There’s something magical about the combination of golden, crispy dough, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s like a comforting hug wrapped in a flaky, handheld package. If you love classic Chicken Alfredo but want something more fun, portable, and mess-free, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are your new go-to recipe.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spare. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that perfect golden crust—crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside—without needing to deep-fry or turn on the oven.
Plus, using store-bought pizza dough keeps it simple while still delivering that homemade taste. What makes this recipe even better? It’s endlessly customizable! Add a little Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, swap mozzarella for provolone, or sneak in some sautéed spinach.
And if you’re looking for the perfect side dish, try pairing your calzones with crispy Brussels sprouts or a warm, comforting bowl of mushroom soup for a cozy meal.
Calzones have been around for centuries, originating from Naples, Italy, as a way to enjoy pizza on the go. Today, they’re the ultimate fusion of convenience and indulgence—ideal for game nights, meal prep, or simply satisfying that creamy, cheesy craving.
The Secret To Loving Every Bite!
- It’s a 30-minute wonder: Perfect for busy weeknights, these calzones come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.
- No oven required! The air fryer gives them a crisp, golden crust in minutes.
- Alfredo sauce perfection: The homemade sauce is rich, garlicky, and way better than store-bought.
- A family favorite. Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy filling.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch, freeze them, and reheat for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Brush (for butter topping)
- Cheese grater
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb. premade pizza dough store-bought or most pizza places sell their dough
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken or 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- marinara sauce for dipping optional
Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley minced
Alfredo Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in cream, seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out pizza dough into circles (about 6 inches in diameter).
- Fill the Calzones: Spread Alfredo sauce over half of each dough circle, add shredded chicken, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Seal and Brush: Fold the dough over, crimp the edges with a fork, and brush with a mixture of softened butter and parsley.
- Air Fry: Place calzones in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve with Marinara: Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 580kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Essential Tips For This Recipe!
- Chill the dough slightly before rolling: If your pizza dough is too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes. It’ll be easier to work with and won’t stretch too thin.
- Don’t overload the filling: It’s tempting to stuff them with extra chicken and cheese, but too much filling can cause leaks and prevent even cooking. A little restraint goes a long way!
- Air fryer size matters: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping calzones won’t crisp up properly and may cook unevenly.
- Brush the tops for that bakery-style golden finish: A mix of butter and parsley adds a rich, glossy look while enhancing flavor. Want extra crispiness? Sprinkle a little Parmesan on top before air frying.
- Let them rest before cutting: Right out of the air fryer, the filling is molten hot! Give them 2-3 minutes to settle so you don’t burn your mouth (or lose that creamy filling).
- Reheat like a pro: Skip the microwave—reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that fresh, crispy texture.
- Customize the flavor: Want a smoky twist? Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning. Love spice? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños inside the filling.
- Make them ahead of time: Assemble the calzones and freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
