Italian-Style Stuffed Pizza Pocket

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

These calzones combine homemade alfredo sauce with chicken and cheese in a golden-brown crust, brushed with herb butter and air fried until crispy.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:29:09 GMT
A hand holds a golden-brown, flaky pastry filled with a creamy mixture, with more pastries in the background. Pin it
A hand holds a golden-brown, flaky pastry filled with a creamy mixture, with more pastries in the background. | recipesim.com

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Pockets

I stumbled on this recipe when looking for new ways to use my air fryer and it's become our favorite quick dinner. These calzones come out perfectly crispy on the outside with the most amazing creamy chicken filling inside. My kids call them pizza pockets and always ask for seconds.

Why These Work So Well

The air fryer gives these pockets the perfect crispy crust without any messy oil. Inside that golden exterior you'll find the creamiest combination of alfredo chicken and melted cheese. They're so much easier than you'd think perfect for busy weeknights.

What You'll Need

  • Pizza dough: Fresh from the store works great.
  • Chicken: Rotisserie saves so much time.
  • Garlic: Fresh adds the best flavor.
  • Heavy cream: Makes it extra rich.
  • Parmesan: Grate it fresh if you can.
  • Mozzarella: Gets perfectly melty.
  • Butter: For that golden finish.
A hand holds a golden, flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese, with another similar pastry in the background. Pin it
A hand holds a golden, flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese, with another similar pastry in the background. | recipesim.com

Let's Make Them

Start with Dough
Split into four pieces make circles.
Add Filling
Layer sauce chicken cheese on one side.
Seal Them Up
Fold over press edges really well.
Air Fry Time
Brush with butter cook until golden.
Cool a Bit
Let them rest the filling's super hot.

My Best Tips

Rotisserie chicken makes this so easy. Don't overfill or they'll leak. That extra butter brush halfway through makes them extra golden. Always let them cool a few minutes the filling is like lava.

Mix It Up

Try mushrooms and spinach instead of chicken. Add some spice with red pepper flakes. Switch up the cheeses for different flavors. Sprinkle Italian herbs on the crust.

Quick Answers

No air fryer? Regular oven works too. Freeze them uncooked for easy meals later. Double seal the edges to prevent leaks. Leftovers reheat great in the air fryer.

A close-up of golden-brown, cheesy pastries garnished with green herbs. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, cheesy pastries garnished with green herbs. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these in a regular oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Brush with herb butter halfway through.

→ Can I make the components ahead?

The chicken and alfredo sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Why let the sauce cool before assembling?

Hot sauce can make the dough difficult to work with and may cause the calzone to leak during cooking.

→ Can I freeze these calzones?

Assemble and freeze before cooking. Thaw completely before air frying or baking. The sauce may separate slightly when thawed.

→ What if my calzone leaks?

Make sure to seal edges well by pinching firmly. Don't overfill and ensure sauce is cooled to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

These calzones combine homemade alfredo sauce with chicken and cheese in a golden-brown crust, brushed with herb butter and air fried until crispy.

Chicken Alfredo Calzone

A twist on classic calzone filled with homemade alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, finished with herb butter.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 calzones)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound pizza dough.
02 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded.
03 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
04 4 tablespoons soft butter for topping.
05 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped.
06 5 tablespoons butter for sauce.
07 1 cup heavy cream.
08 4 garlic cloves, minced.
09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
10 1 cup fresh Parmesan, grated.
11 Salt and pepper to taste.
12 Marinara sauce for dipping (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in pan over medium-low heat. Cook garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and seasonings, simmer 3 minutes until bubbly.

Step 02

Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens. Let cool while preparing dough.

Step 03

Split dough into four pieces. Roll each into 6-inch circles on floured surface.

Step 04

Spread sauce in middle of each circle. Top with chicken and mozzarella. Fold and seal edges well.

Step 05

Mix soft butter with chopped parsley in a small bowl.

Step 06

Brush with herb butter. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes until golden, brushing again halfway.

Notes

  1. Can prep chicken and sauce ahead.
  2. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Saucepan.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g