There’s something about this dish that just works—here’s why: Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones have quickly become one of our family favorites. Imagine digging into a delicious, crispy calzone, bursting with a creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken. My kids, Mateo and Camila, can never get enough of these delightful hand-held treats, and frankly, who can blame them? They’re not only a joy to eat but are also wonderfully simple to whip up after a long day filled with the usual chaos of parenting.

Why It Works

Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: First, the air fryer gives these calzones a golden, crispy crust without the waiting time of baking. Trust me, when you’re trying to get dinner ready while the kids are circling like hungry vultures, every minute counts! Second, the combination of rich Alfredo sauce and shredded chicken is as comforting as a warm hug, making this dish a cozy favorite that is perfect for family lunches or a fun dinner night. Finally, the versatility of this recipe means you can sneak in veggies or vary the filling depending on whatever you have in the fridge—bonus points for creativity!

Ingredients List

Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
Filling
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 Italian seasoning

Ingredient Swaps

If you’re in the mood to switch things up, don’t hesitate to experiment! I’ve swapped out the cooked chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep, and occasionally I’ll throw in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also use a store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time—no judgment here! Just remember, the heart of these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones is the filling, so ensure your choices are something your family will love.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. The chatter about bubbles is all part of the fun for Mateo when he sees it come to life!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Add flour to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let rise for 10 minutes. It’s always nice to watch the magic happen as the dough puffs up, just like my excitement when I see my kids enjoying the final product!

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. I let Camila mix this step; she loves being my little helper in the kitchen, and it gets her excited for what’s to come.

More tasty ideas Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Go for a size that’s easy for little hands to hold—about 6 inches works great!

Step 5: Fill and Seal

Place the chicken filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and seal the edges. A good pinch ensures no delicious filling escapes during cooking—just watch out for your fingers!

Step 6: Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook calzones in batches for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The smell wafting through the house is simply irresistible—I can almost hear my kids cheering as they anticipate dinner.

Serving & Garnish

When it comes to serving, I like to present these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—my kids love it! Sometimes we enjoy them with a light salad for a balanced meal. We often make it a cozy family night, piling up pillows in the living room and enjoying our homemade goodies together while watching a favorite movie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake? Overfilling the calzones, which leads to a messy explosion in the air fryer—let’s keep those delicious insides intact! Also, make sure your dough is rolled out evenly; uneven thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Lastly, don’t skip the preheating step; it ensures an optimal texture in your Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my household!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes until heated through and crispy again, or use your microwave for a quicker option (though they won’t be quite as crunchy). Freezing is also a great option—wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the air fryer.

A Little Note from Me

The first time I made these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, Camila had just turned six, and she declared them “the best thing ever!” Honestly, it melted my heart to see her so enthusiastic. We made a fun family tradition of doing calzone night every Friday, and it’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking for my family. Whether or not Mateo or Camila are trying new fillings in their calzones, it’s always a blast to see their creativity in the kitchen!

More tasty ideas Chicken Taco Casserole

FAQs

What is the best filling for air fryer chicken calzones?
For Air Fryer Chicken Calzones, classic options include shredded chicken with creamy sauces like Alfredo or ranch, and vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and can save you preparation time. Just make sure to roll it out to the right thickness before filling.

How do I know when my calzones are done cooking?
Keep an eye out for a golden brown color on the outside. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so feel free to experiment before settling on your perfect time.

Can I freeze these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?
Yes! They freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container. You can directly cook from frozen, adding extra cook time as needed.

What other sauces can I use instead of Alfredo?
You could use marinara, pesto, or even barbecue sauce for a fun twist. The beauty of calzones is the endless possibilities!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!