Golden, buttery crust on the outside. Creamy, garlicky Alfredo and juicy chicken on the inside. These chicken alfredo air fryer calzones are everything you love about Italian comfort food—made quicker, crispier, and easier in your air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a satisfying snack, this air fryer recipe delivers indulgent flavor with half the fuss (and grease) of traditional deep frying.

chicken alfredo air fryer calzones

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

If you’re craving rich flavor with a satisfying crunch, chicken alfredo air fryer calzones are your answer. The air fryer creates that golden, crispy crust without the mess of deep frying. Inside, melty mozzarella and a homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and cream come together for an ooey-gooey, savory filling. Using rotisserie chicken and premade pizza dough means less prep and more eating.

They’re:

  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
  • Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
  • Customizable with endless filling variations
  • A crowd-pleaser that works as a main dish or finger food

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Let’s break down the essential ingredients that make this recipe rich in flavor and easy to pull together.

Premade Pizza Dough: The crispy, chewy base that holds everything together. Skip homemade dough and buy from a local pizzeria or store for convenience.

Rotisserie Chicken: Adds protein and a juicy texture with no extra cooking required. A major time saver.

Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that essential cheesy stretch and gooey interior.

Parmesan Cheese: Key to the Alfredo’s sharp, nutty richness. Use freshly grated for best meltability.

Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce.

Garlic: Loads of fresh garlic infuse the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.

Butter: Used in the sauce and to brush the calzones, adding rich flavor and a glossy finish.

Italian or Cajun Seasoning: Adds depth and a subtle kick to balance the creamy sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Mixed into the melted butter for a herbaceous topping.

Optional Marinara: For dipping—adds acidity that cuts the creaminess.

Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ons

Need to tweak the recipe? No problem. Try these tasty substitutions:

Dough Alternative: Crescent roll dough or puff pastry can substitute for pizza dough in a pinch. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Protein Swap: Use cooked shrimp, turkey, or plant-based chicken for different diets.

Dairy-Free Alfredo: Substitute with a cashew-based or vegan Alfredo for a lactose-intolerant version.

Cheese Options: Add provolone, fontina, or ricotta for variety in texture and flavor.

Extra Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Follow these simple steps for perfect, restaurant-style calzones right in your kitchen.

  1. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
    In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and seasonings. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add parmesan and whisk until the sauce thickens. Let cool while prepping the dough.
  2. Shape the Dough:
    Divide the pizza dough into 4-ounce balls. With floured hands, stretch each into a 6-inch circle. Avoid using a rolling pin to prevent shrinkage—let gravity help stretch the dough gently.
  3. Fill the Calzones:
    Spoon a generous amount of Alfredo sauce into the center of each dough round. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken and mozzarella. Keep edges clean to ensure a good seal.
  4. Seal and Crimp:
    Fold the dough in half to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges and fold over to secure. Repeat with remaining dough.
  5. Butter and Air Fry:
    Melt butter and stir in minced parsley. Brush each calzone with the herb butter. Place in a preheated air fryer at 375°F and cook for 8 minutes, brushing again with butter halfway through.
  6. Serve Hot:
    Remove calzones and give one final butter brush for shine. Serve immediately with optional marinara sauce for dipping.
chicken alfredo air fryer calzones

Kitchen Tips for Success the Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Perfecting chicken alfredo air fryer calzones is easy with a few expert tricks:

  • Avoid Overstuffing: Too much filling can cause leaks. Use a modest scoop of sauce and toppings.
  • Seal Well: Pinch the dough firmly and fold to keep everything inside.
  • Watch the Butter: Reapply halfway through cooking for that signature golden crust.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Helps achieve even cooking and crispiness.
  • Cool Before Eating: The filling gets HOT—let them sit for 2–3 minutes before digging in.

Delicious Pairings and Calzone Variations

These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are super versatile. Here are some ways to elevate or modify them:

Serve With:

  • Marinara Sauce: For dipping and added acidity
  • Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian chopped salad balances the richness
  • Garlic Knots: Double down on carbs for the ultimate comfort meal
  • Roasted Veggies: Broccoli or asparagus makes it a full dinner

Variations to Try:

  • Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Add hot sauce to the Alfredo and use blue cheese instead of parmesan
  • Spinach & Artichoke Version: Fold in spinach and chopped artichokes with the cheese
  • Breakfast Calzones: Swap Alfredo for gravy, chicken for scrambled eggs and sausage

Make-Ahead & Storage:

  • Freeze Uncooked Calzones: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time.
  • Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer for 3–4 minutes.

Why These Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Belong in Your Rotation

When it comes to easy, impressive weeknight dinners or game-day snacks, chicken alfredo air fryer calzones hit every note: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and crispy without a ton of oil or effort. The combination of convenience ingredients like rotisserie chicken and store-bought dough with a simple homemade sauce strikes the perfect balance of flavor and ease.

They’re a guaranteed family favorite, endlessly customizable, and a great way to put your air fryer to good use. Whether you’re making them fresh or pulling from the freezer, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Wrapping It Up: Why You’ll Crave Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones Again and Again

If you love crispy crusts, creamy sauces, and cheesy goodness wrapped into one handheld bite, chicken alfredo air fryer calzones are about to become your new favorite. With simple ingredients, fast cooking time, and the ease of the air fryer, they deliver all the indulgence of restaurant-style calzones without the deep-frying mess. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping freezer meals, or making a fun Friday night treat, this recipe brings comfort and satisfaction every time.

Make a batch, take a bite, and watch them disappear—these calzones are that good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze chicken alfredo air fryer calzones?

Yes! Assemble the calzones and freeze them before cooking. Wrap each in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time. They’ll still come out golden and delicious.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem. You can bake these calzones in a conventional oven at 425°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter before and after baking for that same glossy finish. While you’ll lose a bit of the signature crispiness, the result is still flavorful and satisfying.

Can I make these calzones with a different sauce?

Absolutely. While Alfredo is the star, you can experiment with other creamy sauces like pesto cream, marinara with ricotta, or buffalo ranch. Just keep the sauce thick to avoid soggy dough.

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chicken alfredo air fryer calzones

chicken alfredo air fryer calzones


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  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 calzones 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a crispy, cheesy, and comforting handheld meal made with rotisserie chicken, homemade garlic Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella, all wrapped in golden air-fried pizza dough. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, or satisfying snacks, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb premade pizza dough: provides a crispy, chewy base for the calzones
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken: pre-cooked and shredded for a quick protein filling
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy texture
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan: adds sharp, creamy depth to the Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream: base for a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce
  • 5 tablespoons butter: for sauce richness and buttery calzone crust
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced: infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian or Cajun seasoning: adds warmth and savory spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper: balances the richness with subtle heat
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced: for a fresh herb finish on top
  • Marinara sauce (optional): for dipping and added acidity

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 5 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Divide pizza dough into four 4-ounce balls. Stretch each into a 6-inch round using floured hands.
  5. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of Alfredo sauce in the center of each dough circle, keeping edges clean.
  6. Top with shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese.
  7. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape. Pinch edges tightly and fold over to seal.
  8. Mix remaining butter with minced parsley and brush over calzones.
  9. Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook calzones for 8 minutes, brushing with more butter halfway through.
  10. Remove from air fryer, brush again with butter, and serve hot with optional marinara sauce.

Notes

  • Do not overfill calzones to prevent leaks and uneven cooking.
  • Use store-bought or pizza shop dough for convenience and great texture.
  • Let calzones rest for a few minutes before serving—they will be hot inside.
  • Freeze uncooked calzones and cook straight from frozen when needed.
  • Customize with different sauces, cheeses, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 calzone
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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