There’s something magical about comfort food that wraps you in warmth, especially on a chilly evening or a slow Sunday afternoon. Imagine this: a cozy kitchen, the scent of garlic and cheese wafting through the air, and golden, crispy calzones served hot and ready to dip into creamy Alfredo or tangy marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting game night, or just treating yourself, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect solution for a fast, filling, and incredibly flavorful meal.
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from a childhood favorite—chicken Alfredo pasta—combined with the convenience of hand-held pizza pockets. These calzones bring together creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp dough thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Plus, they’re easy enough for weeknight dinners and fun enough for weekend parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer calzones aren’t just delicious—they check all the boxes:
- ✅ Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes to cook.
- ✅ Family-friendly: Loved by picky eaters and foodies alike.
- ✅ Versatile: Customize the filling to your taste.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and save some for later.
- ✅ Healthier than deep-fried: All the crunch with less oil.
The air fryer gives you the crispy texture you crave without the mess and heaviness of traditional frying. Plus, using store-bought pizza dough cuts down on time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these cheesy, creamy calzones to life:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or use your favorite homemade dough)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: Garlic powder, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Crispy bacon
- Caramelized onions
- Sun-dried tomatoes
These optional ingredients can elevate your calzones with extra flavor, texture, and color. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for calzone perfection every time:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dough gets perfectly crispy while the cheese melts to gooey perfection.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Roll your pizza dough onto a floured surface. Cut into 4 equal pieces—you can go with rectangles for ease or circles for traditional calzone shapes.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the following:
- Cooked chicken
- Alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Make sure everything is evenly coated and well-mixed.
4. Assemble the Calzones
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the dough over to create a pocket and press the edges with a fork to seal tightly. This prevents the cheesy filling from leaking out during cooking.
5. Add the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden crust.
Want even more flavor? Sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes before air frying.
6. Air Fry to Perfection
Place the calzones in your air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches.
Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let your calzones cool slightly before serving. Pair them with a side of extra Alfredo sauce or marinara for dipping.
Make It Your Own: Calzone Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can switch up the filling based on what you have in the fridge, your mood, or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
Low-Carb Option
Use low-carb dough or a keto-friendly tortilla alternative. Swap out Alfredo for a lower-fat cream sauce.
Veggie Delight
Skip the chicken and load up on sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, and roasted red peppers.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for heat lovers.
BBQ Chicken Twist
Swap Alfredo sauce for BBQ sauce and use cheddar instead of mozzarella for a Southern-inspired spin.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Don’t overfill the calzones—it may cause leakage or undercooked dough.
- Seal tightly using a fork or crimp with your fingers to lock in the cheesy goodness.
- Brush generously with egg wash to ensure golden, crispy crusts.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner for easier cleanup.
- Make ahead and freeze: Assemble calzones and freeze them uncooked. When ready, air fry directly from frozen for about 12–14 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are great on their own, but pairing them with a few side dishes can turn them into a full meal:
- A fresh Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli
- Crispy air fryer potato wedges or sweet potato fries
- A small bowl of soup (like tomato basil or creamy mushroom)
Don’t forget a dipping sauce bar with extra Alfredo, spicy marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing!
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked calzones individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
- In the air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- In the oven: 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry—it can make the crust soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Calzone)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbs: ~28g
Nutritional values can vary depending on dough, sauce, and add-ins used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, but be cautious with cooking time. Puff pastry cooks faster and may require a slightly lower temperature to avoid burning.
What’s the best Alfredo sauce to use?
Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make a quick homemade Alfredo with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan. Thicker sauces work better to avoid sogginess.
Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love cheesy chicken flavors, and the handheld format makes it fun to eat.
More Air Fryer Favorites to Try
Looking for more air fryer magic? Try these next:
- Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cheesy Broccoli Bites in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts: Why You Need These Calzones in Your Life
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the answer to your comfort food cravings without the hassle. They’re quick, cheesy, customizable, and perfect for sharing—or savoring solo. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping lunches, or just want something delicious in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a guaranteed win.
Give them a try, share the love, and don’t forget to tag your creations online. These calzones are made to be shared—on plates and on social feeds.