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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crispy pizza dough. These calzones are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy family gathering, or a fun party snack. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
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Making Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones is a great choice if you want a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. They are versatile, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or change them up based on what’s in your pantry. With a crispy outer layer and cheesy filling, these calzones can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Plus, since you can cook them in the air fryer, they can be lighter than traditional fried snacks.
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How to make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Making Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones is straightforward and fun. Follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Alfredo sauce
- Cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian herbs)
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Directions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because it ensures that your calzones will cook evenly and become crispy.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and both types of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir well until all the ingredients are mixed evenly. The mixture should be creamy and cheesy, setting the stage for a delicious filling.
Roll Out the Dough: Next, take your pizza dough and roll it out on a clean surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a round shape. If you prefer smaller calzones, you can cut the dough into smaller circles. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Fill the Calzones: Place a spoonful of the chicken and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle. Be sure not to overfill, as this can make sealing the calzones difficult.
Seal the Edges: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal them. This step is crucial to ensure that the filling stays inside while cooking.
Brush with Olive Oil: Using a brush, apply a thin layer of olive oil over the top of each calzone. This will help them get a nice golden color and a crispy texture. Now, sprinkle the tops with your seasoning mix of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to add flavor.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Serve Hot: Once cooked, carefully remove the calzones from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute before serving, as the filling will be hot. Enjoy them while they are warm for the best taste and texture.
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How to serve Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Serving Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones is simple. You can enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables can add a refreshing touch. You can also serve some garlic bread on the side for a more filling meal. For a special touch, consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley to brighten up the dish.
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How to store Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
If you have leftover calzones, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their taste and texture. Let the calzones cool down to room temperature before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
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Tips to make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan work great, you can try other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for different flavors.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check for a golden-brown color.
- Make Mini Calzones: For bite-sized snacks, roll the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the filling accordingly for mini calzones that are great for parties.
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Variation
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shredded chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a tasty vegetarian calzone.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes.
- Different Sauces: Try using pesto or marinara instead of Alfredo sauce for a twist on flavor.
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FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and makes the process even easier!
2. Can I make these calzones in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
3. What can I serve with calzones?
Calzones pair well with a side of marinara sauce, salads, or garlic bread. You can also serve them with a refreshing dipping sauce or a light vinaigrette.
4. How do I know when the calzones are done?
The calzones should be golden brown on the outside. Checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer can also help; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I bake these calzones instead of air frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake them, you can place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
With this guide, making Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones at home will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight!
Print
Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious calzones filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in crispy pizza dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 package pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian herbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until mixed.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
- Brush olive oil over the top and sprinkle with seasoning.
- Cook in air fryer for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from air fryer and let cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
Great for using leftover chicken. Customize filling with vegetables or different cheeses as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: calzones, chicken alfredo, easy dinner, air fryer recipes, cheesy snacks
