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I stumbled upon this amazing Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe when my air fryer was still new and I wanted to try something different. The combination of my homemade garlic alfredo sauce tender chicken and melty cheese wrapped in crispy dough turned out so incredible my kids now request these instead of pizza on Friday nights.
Your New Favorite Way to Use Your Air Fryer
Trust me these calzones will make you fall in love with your air fryer all over again. They're just like the ones from Olive Garden but so much easier to make at home. Plus they come out perfectly crispy every time without all the mess and guilt of deep frying.
What You'll Need
- Pizza Dough: Grab your favorite from the store it makes life so much easier.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Such a time saver and always juicy.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves make the sauce absolutely incredible.
- Heavy Cream: This makes our sauce rich and velvety.
- Parmesan Cheese: The good stuff freshly grated.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gets perfectly stretchy when melted.
- Butter: For that gorgeous golden crust.
Let's Make Some Calzones
- Get Your Dough Ready:
- Split your dough into portions and stretch them into circles. I usually get four good sized calzones from one batch.
- Time to Fill:
- Spread that creamy alfredo on one side add your chicken and pile on the cheese.
- Seal Them Up:
- Fold the dough over and pinch those edges really well. Nobody wants their filling escaping.
- Into the Air Fryer:
- Brush with butter and cook at 375°F. I always add more butter halfway through for extra crispiness.
- Almost Ready:
- Give them a few minutes to cool down that filling gets super hot.
My Best Tips
The rotisserie chicken from the store makes these so much easier. Don't overstuff your calzones or they'll burst in the air fryer. That extra brush of butter partway through cooking makes them extra golden and delicious. Let them cool a bit trust me that filling is like lava when it first comes out.
Why You Need These in Your Life
These calzones have become my go to recipe when I need something special but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. They're perfect for busy nights game day snacking or whenever you're craving something warm and comforting. The air fryer makes them so much easier than traditional frying.
Mix It Up
- Go Veggie: Skip the chicken and load up with mushrooms and spinach.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños.
- Cheese Party: Try different cheese combinations my kids love provolone.
- Season the Crust: A sprinkle of Italian herbs makes them extra special.
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Perfect Pairings
We love dipping these in warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Add a fresh salad on the side and you've got dinner sorted. They're also perfect for parties just make a big batch and watch them disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these calzones without an air fryer?
Yes, bake them in a regular oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter before and after baking for the same crispy finish.
- → Can I freeze these calzones?
These freeze great before cooking. Wrap each assembled calzone in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to leave a good border around the edges when filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal. Fold over the sealed edge for extra protection against leaks.
- → Can I use different fillings?
Absolutely! Try different cheeses, add vegetables, or swap chicken for other cooked meats. Just make sure any meat is pre-cooked and ingredients aren't too wet.
- → How do I store leftover calzones?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore the crispy exterior.