Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe in the Air Fryer (Low Carb & High Protein)
I still remember the first time I tried to make a calzone at home. I was craving something warm, golden, and stuffed with juicy chicken, but I didn’t want anything heavy or greasy. My air fryer was humming on the counter, and I wondered if I could turn my usual chicken breast meal into something more exciting. After a few attempts, this Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe became one of my signature meals high protein, low carb, and incredibly easy.
If you love experimenting with air fryer recipes, you’ll appreciate discovering great ideas like garlic parmesan chicken wings in air fryer
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, protein-packed calzone without deep frying or complicated dough techniques.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe
What Makes a High-Protein Calzone Unique
This Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe stands out because it uses lean chicken breast and a light dough, creating a filling meal without excessive carbs. The air fryer removes the need for oil, making it a healthier spin on classic calzones. By using high-protein fillings such as seasoned chicken breast and part-skim mozzarella, every bite delivers a balanced combination of protein and flavor.
Why the Air Fryer Creates a Crispier Calzone
Unlike oven baking, an air fryer circulates heat rapidly, producing a crunchy outer crust with minimal cooking time. This ensures your Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe develops a firm, golden shell while keeping the chicken juicy. The compact environment prevents soggy dough and allows the calzone to crisp evenly from all sides.
Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season sliced chicken breast with paprika, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside.
- Lay out dough or tortillas. Place cooked chicken, mozzarella, and optional spinach in the center.
- Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Lightly spray with olive oil and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients for the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe
Low-Carb Dough Options
To keep the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe low carb, you can use almond-flour dough, Greek yogurt dough, or low-carb tortillas. These alternatives transform the calzone into a lighter meal with fewer calories. Greek yogurt dough is particularly popular because it delivers chewiness without sacrificing crispiness.
High-Protein Chicken Breast Filling
Chicken breast is the heart of this Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe. Season it with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Mixing the chicken with light mozzarella adds creaminess while maintaining high protein levels. You can also add spinach, mushrooms, or low-fat ricotta for extra richness.
Preparing the Chicken Breast for the Calzone
Cooking the Chicken Breast Properly
Before adding the meat inside your Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe, make sure it is cooked correctly. For juicy chicken, slice the breast thinly, season generously, and cook it in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes at 375°F. This ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Learn more about preparing perfect air fryer chicken with this helpful guide: air fryer chicken breasts
Seasoning Tips for Bold Flavor
The seasoning is essential for enhancing the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe. A mix of smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs creates depth. For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or peri-peri seasoning. A small drizzle of olive oil helps the spices cling to the chicken and boosts browning.
Assembling Your High-Protein Chicken Calzone
How to Fold the Calzone Correctly
Place your dough or tortilla flat, add your cooked chicken, mozzarella, and optional vegetables. Fold the dough over the filling, press the edges firmly, and crimp them to lock in moisture. The folding technique ensures your Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe doesn’t leak while cooking.
Preventing Soggy Dough
The key to crispiness is removing excess moisture from ingredients. Pat vegetables dry, avoid watery sauces, and don’t overfill. This keeps the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe light and perfectly crisp every time.
Air Frying the Chicken Breast Calzone
Can You Put a Calzone in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely. Air frying is the best method to cook a Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe because it crisps the dough without drying out the filling. Lightly spray the top with oil, place it in the basket, and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Discover great ideas like cheesy wraps in the air fryer: air fryer chicken mozzarella wraps
Ideal Temperature for a Crispy Finish
Set your air fryer to 375–390°F for the crispiest texture. Flip halfway through to ensure both sides brown evenly.
Cooking Times for Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
How Long Should I Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?
Chicken breast typically requires 12–15 minutes at 375°F. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Proper cooking enhances the flavor of your Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe and prevents dryness.
How Long Do Breaded Chicken Breasts Take?
Breaded chicken breasts take slightly longer—15–18 minutes. When used inside a Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe, pre-cook the chicken fully before assembly.
Don’t miss our delicious air fryer chicken inspirations: best air fryer chicken recipes
Nutritional Benefits of a High-Protein Calzone
High Protein for Energy & Muscle Support
This Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe is ideal if you want a balanced meal that supports energy levels, metabolism, and muscle recovery. Chicken breast packs lean protein with minimal fat, making it perfect for low-carb diets.
Low-Carb Substitutes
Using almond flour dough or low-carb tortillas dramatically reduces carbohydrates. This keeps the Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe suitable for keto, low-calorie, or diabetic-friendly diets.
Serving, Pairing & Storage Tips
Best Sides for Your Calzone
Pair your Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe with simple sides like air fryer broccoli, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Check out other crispy air fryer meals such as: chicken pillows in air fryer
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.
FAQs
How to make a high-protein calzone?
Use chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and low-carb dough to keep protein high and carbs low.
Can I put a calzone in the air fryer?
Yes. The air fryer crisps dough quickly and evenly, making it ideal for a Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe.
How long should I cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
Typically 12–15 minutes at 375°F.
How long do breaded chicken breasts take?
Breaded chicken takes 15–18 minutes depending on thickness.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken Breast Calzone Recipe is a simple, high-protein, low-carb meal that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispy crust without using heavy oils or complicated techniques. It’s a satisfying comfort food made healthier and faster.
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