quick and tasty meal option that combines creamy flavors with a delightful crunch. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, these calzones are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether using homemade or store-bought dough, this recipe allows for creativity in fillings while ensuring a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your culinary adventure with these delicious calzones!
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a deliciously comforting dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown crust. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these calzones are quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy them as a satisfying meal or a fun appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Cut into circles using a round cutter.
- On one half of each circle, place shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
- Brush each calzone lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
