I like that this dish is comforting but still quick and easy to prepare. The air fryer gives the calzones a crispy exterior with minimal oil, while the Alfredo filling is rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Using store-bought pizza dough keeps things simple, and I can prep everything in under 30 minutes. They’re also super customizable and make great leftovers (if there are any!).
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Calzone Filling:
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
Dough:
1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
all-purpose flour, for dusting
Finishing:
1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
I preheat my air fryer to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when the calzones are assembled.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I stir it all together until the mixture is well blended.
On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. I use a knife or pizza cutter to divide it into four equal squares.
I scoop about ⅓ cup of the chicken Alfredo filling onto the center of each square.
I fold each dough square over the filling to form a triangle or rectangular pocket, pressing the edges together firmly. For extra seal and a decorative look, I crimp the edges with a fork.
I brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil, then brush them again with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
I place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. I air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes, until they’re golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
Once done, I remove the calzones and let them cool for about a minute before serving—they’ll be hot and gooey inside!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 calzones.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Variations
Spinach Alfredo: I sometimes add a handful of chopped spinach to the filling for a bit of green.
Buffalo twist: Replace Alfredo sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy version.
Meat swap: Leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked sausage all work well here.
Cheese lovers: Add parmesan or provolone for an extra cheesy bite.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and spinach.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes. That helps bring back the crispy texture better than the microwave does.
For freezing, I let the cooked calzones cool completely, wrap them individually in foil or plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes assemble them earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until I’m ready to air fry. Just make sure the dough is well sealed to avoid leaks.
What kind of Alfredo sauce should I use?
I use my favorite jarred Alfredo sauce when I’m in a hurry, but homemade Alfredo works great too. Just make sure it’s not too watery or it could seep through the dough.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely. I like using refrigerated dough for convenience, but if I have time to make my own, it works just as well.
Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes, if I don’t have an air fryer, I bake them at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
I press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork. I also try not to overfill—about ⅓ cup is just right.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious twist on classic comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and super satisfying to bite into. I love how easy they are to make and how well they work for dinner, lunch, or even game day snacks. Whether I’m feeding the family or just craving something cozy, these calzones always hit the spot.
