Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delightful twist on traditional Italian comfort food. These golden calzones are filled with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a blend of three cheeses, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or quick weeknight meals, these calzones are sure to impress anyone at your table with their rich flavors and satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of chicken, Alfredo sauce, and three cheeses creates a mouthwatering filling that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these calzones as appetizers, snacks, or main courses—perfect for any occasion!
• Air Fryer Convenience: Enjoy the crispiness without the guilt of deep frying; your air fryer makes it simple.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add veggies or swap proteins based on your preferences for an even more personalized meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Fork
• Baking brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool allows you to achieve a crispy texture without excess oil.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl ensures you can mix all the ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Rolling pin: This helps in rolling out pizza dough evenly for perfect calzone shapes.

Ingredients

Crispy golden calzones stuffed with chicken, Alfredo sauce and three cheeses – made quick and easy in your air fryer.

For the Filling

• 1 pound shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dough

• 2 store-bought pizza dough rounds

For Brushing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing

For Dipping

• Extra Alfredo sauce for dipping

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Take each pizza dough round:
1. Roll it out on a floured surface.
2. Cut each round into two equal pieces so you have a total of four pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Calzones

For each piece of dough:
1. Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture onto one half of the dough piece.
2. Leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
3. Fold the empty half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
4. Press and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal them tightly.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil

Lightly brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil. This step ensures they achieve that gorgeous golden color during cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Calzones

Place calzones in the air fryer basket:
– Make sure they don’t overlap; cook in batches if necessary.
– Cook for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are deliciously versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these calzones are sure to impress.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the rich flavors of the calzones.
• Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness to your plate.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Extra Alfredo Sauce: The classic pairing that enhances the cheesy goodness of each bite.
• Marinara Sauce: A tangy option that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the calzones.

Add Some Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch and balances out the meal.
• Grilled Zucchini: Smoky grilled zucchini adds flavor without overpowering the main dish.

Include Some Bread

• Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery sticks are perfect for dipping into any extra sauce you have.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil offers a delightful crunch.

How to Perfect Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

To make sure your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly season your fillings: Adding enough salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor of the chicken mixture.
• Boldly crimp edges securely: Ensure that you seal your calzones well to prevent any filling from leaking during cooking.
• Boldly preheat the air fryer: Preheating helps achieve that perfect golden crust on your calzones in less time.
• Boldly cook in batches if necessary: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; this ensures even cooking and crispiness for all calzones.
• Boldly let them cool slightly before serving: Allowing a few minutes for cooling helps maintain their shape and makes them easier to eat.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to elevate your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery side that complements the cheesy filling perfectly.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the calzones.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted veggies provide a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer an extra crunch alongside your calzone.
5. Soup of Your Choice: Tomato or minestrone soup adds warmth and can act as an excellent dip.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables enhances Italian flavors on your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones can be easy, but several common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Forgetting to season your filling can lead to bland calzones. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before sealing them up.

• Overfilling the calzones – Adding too much filling can cause the calzones to burst while cooking. Use a generous scoop, but leave enough space along the edges for sealing.

• Not preheating the air fryer – If you skip preheating, your calzones may cook unevenly. Always preheat for optimal results.

• Using cold dough – Cold pizza dough can be difficult to work with. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.

• Neglecting the oil brush – Failing to brush olive oil on top can prevent that delightful golden crust. Make sure to brush each calzone before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

• Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place calzones on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.

• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook calzones on both sides for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the calzones ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

What types of chicken work best for this recipe?

Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor.

How do I make these calzones vegetarian?

You can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers mixed with cheese and Alfredo sauce.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

What dipping sauces pair well with these calzones?

Extra Alfredo sauce is a classic choice, but marinara or ranch dressing also work great!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt them by adding different ingredients or spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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