As I pulled the golden-brown calzones from the air fryer, the crispy shell crackled in delightful anticipation. These Easy Air Fryer Calzones are not just quick to make; they’re a canvas for your creativity, welcoming whatever fillings you’ve got on hand! Imagine serving up these cheesy masterpieces for casual family dinners or game nights—everyone will be raving about them. Plus, they’re a guilt-free alternative to the drive-thru, and their customizable nature means you’ll never tire of them. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find yourself whipping up these savory pockets of joy in no time. What will you stuff your calzones with today?
Why Are Air Fryer Calzones So Irresistible?
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have these scrumptious calzones ready in minutes.
Endless Customization: Fill them with your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies to create personalized pockets of delight that suit everyone’s tastes.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives them a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside ooey-gooey, making every bite satisfying.
Family-Friendly Fun: Gather the kids or your friends for a cooking night where everyone can create their unique calzone, turning mealtime into a fun experience.
Healthier Option: Skip the greasy takeout! With only 350 calories per calzone, it’s a smart indulgence without the guilt, and they can even be prepped ahead of time for convenience.
For more quick meals that save time and effort, check out my guide on easy weeknight dinners.
Air Fryer Calzones Ingredients
• Get ready to make the most delicious Air Fryer Calzones!
For the Dough
- Pizza Dough – The essential base for your calzones; use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a personal touch.
For the Filling
- Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy richness to the inside; cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides that melty, stretchy goodness everyone loves; opt for part-skim for a lower-fat version.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Boosts flavor with a salty kick; consider Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
- Cooked Meats (Pepperoni, Sausage, or Chicken) – Offers protein and heartiness; feel free to substitute any cooked meat as you like.
- Fresh Spinach or Arugula – Brings freshness and color; kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives if spinach isn’t available.
- Dried Oregano – Imparts classic Italian flavor; try using Italian seasoning for a flavorful substitute.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor; fresh minced garlic works beautifully—just use it sparingly.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
For Egg Wash
- Egg – Ensures a lovely golden finish; it can be omitted for a vegan option.
For Dipping
- Marinara Sauce – Perfect for dipping and elevating the flavor of your calzones.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by bringing your pizza dough to room temperature, allowing it to soften for about 30 minutes. If using homemade dough, roll it out into a thin sheet, about ¼ inch thick, ensuring a nice and even base for your Air Fryer Calzones.
Step 2: Mix the Fillings
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in your choice of cooked meats, fresh spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined, creating a delicious filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the prepared dough into a rectangle, aiming for a thickness of around ¼ inch. This will help achieve the perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft interior once your Air Fryer Calzones are cooked.
Step 4: Cut the Dough
Using a round cutter or a large bowl, slice the rolled dough into circles measuring about 6-8 inches in diameter. You should have enough circles to form several calzones, providing ample opportunity for delicious fillings.
Step 5: Fill the Calzones
Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Be sure to leave a margin around the edge to allow for sealing, helping to contain all that cheesy goodness within your Air Fryer Calzones as they cook.
Step 6: Fold and Seal
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch or crimp the edges securely, ensuring that no filling escapes during the cooking process. A proper seal will result in perfectly cooked calzones with a satisfying bite.
Step 7: Prepare for Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While the fryer warms up, brush the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg, giving them a beautiful, golden finish once air-fried to perfection.
Step 8: Air Fry Calzones
Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow for even cooking. Air fry them for 10-15 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and the dough is cooked through, checking midway for doneness.
Step 9: Check for Doneness
After cooking, take a peek at your calzones—they should be golden and crispy, with the filling bubbling slightly. If they need more time, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked and heated through.
Step 10: Serve
Allow the Air Fryer Calzones to cool for a minute or two before serving. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the delightful flavors of these comforting handmade treats.
What to Serve with Easy Air Fryer Calzones
Elevate your calzone experience by pairing them with delightful sides that offer contrasting flavors and textures.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp mix of greens and veggies drizzled with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy calzones.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlic-infused delights are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce, complementing your calzones beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned, caramelized veggies bring a wonderful depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the calzones.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives adds a gourmet touch, enhancing your casual dining experience.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side offers a delightful contrast to the tender calzones, making every bite exciting.
- Creamy Dip: Pair a zesty ranch or creamy cheese dip, perfect for dunking, and amplifies the overall snacking experience.
- Zesty Lemonade: This refreshing drink cuts through the richness of the calzones with its bright, citrusy notes, providing a perfect pairing.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm cookies, bringing smiles and nostalgia to the table.
