Air-Fried Chicken Calzone Recipe – Easy, Crispy & Delicious

The Air-Fried Chicken Calzone Recipe is a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite, combining crispy, golden-brown crust with a flavorful, savory filling. To make this dish, start by preparing seasoned chicken, cooked until tender and shredded. Then, mix it with ingredients like mozzarella cheese, ricotta, garlic, and herbs to create a creamy, flavorful stuffing. Roll out pizza dough into circles, and spoon the chicken mixture onto the center, folding the dough over to seal the edges. Using an air fryer for cooking ensures the calzones cook quickly while retaining their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. Preheat the air fryer and cook the calzones in batches, allowing them to crisp up evenly on all sides. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. This Air-Fried Chicken Calzone Recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner with family and friends.

Air-Fried Chicken Calzone Recipe – Easy, Crispy & Delicious

A calzone is a beloved Italian dish known for its pizza-like dough folded over a savory filling, typically stuffed with cheese, meats, and vegetables. While traditional calzones are baked in an oven, air-frying takes this dish to new heights by offering a crispy, golden crust without the extra oil. This Air-Fried Chicken Calzone Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a crispy, flavorful calzone in less time. By using chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of tasty seasonings, this dish becomes a versatile meal for lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer. The air fryer helps achieve the perfect texture, making this a healthier alternative to deep-fried options while still maintaining all the crispy goodness you love.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will allow you to create a delicious calzone that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. In this article, we’ll go over the full details, including the ingredients, preparation steps, cooking instructions, and nutritional breakdown, so you can recreate this flavorful treat at home.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg

---

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm water

For the chicken filling:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or ground chicken)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Cooking spray (or oil for brushing)
• Baking sheet (optional for pre-air fry prep)

---

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour (for dough rise)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 calzones per serving)

---

Cuisine:

Italian, American

Course:

Main Course, Snack

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the pizza dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Slowly add the warm water while stirring. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Drizzle the olive oil over the dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel, and let it rest for about an hour, allowing it to rise.

Step 2: Preparing the Chicken Filling
While the dough is resting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If using cooked shredded chicken, add it to the skillet. Otherwise, brown ground chicken until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.

Next, mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese, if using. This will be your chicken filling for the calzones.

Step 3: Assembling the Calzones
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of border around the edges.

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the calzone. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch, ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

Step 4: Air Frying the Calzones
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the calzones with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up during air frying. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them to allow air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the calzones in batches.

Air fry the calzones for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even golden brown crust. The calzones should be crispy on the outside and the cheese inside should be melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Serving
Once the calzones are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your homemade air-fried chicken calzones!

---

Tips for Perfect Calzones:

1. Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough or a gluten-free alternative if you prefer. Just ensure the dough is rolled out thin enough to allow for the filling and air frying.
2. Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Try adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or swap the chicken for sausage or pepperoni for a different flavor profile.
3. Air Fryer Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the calzones in batches. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

---

Nutritional Breakdown:

Each serving (1 calzone) provides a balanced portion of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making this meal suitable for those looking to satisfy their hunger without overindulging. The chicken provides lean protein, while the mozzarella offers calcium and other essential nutrients. If you choose to use ricotta cheese, you’ll get an extra dose of creamy richness, along with added protein. By air frying, you’re reducing the fat content compared to traditional frying methods, which is a healthier option without compromising on taste or texture.

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving (1 calzone)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg

---

Conclusion:

This Air-Fried Chicken Calzone recipe is a fantastic option for anyone craving a quick, delicious meal with minimal prep and cooking time. By using the air fryer, you can enjoy a crispy, golden crust without the mess of deep frying, making it a healthier alternative. The savory chicken filling combined with the gooey cheese and aromatic herbs ensures a flavorful bite every time. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a casual snack, this recipe will surely be a hit!