Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a family favorite: Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones. Trust me, once you try these crispy and cheesy calzones filled with flavorful chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce, you’ll be hooked! There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly golden crust and being greeted by a burst of savory goodness. Plus, the best part is that these calzones are made in the air fryer, which means they’re healthier and easier to make. So, let’s dive into the recipe and get those taste buds tingling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make these chicken Alfredo calzones when I want to impress my family or friends with a homemade Italian-inspired meal. The combination of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Plus, the air fryer gives the calzones a perfectly crispy crust without the need for deep frying. It’s a win-win situation! My family goes crazy for these calzones because they’re delicious, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting. They’re like little pockets of happiness, ready to be devoured.
Ingredients
For the dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup warm water
For the filling:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle on a lightly floured surface.
8. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge if you’d like.
10. Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
11. Carefully remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I find that using homemade Alfredo sauce gives these calzones an extra layer of flavor, but you can also use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. Feel free to get creative with the filling and add your favorite ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Variations
Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your calzones. Try using provolone, fontina, or even a blend of different cheeses. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also make mini calzones by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Equipment
While an air fryer is the perfect tool for making these calzones, you can still achieve a delicious result using a conventional oven. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the calzones for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, these calzones never last more than a day! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these chicken Alfredo calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. I personally like to sprinkle some dried oregano and red pepper flakes on top of the calzones before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making the dough from scratch. Just make sure to let it rise according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these calzones?
A: Absolutely! These calzones freeze beautifully. Once they’re cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the other filling ingredients. You’ll have delicious calzones in no time!
Now that you have the recipe for these irresistible Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. I hope you enjoy making and devouring these calzones as much as I do. Happy cooking!
CHICKEN ALFREDO AIR FRYER CALZONES
Crispy and cheesy calzones filled with flavorful chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese, all made in the air fryer for a healthier and easier cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
-
Add the olive oil and warm water to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
-
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle on a lightly floured surface.
-
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative edge.
-
Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they're not touching each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
-
Carefully remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. Enjoy!