Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Imagine biting into a warm, crispy calzone filled with a creamy chicken Alfredo mixture that’s perfectly seasoned and oozing with melted cheese. This recipe is an exciting twist on the classic Italian calzone, using the air fryer to achieve a beautifully golden and crispy crust with a fraction of the effort and time. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending the irresistible flavors of chicken Alfredo with the convenience of the air fryer. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a fun meal with friends, these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients Overview
- Pizza Dough (1 pound): The foundation of our calzone. Opt for store-bought dough for convenience or make your own for that authentic homemade feel. Ensure the dough is at room temperature before rolling it out; this makes it easier to handle.
- Cooked Chicken (1 cup, shredded): A great way to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken. You want the chicken to be tender and well-shredded to mix evenly with the sauce.
- Alfredo Sauce (1 cup): The heart of the filling, adding creamy richness. Homemade Alfredo sauce can elevate the flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works perfectly, too.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The gooey, melty cheese that binds the filling together. Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling, complementing the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings a fresh, herby note to the filling, balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors and brings all the elements of the filling together.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the calzones cook evenly and develop that crispy, golden-brown crust.
2. Prepare the Dough
Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Try to make the dough even so it cooks uniformly and seals well.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
4. Fill the Calzones
Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. This border is essential to ensure a good seal and prevent the filling from leaking out.
5. Fold and Seal the Calzones
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely. This step is crucial to keep all that delicious filling inside during cooking.
6. Cook in the Air Fryer
Arrange the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
7. Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like!
Valuable Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh chicken and cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has a superior texture to pre-shredded varieties.
Tip 2: Don’t Overfill the Calzones
Overfilling can cause the calzones to burst open during cooking. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per calzone.
Tip 3: Seal the Edges Well
Use a little water around the edges of the dough to help seal them securely. Crimp with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside while cooking.
Tip 4: Monitor the Cooking Time
Air fryers vary in their cooking times. Start checking the calzones around the 10-minute mark to prevent them from overcooking or burning.
Tip 5: Serve with a Dipping Sauce
Serve your calzones with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for extra flavor. It’s a delicious way to complement the creamy Alfredo filling.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the calzones back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain their crispy exterior.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Using two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast is an easy way to shred chicken. Alternatively, use a stand mixer on low speed for a quicker method.
4. Can I freeze the calzones?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Can I use other types of cheese?
Feel free to substitute with cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
6. How do I prevent the calzones from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly brush the basket with oil or use a parchment paper liner designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to the filling.
8. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. How do I keep the calzones crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
10. Can I use whole wheat dough?
Yes, whole wheat dough is a healthier alternative and works just as well.
11. What’s a good substitute for Alfredo sauce?
A homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk can substitute Alfredo sauce.
12. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure the Alfredo sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
13. Can I use different seasonings?
Feel free to add or substitute seasonings like Italian herbs or garlic powder to suit your taste.
14. How do I ensure the filling stays inside the calzone?
Make sure not to overfill and seal the edges tightly using a fork.
15. Can I make smaller calzones for appetizers?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
16. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Shredded turkey, ham, or even shrimp would be delicious alternatives.
17. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
18. How do I know when the calzones are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
19. Can I add a sauce inside the calzone?
Yes, a little extra Alfredo or a marinara sauce can be added, but be cautious not to make it too soggy.
20. How can I make the dough extra crispy?
Brush the top of the calzones with a little olive oil or melted butter before cooking.
20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection with Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
- Use high-quality Alfredo sauce for the best flavor.
- Season the filling well with salt and pepper; it’s key to a flavorful calzone.
- Ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and better sealing.
- Pre-cook any added vegetables to avoid excess moisture.
- Shred your own mozzarella cheese for superior melt and texture.
- Allow calzones to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and enhance flavors.
- Brush with olive oil or butter before air frying for a golden crust.
- Use parchment paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Check the calzones halfway through cooking and rotate if necessary.
- Experiment with different fillings to keep the dish exciting.
