Description
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors, featuring creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Made in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal, these calzones are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
✔️ Busy home cooks who need a quick and satisfying meal
✔️ Chicken Alfredo lovers who want a handheld version of their favorite pasta
✔️ Meal preppers looking for freezer-friendly options
✔️ Air fryer enthusiasts who love crispy, golden crusts
✔️ Families with kids who enjoy fun, cheesy meals
Why It’s Great
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Air Fryer Friendly – No need to heat up the oven
✅ Homemade Alfredo Sauce – Rich, creamy, and better than store-bought
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, different cheeses, or swap the protein
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Freezes well for busy days
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ Rolling pin – To roll out the dough
✔️ Parchment paper – For easy cleanup and non-stick cooking
✔️ Air fryer – For fast, crispy calzones
✔️ Medium saucepan – To make the Alfredo sauce
✔️ Pastry brush – To apply the buttery herb topping
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Calzones:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place rolled-out dough rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
- Spread 1/4 of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Top with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling.
- Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Add the Buttery Herb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter and chopped parsley.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each calzone with the butter mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Calzones
- Lightly oil the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.
- Place calzones inside, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Brush with any remaining parsley butter for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or fully cooked calzones in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! If short on time, use 1/2 cup of store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making your own.
2. What other fillings can I add?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
3. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
4. What can I serve with these calzones?
They pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a bowl of soup.
5. How do I prevent calzones from opening while cooking?
Make sure to crimp the edges tightly with a fork and don’t overfill them.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious, handheld meal that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella inside a crispy, golden crust. Whether made fresh, prepped ahead, or frozen for later, they’re a fantastic option for busy weeknights, lunches, or even game-day snacks.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Want more filling ideas or dipping sauce suggestions? Let’s chat!
