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!
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Air Fryer Calzones
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
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!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings (mushrooms, sausage, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- 1/4 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.