Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Calzones Recipe for Pizza Lovers

Crafting delectable air fryer calzones brings a burst of culinary excitement to your kitchen.

Crispy golden crusts envelop melted cheese and savory fillings in these compact flavor bombs.

Homemade goodness beats any takeout option with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Stuffed pockets of deliciousness emerge perfectly browned and irresistibly crisp after just minutes of cooking.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks impressive but requires surprisingly little technique.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these pocket-sized delights faster than traditional oven methods.

Tempt your taste buds and impress everyone at the table with these mouthwatering little miracles.

Let’s transform your dinner into a crowd-pleasing feast that everyone will be talking about.

Tips for Even Cooking and Sealed Edges

• Maximize Dough Texture: Roll pizza dough thin and evenly to ensure crispy, golden-brown calzone exteriors without dense, chewy centers.
• Prevent Filling Leaks: Crimp edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling to stop cheese and sauce from seeping out during air frying.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Swap traditional fillings with vegetarian options like spinach and ricotta or experiment with different meats and cheeses for unique taste profiles.
• Optimize Air Fryer Performance: Avoid overcrowding the basket by cooking calzones in batches, allowing proper air circulation for even, crispy results.
• Elevate Serving Experience: Pair calzones with marinara sauce, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, or add a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Reheat Calzones Without Losing Their Crunch

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individual calzones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen calzones can last up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Warm refrigerated calzones at 350F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. For frozen calzones, add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Quick reheat works best in short 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through to maintain even heating and prevent tough edges.

Foods to Pair with Air Fryer Calzones

• Serve calzones with extra zesty pizza sauce for an intense flavor burst that complements the cheesy, crispy pockets.
• Pair with light-bodied red wines like Chianti or refreshing craft beer to balance the rich, savory calzone profile.
• Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the calzone's richness and add bright, zesty notes.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to elevate the calzone's Italian-inspired taste and add aromatic complexity.

Variants That Bring New Life to Calzones

• Gluten-Free Calzones: Replace traditional pizza dough with gluten-free cauliflower or almond flour dough for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Swap cheese with plant-based mozzarella and ricotta alternatives. Fill with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Calzone: Use cauliflower pizza crust instead of regular dough. Add lean protein like chicken or turkey to boost nutritional value.
• Keto-Friendly Cheese Pocket: Create calzones using low-carb fathead dough made with almond flour, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Fill with high-fat ingredients like salami and provolone.

FAQs on Air Frying Calzones

• Can I use frozen pizza dough?

Yes, thaw frozen dough completely and let it come to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

• How do I prevent the calzones from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

• What are the best filling combinations for calzones?

Classic options include pepperoni and cheese, ham and spinach, or vegetarian with mushrooms and bell peppers. Mix and match your favorite ingredients.

• Can I make these calzones ahead of time?

Assemble the calzones and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. You can also freeze uncooked calzones for up to 2 months, just add a few extra minutes to cooking time when air frying from frozen.

Air Fryer Calzones Made for Quick Cravings

• Perfect for Busy Weeknights
• Fast preparation takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making these calzones ideal for hectic family dinners when time is short and hunger is high.
• Personalize each calzone with favorite ingredients like pepperoni, vegetables, or different cheese blends, turning a simple recipe into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's taste preferences.
• Achieve crispy, golden-brown edges with significantly less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, creating a lighter version of a classic comfort food that doesn't sacrifice flavor or texture.
• Minimal kitchen skills required- even beginner cooks can successfully create delicious, restaurant-style calzones with simple steps and basic ingredients, making meal preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

What Goes Inside These Crispy Pocket Meals

• Pizza Dough: Soft, stretchy base for calzones, perfect for creating a crispy outer shell.
• Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out dough.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheese blend for creamy, melty interior.
• Pizza Sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor to the calzone filling.

• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend for authentic Italian taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top.
• Olive Oil: Alternative to egg wash for achieving a crispy exterior.

How to Fold, Fill, and Cook Perfect Calzones

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooker

Fire up your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it get toasty while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Sprinkle flour on a clean countertop and gently stretch pizza dough into circular shapes about 6 inches wide and thin as a pancake.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Optional protein or veggie toppings

Step 4: Create Pocket Perfection

Fold the dough over the fillings, transforming it into a beautiful half-moon shape. Firmly press edges together and use a fork to crimp and seal the delicious package.

Step 5: Add Golden Shine

Whisk an egg and lovingly brush the surface of each calzone, creating a gorgeous golden exterior. Olive oil works wonderfully as an alternative.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Goodness

Carefully place calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Step 7: Rest and Savor

Allow calzones to cool briefly, preventing molten filling from burning mouths. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy the crispy, cheesy magic!

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicious air fryer calzones bring Italian comfort straight to kitchen counters with crispy golden crusts and melted cheese inside. Home cooks can savor restaurant-quality pockets packed with savory fillings, creating memorable meals in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pizza sauce
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (75 grams) sliced pepperoni or other toppings

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by positioning the air fryer on a stable surface and preheating it to a crisp 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
2. Transform the pizza dough into delicate circular canvases by gently rolling it out on a lightly floured surface, creating 6-inch rounds with a slender 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Craft your flavor foundation by spreading a layer of zesty pizza sauce across one half of each dough circle, creating a tantalizing base for the upcoming flavor explosion.
4. Generously layer the moistened dough surface with a harmonious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, then sprinkle with aromatic Italian seasoning and garlic powder to elevate the taste profile.
5. Artfully fold the dough over the luscious filling, creating a crescent-shaped pocket that encapsulates the savory ingredients within a delicate embrace.
6. Meticulously seal the edges by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork, creating a robust barrier to prevent any delicious filling from escaping during cooking.
7. Transform the calzones with a glossy finish by gently brushing the exterior with whisked egg, which will produce a golden, crispy exterior that entices the eye and palate.
8. Carefully arrange the prepared calzones in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch, to promote even cooking and maximum crispiness.
9. Cook the calzones for 8-10 minutes, executing a careful midway flip to guarantee uniform browning and a perfectly crisp exterior.
10. Allow the calzones a brief moment to cool and settle, then serve immediately with additional pizza sauce for a delightful dipping experience that completes this culinary journey.

Notes

• For a perfectly crispy crust, ensure the dough is rolled thin and evenly, preventing thick, doughy edges that may remain undercooked.
• Avoid overfilling the calzones, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking and create a messy air fryer.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or swapping ricotta for cottage cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
• Brush the calzones with a light coating of olive oil or egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that’s both crispy and glossy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg