You know, every time I make these Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, I can’t help but think back to that one time my oven decided to go on strike, and I had to improvise using my trusty air fryer. It turned out to be a happy accident! I mean, who doesn’t love a crispy, golden calzone stuffed with creamy goodness? They’re like tiny pockets of joy. And hey, if I can do it while juggling a million things, so can you!
Why You’ll Love This
I make these whenever I’m craving something comforting but not totally guilt-inducing (we all have those days, right?). My family goes crazy for these because they’re like having a mini pizza party without the extra mess. Plus, they’re super versatile—sometimes I throw in whatever leftovers I have hiding in the fridge. And honestly, who doesn’t like a dish that saves you cleanup?
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftovers work great!)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade, you do you!)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (my grandma insists on fresh, but pre-grated is just fine)
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (I’ve also used crescent rolls in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for the glaze)
How to Make Them
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Hey, let it do its thing while you prep the rest.
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This is where I usually sneak a taste—quality control, right?
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Don’t worry if it looks a bit odd; we’re not going for perfection here!
- Cut the dough into 6 equal squares. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle. Crimp the edges with a fork—gently, though!
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg. It might seem like a hassle, but it makes a lovely golden crust.
- Pop them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they’re nice and crispy.
Some Handy Notes
Okay, so here’s a tip: If you’re ever feeling adventurous, try adding some spinach or mushrooms—you might just create your new favorite calzone. But watch out; once I added too much sauce, and it was a mess!
Variations I’ve Tried
I’ve played around with these a lot. Swapping out the chicken for ham and pineapple turned out surprisingly well. Once, I tried using BBQ sauce instead of Alfredo—it wasn’t my best idea, let’s just say it was a tad too sweet!
What If I Don’t Have the Right Tools?
No air fryer? No worries! You can bake these in a regular oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. It might not be as speedy, but it’ll still do the trick.
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
These keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days, though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes, and they’re as good as new.
Serving Suggestions
I like to pair these with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies. My kids, however, are all about dipping them in extra sauce—go figure!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I once tried rushing the dough rolling step, and regretted it because the calzones ended up looking like sad little blobs. Take your time with it!
FAQ Time!
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! I sometimes use cheddar if that’s all I have. It’s all about flexibility.
What if I don’t have any cooked chicken? No biggie, just cook up some chicken breasts or thighs. Or, on second thought, use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
Can these be frozen? Yep, just freeze them before the final cook and then pop them straight into the air fryer when you’re ready to eat. Easy peasy!