A delightful twist on a classic favorite, these Air Fryer Calzones offer a perfect blend of crispy crust and melty, savory fillings. With a fraction of the oil typically used in deep frying, you can enjoy a healthier version of this Italian comfort food without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about convenience and taste. The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender interior, while the calzones are filled with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and your choice of favorite ingredients. Ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish is versatile, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Sliced pepperoni or your preferred protein (e.g., ham or sausage)
- Chopped spinach
- Diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into individual circles.
- Assemble the calzones: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each dough circle, then add a mixture of mozzarella, ricotta, and your chosen fillings. Season with salt and pepper.
- Seal the calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Air fry: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 calzones. Expect a prep time of around 15 minutes and a cook time of 10-12 minutes. Total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option perfect for busy weeknights.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and olives. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to your filling. You can also try a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
FAQs
What type of dough works best for air fryer calzones?
A pizza dough that is soft yet sturdy works best, whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
Can I freeze the calzones after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze them. Allow the calzones to cool completely, then wrap them tightly before freezing.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure you seal the edges firmly by pressing with a fork and brushing the edges with a little water or egg wash to help the dough stick together.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
Any tomato-based sauce works well, or you can try a pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve an evenly crisp exterior, so it is recommended for best results.
Can I use a different cheese combination?
Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
How do I adjust cooking time for a smaller or larger air fryer?
You may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes depending on your air fryer’s capacity and model; monitor the calzones closely.
What side dishes pair well with air fryer calzones?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or a light soup can be excellent accompaniments.
Can I make these calzones without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
How can I make the crust crispier?
Brushing the dough lightly with olive oil and ensuring the calzones are not overcrowded in the air fryer will help create a crisper crust.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Calzones are a quick, versatile, and delicious option that brings the charm of Italian street food into your kitchen. With endless customization possibilities, this recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and share your favorite version with friends and family!
PrintAir Fryer Calzones
These air fryer calzones are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and ready in just minutes! Made with store-bought or homemade pizza dough, they’re a fun and easy twist on classic pizza. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings (mushrooms, sausage, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into 6-inch circles (about ¼ inch thick).
- Add Fillings: Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle. Top with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and your choice of toppings.
- Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones for a golden, crispy crust. (Alternatively, brush with olive oil.)
- Air Fry the Calzones: Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Dough Options: You can use pre-made pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even crescent roll dough.
- Filling Variations: Try adding cooked sausage, sautéed spinach, or different cheeses for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.