There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade calzone that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with gooey, savory filling inside. With the help of your air fryer, you can enjoy this classic Italian treat in a fraction of the time and with less mess. If you’ve been craving a quick and satisfying meal, this air fryer calzones recipe is exactly what you need.
Making air fryer calzones lets you customize your fillings and enjoy a perfectly browned crust without heating up the whole kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this recipe is simple, fun, and delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick cooking time—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly crispy crust without deep frying.
- Customizable fillings to suit any taste.
- Less oil and mess compared to traditional frying.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make 4 delicious air fryer calzones. Feel free to swap fillings to personalize your calzones.
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto one half of each dough circle, then add mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni (or sausage), and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, crimping with a fork to prevent leaking.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder on each for extra flavor.
- Place two calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation, and cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove carefully and let cool for 2 minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce and fresh basil garnish.
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining calzones.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overfill your calzones to avoid tears and leaks during cooking.
- Use a fork or your fingers to seal edges tightly for a perfect pocket.
- Brush olive oil on top for a golden, crispy crust every time.
- Experiment with fillings like mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
- Air fry in batches to maintain even heat and crispiness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover air fryer calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place calzones in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, warm in a conventional oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough for air fryer calzones?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great and can add extra flavor. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness for even cooking.
Do I need to flip the calzones while air frying?
No flipping is necessary. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, so cooking them on one side produces a nicely browned, crispy crust.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
What dipping sauces go well with air fryer calzones?
Classic marinara sauce is perfect, but you can also try ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for extra flavor.