Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy – Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones! These golden pockets of goodness are a game-changer on busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal without the chaos in the kitchen. The magical combination of crunchy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory chicken filling makes these calzones impossible to resist. Plus, they cook up in just 20 minutes in the air fryer, making them a miracle solution for those hectic evenings.

I stumbled upon this lifesaving recipe last year, and it has since become a household favorite, even converting picky eaters into fans. From my son asking for seconds to my niece requesting them on repeat, these Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones have proven to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Embracing shortcuts like pre-made dough and jarred Alfredo sauce has only made these calzones more accessible and welcomed by even the most discerning food critics. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to meal for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Whether you’re serving them up as a Friday night tradition or impressing guests at a gathering, these calzones are sure to disappear quickly, leaving everyone craving for more. And if you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence), don’t worry – they reheat beautifully in the air fryer, preserving that delightful crispness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible charm of Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones that will elevate your dinner game to a whole new level!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner option
• Family and kid-friendly meal that even picky eaters love
• Versatile recipe with endless variations to suit different preferences
• Can be made ahead and frozen for convenient future meals

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Crispy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish in the air fryer, making it a time-saving option for a delicious meal.
• Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will love the cheesy, gooey chicken filling encased in a crispy crust, creating a meal that even the most reluctant eaters won’t be able to resist.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s family dinner or a gathering with friends, these calzones are sure to be a hit with everyone, earning you compliments and requests for the recipe.
• Versatile: With endless variations like the spicy sausage, buffalo chicken, or Mediterranean-inspired options, you can customize the calzones to suit different tastes and preferences.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The convenience of assembling and freezing the calzones means you can have a delicious meal ready to go on busy nights, providing a stress-free solution for meal prep.
• Air Fryer Magic: Achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside molten and delicious in less time than traditional baking methods, thanks to the air fryer.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of reheating leftovers in the air fryer for a quick and tasty meal later, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
• Impressively Easy: Despite the gourmet taste, these calzones utilize shortcuts like store-bought pizza dough and jarred Alfredo sauce, proving that a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated to make.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

For the Filling

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

For the Calzones

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
• 2 store-bought pizza dough rounds

For Serving

• Extra Alfredo sauce for dipping

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the filling

Combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the dough

Roll out each pizza dough round and divide each into 2 equal pieces to make a total of 4 pieces.

Step 4: Form the calzones

Spoon chicken mixture onto half of each dough piece, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape and seal edges by pressing with a fork.

Step 5: Get ready to cook

Brush the tops of each calzone lightly with olive oil to achieve a golden color.

Step 6: Air fry in batches

Arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve while hot

Allow the calzones to cool briefly before serving. Serve with additional Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your crispy cheesy chicken Alfredo calzones, storing any leftovers is simple. If you have a few calzones left, wrap them in foil and place them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes for that perfect crispy texture. While using the microwave is an option, it might result in a softer crust rather than maintaining the original crispiness.

For those hectic days when you need a quick meal, consider making a double batch of calzones and freezing the assembled but uncooked ones. Individually wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. When you are ready to have a meal from the freezer, unwrap the calzone and place it directly into the air fryer, adding approximately 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. This freezer-friendly option comes in handy on busy nights, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a vegetarian version of these calzones, you can easily swap the shredded chicken for your favorite plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, sautéed mushrooms, or even a mix of roasted vegetables. To maintain the savory flavor profile, consider adding some smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for extra umami.

For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of cheese or opt for lower-fat alternatives like part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat ricotta, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the overall taste without compromising on the gooey texture.

If you prefer a homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought, you can easily whip up a simple version using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Feel free to customize the sauce with ingredients like lemon zest, nutmeg, or a dash of white wine to elevate the flavors. This way, you can control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a calzone bar for a casual gathering or family dinner night. Lay out bowls of additional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, fresh basil, and cooked bacon to let everyone customize their calzones before baking. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, pesto, and extra Alfredo sauce to add even more flavor to each golden pocket. This DIY approach adds a playful twist to the meal and allows each person to create their ideal combination of fillings.

To elevate your calzone experience, turn them into a gourmet appetizer by slicing them into bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Pair these mini calzones with a selection of dipping sauces like truffle aioli, roasted red pepper coulis, and garlic herb butter for a sophisticated and flavorful spread. This elegant presentation is perfect for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious appetizer option.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade Alfredo sauce in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a similar consistency to the store-bought version, so the filling isn’t too runny.

Can I bake these calzones in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking, you can place the assembled calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Can I substitute the shredded chicken with another protein like ground beef or turkey?

Yes, you can customize the filling to your liking. Feel free to use cooked ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or tofu as a replacement for shredded chicken.

How long do these calzones stay fresh if I want to make them ahead of time?

If stored properly in the fridge, these calzones can stay fresh for up to a couple of days. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely as smitten with Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones as I am. These pockets of love hold a special place in my heart, not just for their incredible taste but for the memories they’ve helped create in my home. From picky eaters turned enthusiasts to impromptu block party favorites, these calzones have a way of bringing people together over a delicious meal.

As you embark on your own Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzone journey, I encourage you to make them your own. Experiment with different fillings, sauces, and cooking methods to discover your family’s perfect combination. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into uncharted culinary territory, remember that the joy of cooking lies not just in the final dish but in the shared experience around the table.

So, with a warm heart and a full stomach, go forth and create your own Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzone traditions. May these golden pockets of cheesy goodness continue to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces and fill your home with the comforting aroma of a meal made with love. Embrace the simplicity and magic of these calzones, and let them become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire. Happy cooking, and may your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones always be a reason to gather ’round the table with those you hold dear.