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This quick Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzone recipe transforms simple ingredients into pockets of cheesy, savory goodness without the hassle of traditional baking. The air fryer creates perfectly crisp exteriors while sealing in all that creamy chicken alfredo filling for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
I developed this recipe during a particularly busy weeknight when I wanted something that felt special but didn't require hours in the kitchen. My family now requests these "pizza pockets" almost weekly, especially my cheese-loving teenagers.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough provides the perfect crispy yet chewy exterior without any mixing or rising time
- Cooked shredded chicken adds hearty protein while remaining tender inside the calzone
- Alfredo sauce creates a creamy base that binds all ingredients together beautifully
- Mozzarella cheese gives that classic stretchy cheese pull when you bite into the calzone
- Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and authentic Italian flavor to the filling
- Parmesan cheese brings a sharp nutty flavor that balances the creaminess of the other cheeses
- Italian seasoning infuses the filling with classic herbs without measuring multiple spices
- Garlic powder provides depth of flavor throughout the filling
- Egg wash ensures a beautiful golden brown exterior with professional bakery appearance
- Olive oil brushed on before cooking helps achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Filling
- Combine the shredded chicken with Alfredo sauce first to coat the meat evenly. Add all three cheeses while the chicken mixture is still slightly warm to help them begin melting together. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder should be sprinkled evenly throughout the mixture and stirred until no spice pockets remain. The perfect filling should be cohesive but not runny.
- Prepare the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the refrigerated dough to prevent sticking. Roll gently from the center outward until you reach approximately 1/4-inch thickness. For perfect circles, use a 6-inch bowl as your guide and press firmly to cut through. Re-roll scraps for additional calzones.
- Assemble with Precision
- Place about 1/3 cup of filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving at least 3/4 inch around the edges completely clean. This clean border is crucial for proper sealing. Fold the empty half over top and press firmly with your fingers before crimping with a fork. The tines should make clear indentations to prevent filling leakage.
- Preheat and Prepare
- Always preheat your air fryer for at least 3 minutes to ensure even cooking. While it heats, whisk your egg with a teaspoon of water for a smoother egg wash. Apply the egg wash generously but avoid pooling, which can cause drips and burning. A light brush of olive oil after the egg wash creates extra crispiness.
- Air Fry to Perfection
- Place calzones in your basket with at least 1 inch between each to allow proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary. Check at the 8-minute mark for browning progress and rotate if your air fryer has hot spots. The perfect calzone sounds hollow when tapped gently.
- Rest and Serve
- Allow calzones to rest for exactly 3 minutes after cooking to let the filling set slightly and avoid mouth burns. Transfer to a cooling rack rather than a plate to prevent steam from softening the bottom crust. Cut in half diagonally for an impressive cheese pull effect when serving.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the three-cheese blend. I discovered the power of adding ricotta after watching my Italian grandmother make calzones years ago. She always said the secret was "treating the cheeses like family" they each need to play their role without any one overpowering the others. When my youngest daughter first tried these, she declared them "better than pizza night" which is the highest compliment in our household.
Make-Ahead Options
These calzones can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated uncooked. Simply place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before applying the egg wash and cooking. This make-ahead method is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
Creative Variations
The basic calzone structure welcomes endless flavor variations. Try a Mediterranean version with spinach, feta, and olives, or go for a breakfast calzone with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese. For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the original filling. The key is maintaining the same total volume of filling to ensure proper cooking.
Perfect Pairings
These calzones are substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but they pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A light tomato soup also makes an excellent companion, especially during colder months.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your calzones leak during cooking, your filling was likely too wet or your edges weren't sealed properly. Try draining wet ingredients thoroughly and double-crimping the edges.
For even crispier calzones, try spritzing the air fryer basket with olive oil before adding the calzones.
If your calzones brown too quickly before cooking through, lower the temperature to 350°F and extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe, making it quick and hassle-free.
- → What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
If you prefer, you can substitute Alfredo sauce with marinara, pesto, or any creamy sauce you like.
- → Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to leave space around the edges when adding the filling and crimp the edges tightly with a fork.
- → Can I prepare these calzones in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them and store in the fridge for up to a day. Air fry just before serving for best results.