This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a golden, crispy pocket filled with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s easier than traditional baking.
Craving the cheesy, comforting goodness of Chicken Parmesan but in a handheld, mess-free form?
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone delivers all the flavor of the classic Italian favorite—juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese—wrapped in a golden, crispy calzone crust.
Quick to prepare and cooked perfectly in the air fryer, it’s an easy weeknight dinner or snack that everyone will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Cheesy and Comforting: Gooey melted cheese with tender chicken in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes thanks to the air fryer cooking method.
- Mess-Free Eating: All the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a handheld calzone.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like peppers, mushrooms, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Ingredients Needed
- Pizza Dough: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular. Make sure it’s cold and defrosted.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders: The key to this recipe, is to use fully cooked chicken nuggets, with breading, so you get the same taste as homemade chicken parm, but without all of the work.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use either shredded mozzarella chees,e or sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Marinara Sauce or Pizza: Use your favorite marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use grated parmesan cheese.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, which will help crisp up the dough, and give you the golden brown color, that calzones are known for.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Step One: On a floured surface, roll out your dough, into a 10 to 12-inch circle, depending on how large your air fryer is.
Step Two: On one half of the dough, spread your pizza sauce (only ½ of the sauce, reserve the other half), and top with ½ of the cheeses and all of the chicken tenders. Fold up your dough, and pinch the seam for the dough to stay closed.
Step Three: Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the calzone.
Step Four: Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 10-15 minutes.
Step Five: Flipping halfway during the cooking process. When the calzone is mostly done, brush on the pizza sauce, and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can make the calzone soggy or cause it to burst while cooking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Pinch or crimp the dough edges tightly to keep the filling inside during air frying.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken tenders or leftover chicken work best for quick assembly and even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures a crispy, golden crust right from the start.
- Brush with Butter or Egg Wash: Lightly brushing the calzone with melted butter or an egg wash gives a shiny, golden finish.
- Check for Doneness: Cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Immediately: The calzone is best enjoyed hot to keep the crust crisp and the cheese gooey.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Instructions: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from any sauces to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap calzones tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat calzones in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy. Alternatively, warm in an oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe Faqs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. Just roll it out to the desired size for your air fryer.
Do I need to pre-cook the chicken? It’s best to use pre-cooked chicken tenders or leftover chicken to ensure the calzone cooks evenly without overbaking the dough.
Can I freeze the calzones? Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I add extra fillings? Absolutely! Mushrooms, peppers, or extra cheese can be added, but avoid overfilling to prevent leakage.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, assemble the calzones in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cook in the air fryer just before serving for best results.
What sides pair well with this calzone? Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or extra marinara sauce for dipping.
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 pound chicken tenders, frozen and use crispy coated
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and unsalted
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Serve with Additional Pizza sauce and fresh herbs
Instructions
- On a floured surface, roll out your dough, into a 10 to 12-inch circle, depending on how large your Air fryer is.
- On one half of the dough, spread your pizza sauce (only ½ of the sauce, reserve the other half), top with ½ of the cheeses and all of the chicken tenders. Fold up your dough, pinch the seam for the dough to stay closed.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the calzone. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Flipping halfway during the cooking process.
- When the calzone is mostly done, brush on the pizza sauce, and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Slice and serve with additional pizza sauce.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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