Air Fryer Calzones Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your calzones; these delicious pockets are yours to customize however you like!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute all cheeses with dairy-free alternatives made from cashews or soy-based products for a plant-based delight.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace meats with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vibrant veggie-packed filling.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to your filling or try spicy Italian sausage for a flavorful twist that excites the palate.
- Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier, hearty option without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Gourmet Twist: Experiment by using gourmet cheeses like goat cheese or gorgonzola for a sophisticated flavor boost that elevates your calzones.
- Sweet Treat: For a dessert version, fill with chocolate chips and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet ending to your meal!
- Extra Crunch: Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips inside for added crunch and texture, perfectly balancing the soft filling.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme into your filling for that garden-fresh flavor that complements all your ingredients beautifully.
Your culinary adventure is just beginning! Don’t forget to explore more about preparation and flavor combinations that match your mood in my article on savory stuffed foods.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Calzones
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Roll Evenly: Ensure your dough is rolled out to an even thickness to prevent overly thick edges, ensuring a perfectly cooked calzone.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Give each calzone space to achieve that crispy perfection.
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Adjust Cooking Time: Calzones vary in thickness; thinner ones will cook faster. Monitor closely and adjust cooking time as needed to ensure doneness.
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Use a Thermometer: Check the filling temperature with a food thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious bites of your Air Fryer Calzones.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Filling substitutions can dramatically change the flavor profile, making your calzones even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Calzones are an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling—mixing together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, spinach, and seasonings—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the filling in an airtight container, which helps maintain its fresh flavor and prevents the cheese from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the dough, fill, and seal the calzones, then air fry them as instructed. If you prefer, you can also assemble the calzones completely and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Just remember to place parchment paper in between each calzone to avoid sticking, and cook from frozen when you’re ready for a delicious meal!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Calzones
Fridge: Store cooked calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked calzones by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare calzones a day in advance and keep them in the fridge before air frying. This makes for a quick dinner solution, just waiting for the final touch!
Reheating: To enjoy leftover calzones, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and crispy again.
Air Fryer Calzones Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Air Fryer Calzones?
Absolutely! For the freshest flavors, select ripe vegetables such as spinach that are vibrant and without wilted leaves. When choosing cheeses, look for mozzarella that is soft and pliable, while ricotta should be creamy without excess liquid. If using meats, ensure they are cooked and stored properly, checking for any off smells or textures.
What is the best way to store Air Fryer Calzones, and how long do they last?
Store your cooked Air Fryer Calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days! To help keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. If you love leftovers, this method maintains their delightful crunch.
Can I freeze uncooked Air Fryer Calzones, and how do I do it?
Certainly! To freeze uncooked calzones, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Freeze until firm, usually about 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can cook them straight from the freezer; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes for a perfectly cooked treat.
What should I do if my calzones are not cooking evenly in the air fryer?
Very good question! If your calzones are not cooking evenly, check that you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Each calzone should have room around it for air circulation. You may want to cook them in batches if necessary. Also, keep an eye on the thickness of the dough; thinner calzones will cook faster, so adjusting the time and rearranging them halfway through can help achieve that golden-brown perfection.
Are Air Fryer Calzones suitable for anyone with dietary restrictions?
The more, the merrier! Air Fryer Calzones can be tailored for various dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add more veggies. If someone has lactose intolerance, you can use dairy-free cheese or skip the egg wash for a vegan twist. Always check for allergies, especially with pre-packaged dough ingredients, as they can sometimes contain allergens like wheat or gluten.
How do I know when my Air Fryer Calzones are done?
To check for doneness, look for a beautiful golden-brown color and listen for any bubbling sounds from the filling as it heats up. You can use a food thermometer to ensure the filling has reached at least 165°F (74°C). If they need extra time, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking duration—just be sure to keep an eye on them for that perfect crispy finish!
Crispy Air Fryer Calzones Loaded with Cheesy Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Start by bringing your pizza dough to room temperature, allowing it to soften for about 30 minutes.
- Mix the Fillings: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in your choice of cooked meats, fresh spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the prepared dough into a rectangle, aiming for a thickness of around ¼ inch.
- Cut the Dough: Using a round cutter, slice the rolled dough into circles measuring about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Fill the Calzones: Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges securely.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes and brush the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg.
- Air Fry Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer and air fry for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked and heated through.
- Serve: Allow the Air Fryer Calzones to cool for a minute or two before serving with marinara sauce.