
08/13/2025
Ingredients :
Cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and rich, developed flavor
Quality Alfredo sauce: Choose a creamy jarred variety or make homemade if time allows for the best taste and texture
Whole milk mozzarella: Shred from blocks for superior melting and that coveted cheese stretch everyone loves
Garlic powder: Provides even distribution of garlic flavor throughout the filling without raw garlic bite
Italian seasoning blend: Look for mixes containing oregano, thyme, and basil for authentic herby depth
Extra virgin olive oil: Brushed on tops for beautiful browning and added Mediterranean flavor
Refrigerated pizza dough: Choose smooth, unbroken dough from the refrigerated section for best handling and results
Fresh egg: Creates that professional-looking golden, shiny finish on the baked calzones
Basic seasonings: Salt and pepper enhance and balance all the other flavors in the filling
Detailed Assembly Process
Air Fryer Preparation:
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's hot and ready for optimal browning and crisping. The proper temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and melted interior.
Filling Creation:
Combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until every component is evenly distributed, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite of the finished calzones.
Dough Preparation:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately one-quarter inch thick. Cut into four equal squares, which will create uniformly sized calzones that cook evenly in the air fryer.
Filling Assembly:
Place about one-third cup of the chicken Alfredo mixture in the center of each dough square, keeping the filling concentrated in the middle to allow for proper sealing around the edges without overflow.
Sealing Technique:
Fold each dough square over the filling to create triangular or rectangular pockets, then press edges firmly with fingers and crimp with a fork. This double-sealing method prevents leaks while creating an attractive decorative border.
Surface Treatment:
Brush each calzone top lightly with olive oil for flavor enhancement, then apply beaten egg wash using a pastry brush for that beautiful golden, shiny finish that makes them look professionally made.
Air Fryer Arrangement:
Place calzones in the air fryer basket with adequate space between each for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking and browning.
Cooking Process:
Air fry for ten to twelve minutes until calzones develop deep golden brown color and the dough is completely cooked through. The aromatic steam escaping indicates they're nearly ready.
Final Resting:
Allow cooked calzones to rest for about one minute after removing from the air fryer. This brief cooling period helps the molten filling set slightly, preventing burns while maintaining optimal serving temperature.