Description
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all enclosed in a crispy, golden air-fried pizza dough crust. Perfect as a hearty snack or meal, these calzones combine savory flavors with a satisfying texture, and come together quickly using a simple homemade or store-bought dough and an easy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Calzones
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Turn the heat to low and gradually stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the dough.
- Prepare the Dough: Cut the 1 pound pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the rolled dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Calzones: Spread one-fourth of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together, crimping securely with a fork to seal.
- Prepare the Parsley Butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley. Use a pastry brush to brush the top of each assembled calzone with this parsley butter mixture.
- Cook the Calzones: Place the calzones in the basket of an air fryer that has been lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping the calzones halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Brush the tops again with the remaining parsley butter after cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. They pair wonderfully with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the calzones with additional melted butter before air frying.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
- Letting the calzones rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the filling set and prevent burns when biting in.
- Reheat leftover calzones in the air fryer for best texture, about 3-4 minutes at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Calzones, Air Fryer Calzones, Easy Calzone Recipe, Alfredo Sauce, Italian-Calzone
