Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

If you’re craving a fun twist on classic Italian comfort food, look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Calzones. This recipe combines the crispy, golden exterior of perfectly cooked dough with a melty, cheesy, and savory filling that’s simply irresistible. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also gives you a beautifully crunchy crust without the heaviness of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner or entertaining friends, Air Fryer Calzones are going to become your new go-to for a delicious, satisfying meal that feels homemade but comes together quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a unique touch of flavor, texture, or color to your Air Fryer Calzones. From the creamy cheeses to the savory meats and fresh greens, every bite is a balance of richness and freshness that makes this dish shine.

• Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the perfect crispy base.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild richness that blends beautifully with other cheeses.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic melty, stretchy texture everyone loves.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor to elevate the filling.
• Cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken): Bring savory depth and protein to the calzones.
• Fresh spinach or arugula: Adds a pop of green and a subtle peppery freshness.
• Dried oregano: Infuses an aromatic Italian herb flavor that ties everything together.
• Garlic powder: Delivers a gentle garlicky warmth without overwhelming the filling.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
• Egg: Used for an egg wash to create a golden, inviting crust.
• Marinara sauce: The perfect companion for dipping, adding a zesty, tomatoey kick.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by bringing your pizza dough to room temperature if it’s store-bought—this makes it easier to roll out and shape. For those going the homemade route, roll your dough into a nice, thin sheet so it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Fillings

In a mixing bowl, combine all your cheeses, cooked meats, and greens with the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so each bite is packed with flavor and gooey, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a large circle around a quarter inch thick. This thickness ensures the calzones will cook evenly and have that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 6 to 8 inch diameter circles. This size is ideal for a handheld calzone that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a meal.

Step 5: Fill the Calzones

Place a generous scoop of your cheese and meat mixture on one half of each dough circle, being careful to leave room at the edges for sealing. This helps avoid any filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 6: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the empty half over the filling and pinch the edges tightly together to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges, which creates a lovely decorative touch while ensuring your filling stays inside.

Step 7: Prepare for Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of your calzones with the beaten egg wash; this step is the secret to achieving a beautifully shiny, golden crust that’s so inviting.

Step 8: Air Fry the Calzones

Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer without touching. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Look for a bubbly filling and a crispy, golden exterior as signs your calzones are ready. If the edges need a little more crisping, give them a few extra minutes in the air fryer.

Step 10: Serve

Let your Air Fryer Calzones cool for a few minutes before serving, so the filling settles slightly. They are best enjoyed warm, paired with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate your Air Fryer Calzones from casual comfort food to a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup complement the richness of the calzones perfectly and round out your meal without overpowering those delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini Air Fryer Calzones on skewers as bite-sized appetizers, or plate them alongside a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy marinara, or creamy ranch for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Calzones keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked calzones by shaping and sealing them, then freezing on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover calzones back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method restores the crisp crust and melty interior far better than a microwave.

FAQs

Can I use different fillings for Air Fryer Calzones?

Absolutely! The beauty of Air Fryer Calzones is how versatile they are. Swap out meats, try different veggies, or experiment with cheeses to make the recipe your own.

Do I need to use an egg wash?

While not strictly necessary, brushing the calzones with egg wash helps create a beautifully golden and shiny crust that looks appetizing and tastes delicious.

Will the filling spill out during cooking?

If you seal the edges tightly by pinching or crimping, your filling should stay perfectly inside. Just be cautious not to overfill your calzones to avoid leaks.

How long do Air Fryer Calzones take to cook?

They typically take 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but exact timing can vary depending on your air fryer model and calzone size.

Can I freeze cooked calzones?

Yes, cooked calzones can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Calzones are truly a game changer for anyone who loves quick, delicious, and customizable comfort food. With their crisp crust and tantalizingly cheesy, savory filling, they bring a piece of Italian goodness right into your kitchen in under half an hour. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly they come together and how quickly they disappear once you start eating. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print