Cаlzones , a fun Italian food that stаrted in Nаples , are like little dough pοckets stuffed with cheese , meat and veggies . Traditionally , you fold a round piece of dough over the filling and bake it till golden . This warm meal shows off Italian food history and you can change it up any way you like . A popular twist is Chіcken Alfredo , which adds soft chicken , creamy sauce and stretchy cheese together in one bite .
Mixing Chіcken Alfredo into calzones makes them extra rich , so its not just food but a whole treat . The white sauce is usually made with butter , cream , and Parmesan cheese , and gives a smooth feel that fits well with the tender chicken . This dish is comfort food perfect for family dinners , hangouts , or a cozy night in .
Since eating healthy is getting more important , using an air fryer helps make classic dishes like calzones better for you . Instead of drowning them in oil , an air fryer cooks by blowing hot air around the food , cutting down oil but still getting a nice crunch . This way you keep flavors and textures but can eat guilt-free . Chіcken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones combine old Italian flavors with a modern healthy twist .
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen tool that cooks food by moving hot air around it , so you get a crispy outside almost like deep frying but with much less oil . It works by heating the air inside the cooking chamber and using a fan to spread it evenly . The result is crunchy food without soaking it in oil , making it a healthier choice for many dishes .
Using an air fryer cuts calories and fat and cooks faster , plus you dont end up with lots of oil splatters . Most foods keep their taste and texture when air fried , and many air fryers let you bake , roast , or grill too , adding to their use .
When you compare normal frying to air frying , the difference shows . Traditional frying needs lots of oil to get that golden look , which adds extra calories and fat . Air frying does almost the same with just a bit of oil , if any , making the meal healthier . This makes air frying a good option if you want comfort food without all the added oil .
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
To make Chіcken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones , you need some fresh ingredients that give flavor and texture . Below is what you need most , plus some extras if you want to mix it up .
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breаst , for protein .
- Alfredo Sauce: 1 cup Alfredo sauce , store-bought or homemade , for the creamy feel .
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey bite ;
- Pizza Dough: 1 pound dough , store bought or made from scratch , to wrap your filling .
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach: 1 cup fresh spinach or ½ cup steamed broccoli for extra nutrition .
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon to boost flavor .
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a herby note .
- Olive Oil: For brushing the calzones before air frying , so they get a golden finish .
Equipment Needed
To make these calzones , gather :
- Air Fryer: The main appliance you need .
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing chicken and sauce .
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough .
- Baking Sheet or Cutting Board: A flat surface to assemble the calzones .
- Knife and Cutting Board: For cutting veggies or dough .
Directions for Making Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breast fully . You can grill or pan-fry it until it hits 165°F (75°C) inside . Let it cool a bit then shred the chicken into pieces with two forks .
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a floured surface , roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick . Dust with flour so it doesnt stick .
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Place some shredded chicken on half of the rolled dough . Spoon Alfredo sauce over it and sprinkle mozzarella cheese . If using spinach or spices , add them now . Dont overfill or it might leak .
Step 4: Air Fry the Calzones
Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon . Press the edges shut with fingers or a fork . Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) . Brush each calzone with olive oil for browning . Air fry in batches for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crispy .
Step 5: Serve
Let the calzones rest a few minutes before serving . Enjoy them plain or with marinara or garlic butter for dipping .
Nutritional Information
These Chіcken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a tasty meal that mix comfort and healthier cooking . Here is a rough nutrition guide :
- Calories: About 350–400 per calzone , depending on ingredients .
- Fat: 15–20 grams , mostly from cheese and sauce .
- Protein: 20–30 grams from chicken and cheese .
Compared to deep-fried calzones , these have much less fat and calories but still taste great and stay crunchy .
Tips for Making Perfect Calzones
Here are some tips to make sure your calzones come out right :
- Dough Handling: Keep it floured so it wont stick , and roll it evenly so it cooks the same .
- Filling Variations: Try other meats or veggies like ricotta , mushrooms , or zucchini .
- Storing and Reheating: Leftovers last 3 days in the fridge . To reheat , pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these mistakes so your calzones dont fail :
- Overstuffing: Too much filling makes them burst open . Use a moderate amount .
- Poor Sealing: If the edges arent sealed well , the filling will leak . Press edges tight .
- Wrong Cooking Time: Air fryer times vary . Check halfway through so you dont undercook or burn them .
FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes , leftover chicken works great and saves you time . Just shred it and you are set .
2. What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
You can try pesto , marinara , or a cream cheese mix with garlic and herbs for a lighter sauce .
3. Can I make these calzones gluten-free?
Sure , swap regular dough for a gluten-free option from the store or make your own .
4. How do I reheat calzones in the air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for 5–7 minutes until hot inside .
5. Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones?
Yes , freezing them is great for meal prep . Store in a bag or box for up to 3 months . Thaw before reheating .
Conclusion
Chіcken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones are a tasty , healthier twist on Italian calzones . Using the air fryer gives you the crunch without all the oil . You can change fillings and sauces any way you like . Share your own ideas and let me know how they turn out !
Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 each egg, beaten for egg wash
- to taste spices seasoning spices garlic powder, Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add olive oil and water to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a minute on a floured surface until it’s smooth.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, about 6 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving room at the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a calzone. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork for extra security.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and place the calzones inside without overcrowding.
- Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg and sprinkle with seasoning spices.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Once done, allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
