Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Calzones are a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza. With a golden, crispy crust and a melty cheesy center, they’re the perfect handheld snack or meal. The air fryer makes them incredibly easy to prepare in just a fraction of the time compared to baking, while keeping the crust perfectly crisp. A customizable dish, you can fill them with your favorite pizza toppings!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pizza sauce or marinara
• Pepperoni slices or cooked sausage (optional)
• Ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

directions

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 4-6 equal portions, depending on your preferred calzone size.
2. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough portion, leaving a border around the edges.
3. Add shredded mozzarella, desired meats, and ricotta cheese if using.
4. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then pinch or crimp the edges to seal tightly.
5. Lightly spray the calzones with olive oil or cooking spray, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
7. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket (working in batches if necessary) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4-6 calzones, depending on the size of your dough portions.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Air frying time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Spice things up with jalapeños or hot sauce inside the calzones.
• Try using a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough.
• Make mini calzones for appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.

storage/reheating

• Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or microwave them for 1 minute (though the air fryer keeps them crispier).
• To freeze, place uncooked calzones on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the calzones in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Puff pastry will work but will give a flakier texture. Be sure to monitor them closely in the air fryer.

What cheese should I use?
Mozzarella is the best option for that perfect melt, but you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar.

Do I need to pre-cook the meat?
Yes, any meats (like sausage or pepperoni) should be cooked beforehand, as the calzones cook quickly in the air fryer.

Why did my calzones burst open?
Be sure to seal the edges well and avoid overstuffing them, as too much filling can cause them to burst open while cooking.

Can I brush the calzone with egg wash?
Yes, you can brush them with an egg wash for a shiny finish, though olive oil spray works just as well for a crispy result.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Calzones are a fun, quick, and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy, golden exterior and a gooey, cheesy filling, they’re sure to be a hit. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo treat, these calzones are a breeze to make and full of flavor!

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