Craving a crispy, creamy, and cheesy dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Look no further than these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones! This delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, combining the rich, creamy taste of chicken Alfredo with a flaky, perfectly cooked crust. Utilizing the air fryer makes this dish not only quicker but also healthier, allowing you to indulge in comfort food without the guilt.
The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones lies in their versatility. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. With tender rotisserie chicken and gooey melted mozzarella on the inside, each bite is a flavorful explosion. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family or guests, and the best part is how approachable and straightforward the recipe is. Whether you’re seeking air fryer recipes, easy dinner ideas, or chicken Alfredo dishes, this recipe has something for everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy nights, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Healthy Cooking: The air fryer provides a crispy texture without needing excessive oil.
- Customizable: Personalize with your favorite fillings, making it perfect for picky eaters.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy filling, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Leftover-Friendly: Great for using up leftover chicken and other ingredients you have on hand.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before getting started on your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, it’s essential to set up your kitchen. Gather all your ingredients and ensure you have the necessary tools handy, including:
- An air fryer
- A rolling pin
- A sharp knife for sealing the calzones
- A mixing bowl for the Alfredo sauce
- A saucepan for cooking the sauce
Start by organizing your workspace to minimize clutter and make the cooking process seamless. Make sure to have a clean, floured surface to roll out your pizza dough. Keeping all your utensils and ingredients within reach will enhance your cooking experience, enabling you to focus on achieving that perfect crispy calzone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pizza dough (store-bought or fresh from a local pizzeria)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced (or 2 cooked chicken breasts)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- For the Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Begin your culinary journey by preparing the Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, melt the butter, allowing it to become bubbly. Once the butter has melted, introduce the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—be cautious not to let it burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream, incorporating the seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 3 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce slightly. The crowning glory comes next; stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy blend. This rich sauce will be the luscious filling for your calzones!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough and Fillings
With your Alfredo sauce ready, it’s time to prepare your calzones. Begin by dividing the pizza dough into four equal parts, each weighing around 4 ounces. On a floured surface, take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. The dough should be thick enough to hold the fillings but not so thick that it results in a doughy texture once cooked. Spread one tablespoon of the now-cooled Alfredo sauce onto the center of the dough circle—be mindful not to overfill, as it can lead to messy calzones. On top of the sauce, add your diced rotisserie chicken evenly, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Fold and Seal the Calzones
Now comes the fun part—folding the calzones! Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, enclosing the creamy filling. To ensure the calzone stays intact during cooking, pinch the edges together firmly. For an extra precaution, you might want to use a knife to crimp the edges further, preventing leaks as they cook. Finally, brush the top of each calzone with the melted butter combined with minced parsley, giving it an inviting golden hue and delicious flavor.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey, sausage, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for a nutrient boost.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun or taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- For the best results with your dough, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before rolling out. This will improve the texture, helping it to rise beautifully when cooked.
- If you have a cheese lover in the family, consider mixing ricotta cheese with mozzarella for a lighter and creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor profile of your calzones.
- Pair with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the calzones.
Tips
- Before placing the calzones in the air fryer, lightly spray them with olive oil to achieve a crispier crust.
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer for even cooking. If your model doesn’t have a preheat feature, run it at 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per calzone
- Protein: 24 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can add a personalized touch and allows you to experiment with flavors.
How do I store leftover calzones?
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for extra crispiness.
Can I freeze these calzones?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Just assemble them, and once they’re rolled, place them on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with calzones?
Calzones pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a fresh salad, garlic knots, or even a classic marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are not just a meal; they’re an experience! With their crispy exterior and creamy, savory filling, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Not only do they simplify your dinner process, but they also offer a delicious way to get everyone around the table. Encourage your family to experiment with fillings, making it a fun cooking adventure. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts on this recipe or share your variations. Enjoy the goodness of homemade calzones tonight!
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Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and delicious dish combining the richness of chicken Alfredo with crispy calzone dough.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pizza dough (store-bought or fresh from a local pizzeria)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced (or 2 cooked chicken breasts)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- For the Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Begin your culinary journey by preparing the Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, melt the butter, allowing it to become bubbly. Once the butter has melted, introduce the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—be cautious not to let it burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream, incorporating the seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 3 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce slightly. The crowning glory comes next; stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy blend. This rich sauce will be the luscious filling for your calzones!
- With your Alfredo sauce ready, it’s time to prepare your calzones. Begin by dividing the pizza dough into four equal parts, each weighing around 4 ounces. On a floured surface, take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. The dough should be thick enough to hold the fillings but not so thick that it results in a doughy texture once cooked. Spread one tablespoon of the now-cooled Alfredo sauce onto the center of the dough circle—be mindful not to overfill, as it can lead to messy calzones. On top of the sauce, add your diced rotisserie chicken evenly, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Now comes the fun part—folding the calzones! Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, enclosing the creamy filling. To ensure the calzone stays intact during cooking, pinch the edges together firmly. For an extra precaution, you might want to use a knife to crimp the edges further, preventing leaks as they cook. Finally, brush the top of each calzone with the melted butter combined with minced parsley, giving it an inviting golden hue and delicious flavor.
Notes
Make sure to preheat your air fryer for even cooking. If your model doesn’t have a preheat feature, run it at 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 24 g