Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer calzones are a quick and delicious twist on the traditional Italian stuffed pizza. Crispy on the outside and filled with a savory blend of cheeses, meats, and greens, they make a perfect snack or meal any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the dough by bringing store-bought pizza dough to room temperature as per package instructions, or roll out homemade dough into a thin sheet.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the dough into large circles 6-8 inches in diameter using a pizza cutter or knife.
5. Step 5: Place a generous scoop of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving edges clear for sealing.
6. Step 6: Fold the dough over the filling and pinch or crimp the edges tightly to seal the calzones.
7. Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and brush the calzone tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Place calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through, cooking in batches if needed.
9. Step 9: Check that the filling is bubbly and dough is fully cooked; add extra cooking time if necessary.
10. Step 10: Let calzones cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, brush a little olive oil on the calzones before air frying instead of egg wash.
• Swap spinach with kale or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meats and adding mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze calzones before air frying?

Yes, you can freeze assembled calzones by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry frozen calzones add about 5 extra minutes to cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for best results.

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This recipe for Air Fryer Calzones offers a quick and effortless way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with a crispy crust and melty, flavorful filling. Using store-bought or homemade pizza dough, savory cheeses, cooked meats, and fresh greens, these calzones are air-fried to golden perfection for a healthier twist on traditional frying or baking, making them perfect for a delicious meal or snack with a side of marinara sauce.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 calzones depending on size 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Dough

• 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Finishing

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Allow store-bought pizza dough to come to room temperature as per package instructions or roll out homemade dough into a thin sheet for easy handling and better cooking consistency.
2. Mix Fillings: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach or arugula, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large circle roughly ¼ inch thick to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps nicely.
4. Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into large circles approximately 6-8 inches in diameter, which will be the base for each calzone.
5. Fill the Calzones: Place a generous scoop of the cheese and meat mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
6. Fold and Seal: Fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Firmly pinch the edges together or use a fork to crimp them, preventing any filling from leaking during cooking.
7. Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden-brown finish upon cooking.
8. Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your fryer, cook them in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally if your air fryer requires it, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Check for Doneness: Ensure the calzones are cooked through by checking that the dough is crisp and the filling is heated thoroughly. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. Pair with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy them fresh and crispy.

Notes

• Letting the dough rest at room temperature makes it easier to roll out and helps ensure better texture in the finished calzone.
• Use any combination of cooked meats you prefer or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
• Be careful not to overfill the calzones to avoid breakage during cooking.
• The egg wash gives a beautiful color but can be omitted for an egg-free alternative; brushing with olive oil is a good substitute.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and size; keep an eye on the calzones to avoid overbrowning.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Air fryer calzones, calzone recipe, easy Italian calzones, pizza dough calzones, air fryer recipes, quick calzone recipe