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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are my go-to for a comforting Italian-American dinner when time is short but everyone craves something cozy and full of cheese. Using rotisserie chicken and store-bought pizza dough makes these calzones achievable on a weeknight and they come out irresistibly golden and crunchy in the air fryer every time.
My kids always ask for these when their friends come over and not a crumb is left on the tray. The air fryer does all the hard work giving you restaurant results without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken breast: gives a meaty filling—look for rotisserie chicken to save time or choose organic chicken for the best flavor
- Alfredo sauce: brings creamy richness—either homemade or your favorite jarred brand will work just make sure it is thick and flavorful
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and creates that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves—choose whole milk mozzarella for extra richness
- Ricotta cheese: adds a soft creamy texture—look for a brand without too much whey for less sogginess
- Grated Parmesan cheese: gives sharp salty flavor—get it fresh from the cheese counter if possible for the best taste
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: bring classic Italian flavors—choose dried Italian herb blends for a balanced taste
- Salt and pepper: to enhance and round out all the flavors—use kosher salt for more even seasoning
- Store-bought pizza dough: keeps this quick with chewy results—look for dough with a little bounce when you press gently
- Olive oil: brushed on top ensures a golden crisp finish—use extra virgin for the richest taste
- Extra Alfredo sauce for dipping: is optional but highly encouraged
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Air Fryer:
- Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes so the calzones cook evenly and get really crispy on the outside
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine shredded chicken Alfredo sauce mozzarella ricotta Parmesan garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper in a large bowl Use clean hands or a big spoon to mix until every bite will be cheesy and full of flavor
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll the pizza dough rounds and cut each one into two equal pieces Use a sharp knife or a pizza wheel for clean edges so you have four pieces altogether
- Fill the Calzones:
- Spoon a generous amount of chicken mixture onto one half of each dough piece Make sure to leave about a half inch of space around the edge so your filling does not spill out when folded
- Seal the Calzones:
- Fold the empty side of dough over the filling to form a half moon shape Take a fork and crimp the edges all the way around to make a good seal so no cheese leaks out during cooking
- Brush with Olive Oil:
- Use a pastry brush to lightly brush olive oil over the tops of each calzone This step creates that beautiful crunchy golden crust
- Air Fry the Calzones:
- Arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket so they do not touch If needed cook them in batches to prevent sticking Cook for eight to ten minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crisp then use tongs to remove them
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes so the filling sets These are great with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them
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I absolutely love how mozzarella melts into gooey strands inside these calzones. The kitchen always smells amazing and it reminds me of my first dinner party with friends when these disappeared in seconds.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage you can freeze them individually wrapped in foil or parchment paper and then placed in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350 degrees until hot and crisp about eight minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
No ricotta on hand? Try cottage cheese or even a spoon of cream cheese for a rich filling. If you want extra veggies chopped spinach or cooked mushrooms are delicious mixed in with the chicken. You can swap the Alfredo for marinara for a lighter take.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones with a fresh green salad or garlic butter roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair well with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley and a side of tomato soup—perfect for dipping especially on cold nights.
A Little History
Calzones hail from Naples Italy as a cousin to pizza but folded for mess-free eating. The traditional Italian version is usually filled with just cheese and a little cured meat. These American-style ones are stuffed generously with chicken Alfredo and lots of cheese for a comforting and modern twist.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for these calzones?
Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut, making preparation faster and easier.
- → What type of Alfredo sauce works best?
You can use homemade Alfredo or your favorite jarred version. Both create a creamy, rich filling for your calzones.
- → How do I ensure a crispy crust?
Brush the calzones with olive oil before air frying and make sure not to overcrowd the basket for even browning.
- → Can these be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, you can assemble calzones in advance and reheat them in the air fryer to restore crispiness before serving.
- → Can I freeze leftover calzones?
You can freeze cooked calzones. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until heated through and crispy.
- → What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling combines mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for a classic, rich Italian-American flavor.