Air Fryer Calzones

If you’re craving a tasty, crispy, and cheesy meal that comes together quickly, these Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect answer. Combining all the comforts of a traditional calzone with the ease and speed of air frying, this recipe offers a delightful meal you can prepare anytime. Whether you’re short on time or just want to impress your family with a homemade treat, Air Fryer Calzones deliver deliciousness with simple ingredients and a golden, crunchy finish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for quick meals without sacrificing flavor.
• Less mess: Air frying means no oil splatters and easy clean-up compared to deep frying.
• Customizable fillings: Easily swap in your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses for endless options.
• Perfectly crispy crust: The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside melty.
• Family-friendly: A fun, handheld meal everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance in your Air Fryer Calzones. Each element plays a vital role in making this meal truly satisfying.

• Pizza dough: Fresh or store-bought for an easy, chewy base that crisps up beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for gooey, melty goodness inside each calzone.
• Marinara sauce: A tangy, flavorful layer to complement the cheese and fillings.
• Your choice of fillings: Pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or spinach add customized taste and texture.
• Olive oil: Brushed on the dough for a golden brown, crisp finish.
• Italian seasoning: A sprinkle adds herby depth and aroma to every bite.

Variations for Air Fryer Calzones

One of the best parts about making Air Fryer Calzones is how simple it is to personalize them. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian, add extra protein, or switch up flavors, these variations make it easy to cater to your cravings or dietary preferences.

• Veggie-loaded: Fill with roasted peppers, onions, and spinach for a fresh, colorful twist.
• Meat lover’s: Use cooked sausage, pepperoni, and bacon for a hearty, savory option.
• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a bold flavor boost.
• Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs.
• Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or feta for a unique cheesy experience.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Roll out your pizza dough into small circles about 6-7 inches in diameter, ensuring an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Add the fillings

Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on half of each dough circle, then layer in your chosen fillings and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella.

Step 3: Fold and seal

Fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.

Step 4: Brush and season

Lightly brush the outside of each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor and a crisp crust.

Step 5: Air fry to perfection

Place the calzones in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Calzones

• Don’t overfill: Avoid too many fillings to prevent leakage during cooking.
• Even size: Make sure each calzone is roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
• Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Check halfway: Flip calzones at the halfway mark to ensure even browning.
• Rest before eating: Allow calzones to cool for a few minutes so the filling sets and prevents burns.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones

Garnishes

Top your calzones with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the presentation and add extra bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping to round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut calzones into wedges and stack them on a platter for casual entertaining, or plate them individually with a side of herb-infused olive oil for dipping to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

Wrap cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To retain the crispy crust, reheating in the air fryer or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes works better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Air Fryer Calzones?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and convenient without compromising taste or texture.

What fillings work best in Air Fryer Calzones?

Classic fillings like pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese are favorites, but feel free to experiment with whatever ingredients you enjoy.

How do I prevent the calzones from leaking during cooking?

Seal the edges carefully by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork; avoid overfilling to minimize the chances of leakage.

Is it necessary to prebake the dough before adding fillings?

No, the air fryer cooks the dough evenly and quickly, so prebaking isn’t required with this method.

Can I make Air Fryer Calzones vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use veggies, cheese, and marinara sauce as fillings to create delicious vegetarian calzones.

Final Thoughts

From busy weeknights to casual weekend dinners, Air Fryer Calzones offer a fun, easy, and incredibly tasty meal option that anyone can master. With a crispy crust, melty cheese, and endless possibilities for fillings, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start making these delightful pockets of flavor today!

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