Air Fryer Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, bursting with gooey cheese and a medley of fillings that will have your taste buds dancing in delight. Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crust that cradles a treasure trove of savory goodness—each mouthful an explosion of flavor that melds traditional Italian flavors with the convenience of modern cooking.
What makes this dish even better is how quickly you can whip it up, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Picture this: You get home after a long day, and within just 25 minutes, you have a golden, delicious calzone ready to be devoured alongside your favorite marinara sauce. Trust me, your stomach and your family will thank you.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Calzones
- This incredible Air Fryer Calzones transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Calzones
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Air Fryer Calzones:
6 ounces pizza dough – You can make your own or pick up a pre-made dough for convenience.
¼ cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a rich flavor that balances perfectly with the other ingredients.
½ cup shredded Italian cheeses – A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone will give you that classic cheesy pull and flavor.
1¼ cups assorted fillings – Feel free to mix and match your favorites—pepperoni, veggies, or cooked chicken work wonderfully.
Olive oil – Brushing the tops with olive oil helps achieve that golden, crispy finish everyone loves.
¼ teaspoon fine grind sea salt – A sprinkle of salt on top enhances all the flavors.
Marinara sauce – The perfect dipping sauce that elevates your calzone experience to a whole new level.
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Air Fryer Calzones:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Fillings
Start by making your pizza dough if you’re going homemade. Cook any fillings that require cooking, like sautéed veggies or sausage. It’s best to let the fillings cool for about 30 minutes before assembling your calzone. If you’re using refrigerated dough, take it out 30 minutes beforehand to bring it to room temperature.
Step 2: Set Up the Air Fryer
Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer on its hottest setting with the basket inside for a full 10 minutes. This extra step ensures your calzones get the crispy crust they deserve.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an 8-9 inch circle that’s about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Be sure to keep it even so it cooks uniformly.
Step 4: Assemble the Calzone
Place the dough onto the parchment paper. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese onto the dough about 2 inches from the edge closest to you. Then add 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, followed by up to 1½ cups of assorted fillings. Top it all off with 2 more tablespoons of ricotta and the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Seal the Calzone
Lift the edge of the dough furthest away from you, over the fillings, making sure the edges meet. Press firmly to seal the calzone. For an even stronger seal, press down along the edges with your fingers and then jiggle the filling to distribute it inside.
Step 6: Brush and Cook
Trim any excess dough if the calzone is larger than the parchment paper. Fold the edges for a thicker crust or trim again if necessary. Brush the top with olive oil, cut a few slits in the top for steam release, and sprinkle with salt. Place the calzone along with the parchment paper into the air fryer and cook at 400℉ (200℃) for about 8-12 minutes, checking after 5-6 minutes to remove the parchment. Once golden brown, let it cool for a few minutes.
You’re now ready to slice and serve your Air Fryer Calzones with a side of marinara for a finger-licking delicious experience. It’s a dish that encourages sharing—though a quick glance at those cheesy, bubbling interiors might make you reconsider sharing with anyone but yourself!
Don’t forget to experiment with fillings and get creative. Whether it’s classic pepperoni and cheese, a veggie delight, or even a dessert calzone stuffed with chocolate and fruit, these easy Air Fryer Calzones can do it all. Enjoy!
This show-stopping Air Fryer Calzones delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Air Fryer Calzones Cooking Process
Start by preparing your fillings while preheating your air fryer. Roll out your dough and assemble the calzone, ensuring you seal the edges well before air frying. This efficient sequence ensures every bite is filled with gooey, melty cheese and flavorful fillings.
Add Your Touch to Air Fryer Calzones
Feel free to swap out the ricotta for cream cheese for a different flavor profile, or toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to make it your own. Experimenting with spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper can add a delightful kick to your calzones.
Storing & Reheating Air Fryer Calzones
To store, wrap cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Air Fryer Calzones
- This professional-quality Air Fryer Calzones relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing my first attempt at making Air Fryer Calzones always brings a smile. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, and I felt like a culinary superstar, which, let’s be honest, hardly ever happens in my kitchen!
FAQs About Air Fryer Calzones
What is Air Fryer Calzones?
Air Fryer Calzones are delightful folded pizza pockets stuffed with your choice of fillings. They combine the classic flavors of pizza with the convenience of an air fryer, which cooks them to golden perfection. A typical calzone features pizza dough encasing a mixture of cheeses and savory ingredients like meats and vegetables. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside ooey-gooey and delicious. They make a perfect meal option for busy weeknights or a fun interactive family dinner.
Can I customize the fillings for Air Fryer Calzones?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Air Fryer Calzones is their versatility. You can use anything from traditional pepperoni and cheese to more gourmet combinations like pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, or even vegetarian options like spinach and feta. Feel free to substitute ricotta with cream cheese or add some sautéed mushrooms or olives for an extra flavor kick. The sky is the limit when it comes to personalizing your calzone!
How long do Air Fryer Calzones take to cook?
Air Fryer Calzones are quick to prepare and cook, making them a fantastic choice for a speedy weeknight meal. The prep time usually takes around 15 minutes, and they only need about 8 to 12 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. This all means that you can enjoy a delicious homemade calzone in just around 25 minutes from start to finish! Just remember to check them halfway through cooking to ensure a perfectly browned crust.
Are Air Fryer Calzones healthy?
Air Fryer Calzones can be a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options. Cooking them in an air fryer uses significantly less oil, resulting in a lower fat content. By choosing whole wheat pizza dough and loading them up with veggies and lean meats, you can create a nutritious and satisfying meal. Plus, you can control the amount of cheese and other ingredients used. This flexibility makes them a tasty option that’s both fun to eat and better for you!
Conclusion for Air Fryer Calzones
In summary, Air Fryer Calzones are an easy and delicious meal option that you can whip up quickly. With customizable fillings and shorter cooking times, they offer a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting dish without the hassle. Whether stuffed with classic pizza ingredients or creative combinations, these calzones are sure to please everyone at the table. Try making Air Fryer Calzones for your next family dinner or gathering, and watch your loved ones enjoy every bite!
Air Fryer Calzone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the pizza dough if you are making it yourself and cook any fillings that need to be cooked. Allow the fillings to cool about 30 minutes prior to assembling the calzone. If the pizza dough is refrigerated, bring it out 30 minutes prior to rolling it.
- Cut a piece of parchment the size of your air fryer basket.
- Preheat the air fryer on its hottest setting with the air fryer basket or crisping plate inside the appliance for a full 10 minutes before air frying the calzone.
- Prepare a work surface by lightly flouring it. Roll the dough out into about an 8-9" circle, between ⅛"-¼" thick.
- Place the dough onto the parchment paper as a guide to ensure your calzone isn't too big.
- Place 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese onto the dough 2" from the edge closest to you. Top with 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese.
- Place the remaining fillings on top, using 1-1½ cups total of all fillings.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese on top of the fillings and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Pull the edge of the dough furthest from you up and over the fillings so the edges meet and then press to seal.
- Once the edges are well sealed, jiggle the fillings to distribute them evenly inside the calzone.
- Run your hand along the top and down the sides of the calzone and press the dough to make a second seal.
- Trim off any excess dough if the calzone is bigger than the parchment paper, being careful not to go past the seal.
- Fold the edges onto themselves for a thicker crust or trim off the excess if you haven't already.
- Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and cut a few slits in the top. Sprinkle with salt.
- Place the parchment paper with the calzone into the air fryer and air fry on 400℉/200℃ for 8-12 minutes, checking after 5-6 minutes and removing the parchment paper.
- When the calzone is golden brown, remove and let it cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack.
- Cut and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
