As I stood in my kitchen, the familiar aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air, sparking memories of family dinners where laughter and good food mingled. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Air Fryer Calzones, the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend feast. These little pockets of joy are not only quick to whip up—ready in just 17 minutes—but they also promise to be a delightful cheese-filled experience that kids and adults alike will crave. Plus, with the air fryer, you get that deliciously crispy crust without the fuss of deep frying. Are you ready to create your new favorite comfort food? Let’s dive into the goodness of these scrumptious calzones!
Why Will You Love Air Fryer Calzones?
Quick and Easy: Whip up these delicious calzones in just 17 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings!
Cheese Heaven: Bursting with gooey ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, each bite is a melty delight that will leave everyone craving more.
Versatile Fillings: Customize your calzones with your favorite meats or veggies—feel free to experiment, just like you would with Raspberry Caramel Millionaires!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a game night with friends, these calzones are sure to impress and satisfy.
Healthier Option: Enjoy a crispy crust without all the oil, making it a family-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Easy Clean-Up: With minimal cookware and an air fryer, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time cleaning!
Air Fryer Calzones Ingredients
For the Dough
• Pizza Dough – This is the base for your calzones; feel free to use store-bought or make your own!
For the Cheese Filling
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness; substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides that gooey melty texture; opt for low-fat mozzarella if desired.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Offers a nutty flavor that enhances the filling; Pecorino Romano can be swapped for a sharper taste.
For the Meat & Greens
• Cooked Meats – Your protein source; you can use pepperoni, sausage, or chicken; vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu work beautifully too!
• Fresh Spinach or Arugula – Imparts nutrition and color; kale is a great alternative if you prefer.
For Flavoring
• Dried Oregano – Enriches flavor with Italian herb notes; feel free to substitute with basil if you like.
• Garlic Powder – This adds a delicious depth of flavor; use fresh minced garlic as an alternative (just use less).
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste, elevating every bite.
For the Finish
• Egg (for egg wash) – Gives your calzones a glossy finish; if you’re looking for a vegan option, milk works too.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Start by letting your store-bought pizza dough reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This way, it will be easier to shape and will cook evenly in the air fryer, creating that delightful crispy exterior you desire.
Step 2: Mix Fillings
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and your choice of cooked meats. Add fresh spinach, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a creamy, flavorful filling for your Air Fryer Calzones.
Step 3: Roll Out Dough
Once the dough is prepared, place it on a floured surface and gently roll it out again to ensure an even thickness. Use a rolling pin to form a large circle, roughly ¼ inch thick. The dough should be pliable and smooth, making it easier to cut into individual pieces for your calzones.
Step 4: Cut Dough
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out dough into circles, each measuring about 6-8 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for creating individual calzones, providing ample space for the delicious filling while ensuring a nice, balanced bite that everyone will enjoy.
Step 5: Fill Calzones
Place about a generous spoonful of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½ inch border around the edge for sealing. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to spillage during the cooking process. With the dough circles prepped, you’re ready to fold them over into delightful pockets of goodness.
Step 6: Fold and Seal
Gently fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal securely and prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. For an added decorative touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork, ensuring these Air Fryer Calzones are not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Step 7: Preheat Air Fryer
Before placing your calzones in the air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, brush the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg for a beautifully glossy finish. This step enhances the golden-brown color of your calzones and gives them that professional touch we all love.
Step 8: Air Fry Calzones
Carefully place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between them for even cooking. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally for a golden-brown color and melted filling. You’ll know they’re done when they look irresistibly crispy and delicious!
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Once cooked to perfection, remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This resting period helps prevent burns from the hot filling while allowing the calzones to set, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as the last.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Calzones are a fantastic option for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the filling (ricotta, mozzarella, meats, and greens) up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Similarly, you can roll out your pizza dough and store it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve, simply fill the dough with the prepared mixture, fold, and air fry as directed. This method not only saves you time on busy nights but guarantees that your calzones will be just as delicious, with that perfect crispy crust and gooey filling that everyone loves.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Calzones
- Prevent Leakage: Ensure your cheese fillings are well combined and not overly saucy to avoid any spillage during cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Air fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and less crispy calzones.
