If you’re craving a quick yet satisfyingly crispy meal, this Air Fryer Calzones recipe has got you covered. Enjoy gooey cheese and crispy crust with this quick Air Fryer Calzones recipe—perfect for a fast, delicious homemade meal anytime! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend snack, these calzones bring together the best of melty cheese, savory fillings, and a golden, perfectly crisp outer shell, all made effortlessly in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: You can have delicious, fresh calzones on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly crispy crust: The air fryer delivers a golden brown, crunchy crust without deep frying.
- Customizable fillings: Easily swap in your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses for endless variety.
- Less mess to clean: No need for greasy pans or oil splatters, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-friendly: These calzones are great for picky eaters and fun to make with kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully, adding flavor, texture, and color to your Air Fryer Calzones. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the melty cheese to the crispy dough and the savory fillings that make each bite irresistible.
- Pizza dough: Choose store-bought or homemade for the perfect chewy and crispy base.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides creamy, gooey goodness that’s core to every calzone.
- Marinara sauce: Adds tangy, zesty flavor inside and extra for dipping.
- Cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni: Brings savory spice and texture to your filling.
- Spinach or sautéed veggies: Adds freshness, color, and nutrition without overpowering.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Enhance the depth of flavor with minimal effort.
- Egg wash: Gives your crust a beautiful golden shine when baked.
Variations for Air Fryer Calzones
This Air Fryer Calzones recipe is super flexible and easy to adapt, making it a fantastic base for tailoring to your taste buds, dietary restrictions, or whatever leftovers you have in the fridge. Feel free to get creative!
- Vegetarian calzones: Replace meat with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a veggie-packed option.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or swap regular sausage for spicy chorizo for an extra kick.
- Vegan makeover: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sausage substitutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Breakfast calzones: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crisp bacon for a morning treat.
- Herb-infused dough: Mix fresh basil or rosemary into the dough for fragrant crusts.
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 6-7 inch circle for individual calzones. Be sure it’s even but not too thin to avoid tearing when you fold it later.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Layer your mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage or preferred fillings, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and your choice of veggies onto one half of each dough circle, leaving space around the edges for sealing.
Step 3: Seal and Brush
Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely. Then, brush the outside lightly with egg wash to create that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the calzones carefully in your preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for about 8-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let your calzones rest for a few minutes once out of the air fryer before digging in, so the cheese sets slightly and you avoid burning your mouth!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Calzones
- Preheat your air fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures crispy results faster.
- Don’t overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can lead to leaking and soggy crusts.
- Use parchment paper: Place a small sheet under calzones to prevent sticking without blocking airflow.
- Check halfway through cooking: Rotate or rearrange if needed for even browning on all sides.
- Experiment with cheese blends: Try mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for added depth.
How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top brightens flavors, while a dusting of grated parmesan adds a salty kick. Don’t forget a light drizzle of olive oil to elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
A crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or a small bowl of marinara make fantastic companions to Air Fryer Calzones, balancing indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice calzones into halves or thirds for sharing, serve with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter, or pack them up for a satisfying picnic or lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap calzones tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for optimal texture.
Reheating
Reheat calzones in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pizza dough for Air Fryer Calzones?
Absolutely! Just thaw the dough completely before shaping and filling to ensure it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
What fillings work best in an air fryer calzone?
Cooked meats like sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are fantastic and hold up well during air frying.
How do I prevent the calzones from leaking filling?
Make sure to seal all edges firmly with a fork and avoid adding too much sauce or overly wet ingredients to keep everything inside.
Can I make these calzones gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy a tasty gluten-free version.
Is it possible to freeze cooked Air Fryer Calzones?
While freezing them before cooking is recommended, you can freeze cooked calzones too; just reheat thoroughly in the air fryer for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Calzones recipe is a true gem for anyone craving a fast, crispy, and delightfully cheesy meal. Not only is it quick and easy, but it also invites you to get creative with fillings and flavors. Give it a try tonight and discover how simple it is to whip up restaurant-quality calzones right at home!