Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect choice. Combining the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the savory goodness of chicken and cheese, these calzones offer a satisfying meal in just minutes. Made in an air fryer, they’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Why Choose Air Fryer Calzones?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This makes them an excellent choice for calzones, which traditionally rely on deep frying or baking in large amounts of oil. The air fryer version delivers the same crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 package, preferably store-bought for convenience.
• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, shredded.
• Alfredo Sauce: 1/2 cup, either homemade or store-bought.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, for that gooey, melted cheese pull.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Cooked Spinach: 1/2 cup, well-drained to avoid soggy calzones.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp, to enhance the flavors.
• Olive Oil: For brushing, to give the calzones a golden-brown finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delicious Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones.

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: Start by rolling out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, stretch it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Once rolled, cut the dough into four equal pieces. These will form the base of your calzones.

2. Assemble the Filling: On each piece of dough, spread a tablespoon of Alfredo sauce. This sauce not only adds creaminess but also infuses the calzones with the rich, garlicy flavor of traditional Alfredo. Next, top with shredded chicken, ensuring each piece gets an even amount. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that perfect cheesy bite. Finally, sprinkle the drained spinach and dried Italian seasoning over the top.

3. Fold and Seal the Calzones: To form the calzones, fold each piece of dough over the filling to create a pocket. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal in the filling. To ensure a complete seal, you can use a fork to press down along the edges.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture – a crispy exterior and a soft, melty interior.

5. Cook the Calzones: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the calzones cool slightly before serving. These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are best enjoyed warm, with an extra side of Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Achieving the perfect calzone texture and flavor can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your calzones come out just right every time:

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff as much filling as possible, overfilling can cause the calzones to burst open during cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts.
• Drain the Spinach: Excess moisture from the spinach can make the dough soggy. Be sure to drain and squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Use a Pizza Stone: If your air fryer has a pizza stone, use it for cooking the calzones. The stone helps create an even, crispy crust.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your calzones with other fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even pepperoni for a different flavor twist.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes. Here are some variations and serving ideas to try:

• BBQ Chicken Calzones: Swap the Alfredo sauce for BBQ sauce and add some red onions for a smoky, tangy twist.
• Veggie Lover’s Calzones: Replace the chicken with a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzones: Use Buffalo sauce instead of Alfredo, and add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy treat.

For serving, these calzones pair well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of soup. They also make a great appetizer or snack for parties and game nights.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Cooking

Using an air fryer to cook these calzones not only saves time but also offers several health benefits:

• Reduced Fat: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, cutting down on calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Lower Caloric Intake: Because air frying uses less oil, it leads to lower calorie consumption, which is beneficial for weight management.
• Preservation of Nutrients: Air frying preserves more nutrients in food compared to deep frying, as it cooks food at a lower temperature for a shorter time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of dough? A: Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough, whole wheat dough, or even puff pastry for a different texture and flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Q: Can I freeze these calzones? A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked calzones. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What other sauces can I use for dipping? A: Besides Alfredo sauce, you can dip these calzones in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a garlic butter sauce.

Print