- Visual Check: Look for a golden-brown color and bubbling filling to confirm doneness. Trust your eyes and check about halfway through!
- Perfect Egg Wash: Brush the tops with egg wash just before air frying for a gorgeous, glossy finish on your Air Fryer Calzones.
- Cooling Tip: Allow calzones to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking; this helps avoid burns from the molten cheese inside.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Calzones
Pair your cheesy goodness with these delightful dishes and drinks to create a satisfying meal everyone will love.
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Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the calzones’ cheesy filling, adding a rich tomato flavor with a touch of sweetness.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, this garlic-infused treat enhances the Italian vibes and pairs beautifully with calzones.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy filling. The crunchiness balances the dish perfectly.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers, adds color and health to your plate while enhancing the flavors of the calzones.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bursting with flavor and sweetness, a vibrant fruit salad cleanses the palate and complements the richness of the calzones.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink that adds a zesty touch to your meal while keeping things light and fun!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Calzones
Fridge: Store leftover Air Fryer Calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious flavors and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze calzones individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, bake directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Thawing: If thawing, let calzones sit in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture; this helps ensure they’re warm throughout without overcooking the exterior.
Air Fryer Calzones Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own for an exciting twist on the classic calzone!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives for a delicious, plant-based treat.
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat that will wake up your taste buds!
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Veggie-Packed: Swap in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious filling.
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Herb Infusion: Introduce fresh herbs like basil or parsley in the filling for an aromatic experience reminiscent of a pizzeria.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough option to ensure everyone can enjoy these tasty calzones.
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Sweet Treat: Experiment with dessert calzones by filling them with chocolate and marshmallows, then air fry until gooey and indulgent.
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Mediterranean Flair: Include feta cheese, olives, and spinach for a Mediterranean twist that brings a whole new flavor profile.
For more delicious ideas in the kitchen, don’t forget to check out these amazing recipes like Air Fried Sardines for a unique appetizer, or indulge in a sweet treat with our Raspberry Caramel Millionaires for dessert!
Air Fryer Calzones Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients are ripe for making calzones?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients like fresh spinach or arugula, look for vibrant, crisp leaves without dark spots or wilting. For cheese, fresh ricotta should be creamy and smell sweet, while mozzarella needs to be smooth and soft. If using meat, ensure it appears fresh, ideally vacuum-sealed, and check the sell-by date for the best quality.
What is the best way to store leftover calzones?
Very! Store uneaten Air Fryer Calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This preserves their texture and flavor, ensuring you can enjoy them later.
Can I freeze my calzones, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Air Fryer Calzones, first let them cool completely after cooking. Then, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. For reheating, bake them from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, and they’ll be as crispy and delicious as the day you made them!
What should I do if my calzones are leaking filling during cooking?
Oh no! If your calzones are leaking, it usually means they were overfilled or not properly sealed. To prevent this, make sure you leave enough space around the edges of the dough when filling. Pinch the edges tightly, or crimp with a fork for added security. If leakage happens during cooking, you can still enjoy them—they’ll be a bit messier but just as tasty!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! To make your calzones more inclusive, consider substitutes for lactose-intolerant diners—use dairy-free cheeses or simply omit the egg wash for a vegan version. Also, be cautious of gluten if anyone has a sensitivity—opting for gluten-free pizza dough can make this recipe suitable for a wider range of diets!
Can my pets share in the calzones?
Oh dear! It’s best to keep Air Fryer Calzones away from pets, especially due to ingredients like garlic, which is toxic to cats and dogs. Instead, you can save bits of plain dough or cooked meat as treats for your furry friends while keeping your calzones to yourself.
Air Fryer Calzones: Cheesy Goodness Ready in 17 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare dough by letting store-bought pizza dough reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. Roll it out if using homemade dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, fresh spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the prepared dough again to ensure even thickness, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into circles, each 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Fill half of each dough circle with a generous spoonful of the filling, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal securely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and brush the tops of each calzone with the egg wash.
- Air fry calzones for 10-15 minutes until golden-brown and crispy.
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.
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