Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are what I whip up when I want something movie-night worthy but still comforting enough for a family dinner These are golden pouches packed with creamy Alfredo chicken and plenty of melty cheese all made in the air fryer for maximum crunch and minimum mess

My family calls these hand-held comfort food and I cannot count the number of times these have disappeared faster than I expected The air fryer crispness always blows everyone away

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken breast: This builds a hearty filling that is never dry Buy a rotisserie chicken for convenience
• Alfredo sauce: Brings creaminess and classic flavor Jarred works but homemade pushes flavor up a notch
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for those stretchy cheese pulls Look for part-skim or whole milk for richer results
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling Choose whole milk for extra smoothness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty savory hit to balance all the gooeyness Freshly grated is best for punch
• Garlic powder: Boosts flavor across the filling without chopping cloves
• Italian seasoning: Makes things herby and familiar Dried blends are perfect here
• Salt and pepper: Finish off with just enough to wake up all the flavors
• Store-bought pizza dough: Keeps prep speedy Find brands with minimal ingredients for better flavor
• Olive oil: For brushing the tops which helps with browning Use extra-virgin if you can
• Extra Alfredo sauce: Perfect for dunking and double flavor on the side

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Heat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes This ensures crispy crust right away

Mix the Filling:

Combine the shredded chicken Alfredo sauce mozzarella ricotta Parmesan garlic powder and Italian seasoning in a large bowl Season with salt and pepper and mix everything until evenly moistened and cheesy

Shape the Dough:

Roll out each pizza dough round and cut in half so you have four pieces total Work on a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking

Stuff the Calzones:

Scoop a generous mound of chicken filling onto one half of each dough piece Leave a half inch border at the edges so you can seal them Well-stuffed means gooey cheesy bites

Seal the Calzones:

Fold the empty dough half over the filling to form a half-moon Crimp edges with a fork all the way around so it does not burst open These should be tightly sealed

Brush with Olive Oil:

Brush the calzone tops with olive oil This gives a beautiful golden crust and extra crispness

Air Fry the Calzones:

Arrange calzones in the air fryer basket without crowding Cook for eight to ten minutes until the tops are golden brown and crisp You may need to work in batches

Cool and Serve:

Let the calzones cool for a couple minutes Serve hot with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping and enjoy that cheese stretch

Pin

My favorite part is watching the cheese bubble out the seams when you break one open I will never forget the first time my little one dunked a calzone into Alfredo sauce and declared it the best dinner ever

Storage Tips

Let calzones cool completely before storing Wrap each in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best texture Freezing works too Wrap individually and warm straight from frozen adding an extra minute or two to the cook time

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover roast turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist Any creamy cheese like cottage or mascarpone works in place of ricotta Use your sauce of choice—garlic cream or even a light tomato sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or roast vegetables A side of marinara offers another dipping option Perfect for game day spreads or simple weeknight dinners Add a pinch of red pepper flakes inside for a gentle heat

Pin

Cultural Context

Calzones are a beloved part of Italian-American cuisine especially for gatherings and parties While classic Neapolitan versions stick to traditional ingredients this version with Alfredo sauce shows how recipes travel and adapt for quick comforts using handy ingredients like pizza dough and air fryers

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What kind of chicken works best for calzones?

Shredded, cooked chicken breast is ideal. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for tenderness and flavor.

→ Can these be baked instead of air fried?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp if you don't have an air fryer.

→ Is homemade or store-bought Alfredo recommended?

Both work well—jarred Alfredo saves time, while homemade allows for customization of flavor and texture.

→ Can calzones be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them a few hours in advance. Cook just before serving for best freshness.

→ What cheeses create the best filling?

Use mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for a creamy, stretchy texture and rich, savory depth in each bite.

→ How can calzones be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness.