Crunchy Dream: Foolproof Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Golden, bubbling, and packed with irresistible flavors, these air fryer calzones burst with cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds dance.

Crispy air fryer calzones bring an Italian classic right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The perfect blend of melted cheese, savory fillings, and a perfectly crunchy exterior awaits you in this simple recipe.

Forget complicated cooking methods – this approach ensures a delightful meal in minutes.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of crisp pastry and warm, gooey center that screams comfort food.

The air fryer works its magic, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create at home.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these calzones come together and how incredibly delicious they turn out.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Calzones from Scratch

• Pizza Dough: Provides the perfect crispy, chewy foundation for your calzone, choose fresh or pre-made dough for convenience.
• Flour: Essential for preventing sticking when rolling out the dough, use all-purpose for smooth handling.

• Pizza Sauce: Adds zesty flavor and moisture to the calzone's interior, select a rich, well-seasoned variety.
• Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan: Cheese blend creates creamy, melty goodness, opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses authentic herb notes, look for a blend with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic kick, choose a finely ground version for even distribution.
• Additional Toppings: Customize with meats, vegetables, or extra herbs to make the calzone uniquely yours.

• Egg: Creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior and helps seal the calzone, select fresh, room-temperature eggs.
• Olive Oil (Alternative): Provides a glossy finish and additional flavor if preferred over egg wash.

Tools to Prepare and Cook Air Fryer Calzones Perfectly

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking calzones quickly and creating a crispy crust without traditional oven.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for stretching pizza dough into thin, even circles.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying egg wash or olive oil to give calzones a golden shine.
• Fork: Helps crimp and seal calzone edges securely.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for whisking egg wash and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for rolling out dough and assembling calzones.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth egg wash for brushing calzones.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a toasty 375F, getting it ready for some serious calzone magic.

• Shape Your Dough

Roll out pizza dough into perfect half-moon circles, creating a canvas for deliciousness.

• Layer Flavor Bombs

Spread pizza sauce on one side of the dough, then shower it with cheese and your favorite fillings.

• Craft Delicious Pockets

Fold the dough over, creating a scrumptious sealed pocket. Pinch edges tightly with a fork to lock in all the goodness.

• Give a Golden Touch

Brush the calzone tops with egg wash or olive oil for a gorgeous, crispy exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Air Fry to Perfection

Slide those beauties into the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning and maximum crunch.

• Cool and Devour

Let the calzones rest for a moment, then dive in with some extra pizza sauce for dipping. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips and Flavor Twists for Your Air Fryer Calzone Game

• Perfect Dough Technique: Roll pizza dough thin and evenly to ensure crispy, uniform calzone texture without dense centers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare calzones in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying, saving precious cooking time during busy evenings.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat fillings with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a nutrient-packed plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower crust or store-bought gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Explosion: Experiment with international-inspired fillings such as Mediterranean (feta, olives), Mexican (black beans, salsa), or Indian-spiced vegetables to transform this classic Italian pocket.

Best Ways to Plate and Serve Air Fryer Calzones

• Dip and Delight: Serve calzones with warm marinara sauce for extra flavor explosion. Create a mini poolside party by pairing with chilled white wine or crisp Italian soda.
• Family Pizza Night: Transform this recipe into an interactive meal where everyone builds their own calzone with custom toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Kids will love creating their personal cheesy masterpieces.
• Healthier Side Kick: Complement these crispy calzones with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens will balance the rich, cheesy filling and add a nutritious touch to your meal.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat calzones in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Slice and serve as quick lunch or afternoon snack with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Keeping Leftover Air Fryer Calzones Tasty and Crisp

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in aluminum foil to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Prepare extra calzones and freeze uncooked for future quick meals. Stack them between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated calzones using the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores crispy edges and warm, gooey filling without making the dough soggy or tough.
• Portion Control Hack: Cut calzones into smaller sections before storing, making it easier to reheat only the amount needed. This approach reduces food waste and helps maintain the original texture when warming individual pieces.

Crispy Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory air fryer calzones bring Italian-inspired comfort to home cooking. Crisp golden crusts and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) pizza dough
• 1 cup (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) pizza sauce
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced pepperoni or other toppings
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (for brushing)
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) garlic powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the air fryer on a stable surface and preheat to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Dough Crafting: Roll pizza dough into 6-inch rounds with a 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, creating delicate circular bases.
3. Flavor Layering: Spread pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, establishing a zesty foundation for the filling.
4. Cheese Composition: Distribute mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses across the sauced dough, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Pocket Formation: Fold the dough over the filling, creating a crescent-shaped pocket that securely encapsulates the ingredients.
6. Sealing and Finishing: Firmly press and crimp edges with a fork, then brush the exterior with whisked egg to create a golden, glossy surface.
7. Air Frying: Arrange calzones in a single, non-touching layer within the air fryer basket, cooking for 8-10 minutes and flipping midway to ensure even browning and crispy exterior.
8. Serving: Allow calzones to cool briefly, then serve immediately with additional pizza sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

Notes

• Optimize Dough Thickness: Roll dough uniformly to 1/4 inch to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout the calzone.
• Prevent Filling Leakage: Seal edges meticulously by pressing and crimping with a fork, creating a tight seal that locks in delicious ingredients.
• Achieve Golden Crisp: Brush egg wash generously over the surface to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior with a glossy, appetizing finish.
• Control Air Fryer Spacing: Arrange calzones in a single layer without touching to guarantee even heat circulation and maximum crispiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg