Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

These golden, crispy calzones are filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese—all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. A quick, delicious dinner or snack that feels indulgent!

Ingredients (Makes 4 calzones)

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 cup (110g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅓ cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• ¼ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional add-ins: 2 tbsp cooked chopped spinach, ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or 2 strips cooked crumbled bacon

For Assembly:

• 1 lb (450g) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade, divided into 4 equal balls

• Olive oil or oil spray, for brushing

• 2 tbsp melted butter or garlic butter (for brushing after cooking)

• All-purpose flour, for dusting

• Marinara or extra Alfredo sauce, for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling:

   • In a medium bowl, combine chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, Alfredo sauce, ricotta (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. If using any optional add-ins, fold them in now.

2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

3. Shape the calzones:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 7–8 inch circle.

   • Place about ½ cup of filling on one half of each circle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

   • Fold the empty half of dough over the filling. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Make 2–3 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

4. Cook in the air fryer:

   • Lightly brush or spray both sides of each calzone with olive oil.

   • Place 1–2 calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow.

   • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

   • Repeat with remaining calzones.

5. Finish and serve:

   • Brush the hot calzones with melted (garlic) butter for extra flavor and shine.

   • Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving (the filling will be very hot!).

   • Serve warm with marinara or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Dough thickness: Roll dough evenly to avoid thin spots that could tear or leak.

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks during cooking.

• Seal well: Press edges firmly and use a fork to double-seal; this prevents cheese explosions.

• Air fryer size: Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper crisping.

• Homemade Alfredo shortcut: Mix ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, and 1 tbsp butter, warmed until smooth.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Flavor Variations

• Buffalo Chicken: Swap Alfredo for Buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.

• Veggie Lover’s: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.

• Pepperoni Pizza: Use pizza sauce, pepperoni, and extra mozzarella instead of Alfredo filling.

These calzones are wonderfully crispy outside, creamy and cheesy inside, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or game-day snacks!