Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals, this air fryer calzone recipe will quickly become your go-to. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a fulfilling dinner, these calzones offer the perfect combination of a golden, crispy outer crust and a soft, gooey interior. The beauty of cooking them in the air fryer is that they require only a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, giving you a lighter, healthier option without compromising on taste.
Not only is this dish super convenient, but it’s also versatile. You can customize the fillings to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with your favorite toppings. From rich, melted cheese to zesty tomato sauce, these calzones are bound to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, they cook in just minutes—ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Sliced pepperoni or your preferred protein (e.g., ham or sausage)
- Chopped spinach
- Diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the calzones will cook evenly and become beautifully crisp on the outside. - Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into individual circles. Make sure they’re not too thin to avoid breaking apart when you fold them. If you’re using store-bought dough, you can skip the lengthy preparation steps and jump straight into assembly. - Assemble the Calzones
On each dough circle, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Then, add a combination of shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and any additional fillings you desire, such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or sliced pepperoni. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Seal the Calzones
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork to ensure they are fully sealed. This helps keep all the delicious fillings inside as they cook. - Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. This small step is crucial as it helps achieve that crispy, golden texture on the outside of the calzone. - Air Fry the Calzones
Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart so they can cook evenly. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones turn a deep golden brown and crispy. - Cool and Serve
Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy this homemade comfort food with family or friends.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately four calzones. The prep time is around 15 minutes, while the cooking time takes 10-12 minutes. In total, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners or as a fun weekend snack.
Variations
One of the best things about these air fryer calzones is how customizable they are. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the fillings. You can create a vegetarian version with mushrooms, zucchini, olives, or any of your favorite vegetables. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
For a breakfast twist, try incorporating scrambled eggs, cheese, and other breakfast-friendly ingredients like vegetables or sausage. You can even swap the marinara sauce for a rich Alfredo or pesto sauce for a completely different flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior.
Air Fryer Calzones
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or other protein (e.g., ham, sausage) optional
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach optional
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers optional
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into individual circles, about 6 inches in diameter.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each dough circle. Add mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and your choice of fillings like pepperoni, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the calzones lightly with olive oil to promote crispiness.
- Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
What type of dough works best for air fryer calzones?
For best results, a pizza dough that’s soft yet sturdy works well. You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch if you prefer.
Can I freeze the calzones after cooking?
Yes, calzones freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat in the air fryer or oven.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
To prevent the fillings from spilling during cooking, make sure the edges are sealed tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely, and if you like, you can brush the edges with a bit of water or an egg wash to help the dough stick together better.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
If you’re not a fan of marinara sauce, you can easily substitute it with a variety of other sauces. A classic Alfredo sauce or fresh pesto can add new flavors to your calzones, or you can try a creamy white sauce for a rich and indulgent twist.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating your air fryer is highly recommended. It ensures the calzones cook evenly and develop that perfect crispy exterior. Skipping this step might result in uneven cooking.
Can I use a different cheese combination?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a perfect melt, but any cheese that melts well is a great option.
How do I adjust the cooking time for a smaller or larger air fryer?
If you’re using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the calzones in batches. For larger models, you may be able to cook more calzones at once, but keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooking evenly.
What side dishes pair well with air fryer calzones?
Pair your calzones with fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a light soup for a well-rounded meal. These sides complement the richness of the calzones while keeping the meal balanced.
Can I make these calzones without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
How can I make the crust crispier?
For an even crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil before air frying. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the calzones in the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the hot air from circulating properly.
Conclusion
Air fryer calzones offer a quick, customizable, and delicious way to enjoy a beloved Italian classic at home. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe provides endless options to suit everyone’s tastes. The best part? They’re ready in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven-baked versions. Get creative with your fillings and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of these calzones tonight!