Air Fryer Chicken Calzone: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection in Minutes!

Craving a comforting, cheesy calzone but don’t want the hassle of baking and the extra calories? Look no further! This air fryer chicken calzone recipe delivers all the deliciousness you crave, with a crispy crust and a flavorful filling, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It’s quicker, easier, and healthier than traditional baked calzones. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple and satisfying meal.

Why Air Fry Calzones?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier and faster alternative to deep frying and baking. When it comes to calzones, the air fryer offers several advantages:

* Crispy Crust: The circulating hot air ensures a uniformly crispy and golden-brown crust, similar to a traditionally baked calzone but without the need for excess oil.
* Faster Cooking Time: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to baking, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
* Healthier Option: You can use less oil in an air fryer, resulting in a healthier version of your favorite comfort food.
* Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures even cooking, so you won’t have to worry about a soggy bottom or an undercooked filling.
* Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are incredibly easy to clean, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

For the Dough:

* 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious!)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
* A pinch of garlic powder (optional)

For the Chicken Filling:

* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

* Marinara sauce, for dipping
* Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
* Fresh basil, for garnish

Equipment Needed

* Air Fryer
* Large bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Rolling pin (optional)
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Pastry brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started with the recipe:

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

* If you’re using raw chicken, cook it using your preferred method (baking, grilling, or pan-frying) until fully cooked and then shred it. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
* In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped basil, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

2. Prepare the Dough:

* If using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. This will prevent it from tearing when you stretch or roll it.
* Lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the dough into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the size of your air fryer basket or how large you want your calzones to be.
* Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 8-10 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfectly round; a slightly irregular shape is fine.

3. Assemble the Calzones:

* Place one flattened dough circle on a piece of parchment paper (slightly larger than the dough). This will help with transferring the calzone to the air fryer basket.
* Spoon about half of the chicken filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill the calzone, as this can make it difficult to seal and may cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
* Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping.
* Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Air Fry the Calzones:

* Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
* Carefully transfer the calzone (on the parchment paper) to the preheated air fryer basket. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the calzones in batches.
* Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil (optional) and sprinkle with garlic powder (optional) for added flavor and a golden-brown crust. This step is not essential, but it enhances the appearance and taste.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Check the calzone halfway through cooking and flip it gently to ensure even browning.
* If the calzone starts to brown too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature slightly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

* Carefully remove the cooked calzone from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
* Cut the calzone in half with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
* Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Tips and Variations

* Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also substitute the chicken with other proteins like sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef.
* Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Provolone, fontina, and mozzarella are all great choices.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* Add Sauce Inside: For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon or two of marinara sauce or pesto to the filling.
* Vegetarian Option: Make a vegetarian calzone by replacing the chicken with a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
* Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
* Dough Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own pizza dough. There are countless recipes available online. You can also use other types of dough, such as puff pastry or naan bread, for a different texture.
* Prevent Soggy Bottom: Parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking and to ensure a crispy bottom. Make sure the parchment paper is slightly larger than the calzone.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer can prevent the calzones from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer chicken calzone is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* Side Salad: Serve with a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad.
* Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* Soup: Enjoy with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.)

* Calories: 400-600 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Air Fryer Cooking Times and Temperatures

*Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C)*
*Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown*

Conclusion

This air fryer chicken calzone recipe is a game-changer. It’s a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With its crispy crust, flavorful filling, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Enjoy!