30-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone
A golden, crispy calzone filled with seasoned chicken tenders, melted mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The crispy coated chicken adds texture while the cheese creates that perfect stretch. This handheld comfort food is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something more exciting than regular pizza but just as satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- ½ pound chicken tenders, frozen and use crispy coated
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and unsalted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
Roll out pizza dough on floured surface into 10 to 12-inch circle
- 2
Spread half the pizza sauce on one half of dough
- 3
Top sauce with half the cheeses and all chicken tenders
- 4
Fold dough over filling and pinch seam to seal
- 5
Brush melted butter on top of calzone
- 6
Air fry at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway
- 7
Brush remaining pizza sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese
- 8
Garnish with fresh herbs
- 9
Slice and serve with additional pizza sauce
Tips
Make sure to pinch the seam tightly to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
Use frozen crispy coated chicken tenders for convenience and extra crunch.
Let the calzone rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to avoid burning your mouth on hot cheese.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.
Assemble calzones up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before air frying. Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time if cold.
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and crust is crispy. Provide extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Don't overfill the calzone or it will burst open during cooking
Ensure seam is well-sealed to prevent leaking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, cook fresh chicken tenders separately first, then use as filling. Season well and ensure they're fully cooked before assembling.
What if my air fryer is smaller than 10-12 inches?
Make smaller individual calzones or cut the dough in half and make two smaller ones. Adjust cooking time slightly.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for best results to restore crispiness.