Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer calzones offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with less mess and fuss. Crispy on the outside and filled with cheesy, savory goodness inside, they make for a perfect snack or meal any time. Plus, using an air fryer means a faster, healthier twist on traditional frying.

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. If using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature as per package instructions. For homemade dough, roll it out into a thin sheet.
2. Step 2: Mix the fillings. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, chopped spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended.
3. Step 3: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large circle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the dough into large circles, roughly 6 to 8 inches in diameter, using a pizza cutter or knife.
5. Step 5: Place a generous scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving enough space at the edges for sealing.
6. Step 6: Fold the unfilled half over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges.
7. Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg and brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash for a golden crust.
8. Step 8: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-15 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Step 9: Check that the filling is bubbly and the dough is fully cooked. Add a few more minutes if needed.
10. Step 10: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the cooked meats and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Try mixing different cheeses such as provolone or fontina for varied flavors.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these calzones can be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Brush the calzones with garlic butter instead of egg wash for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze air fryer calzones?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked calzones by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.

What if my calzones are doughy inside?

If the calzones are doughy inside, it means they need more cooking time. Try air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again. Also, make sure the dough is rolled out thin enough before filling to ensure thorough cooking.

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

These Air Fryer Calzones are a delightful twist on the classic Italian calzone, offering a crispy golden crust with a savory filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, and fresh greens. Easy to make and cooked quickly in the air fryer, they’re perfect for a snack or a satisfying meal accompanied by tangy marinara sauce.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 calzones 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Other

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature as per package instructions. If homemade, roll the dough out into a thin sheet on a floured surface.
2. Mix Fillings: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach or arugula, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until well combined.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking and easy folding.
4. Cut the Dough Circles: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into circles approximately 6-8 inches in diameter, which will form the calzones.
5. Fill the Calzones: Place a generous scoop of the prepared cheese and meat filling on one half of each dough circle, making sure to leave space along the edges for sealing.
6. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly by hand or crimp with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling leakage.
7. Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones to achieve a golden-brown crust when cooked.
8. Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Check for Doneness: Ensure the dough is thoroughly cooked and the filling heated through. If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Room temperature dough is easier to roll and shape without tearing.
• Ensure calzone edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling from escaping.
• Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model and size of calzones.
• You can customize fillings by adding vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer calzones, homemade calzones, quick calzones, Italian calzones, air fryer recipes, cheesy calzones, savory calzones