The Best Homemade Air Fryer Calzones Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy, golden air fryer calzones promise a delightful twist on traditional pizza pockets.

These handheld treats pack incredible flavors into every bite-sized bundle.

My kitchen experiments have proven how quick and simple these portable meals can become.

Melted cheese and savory fillings create a perfect handheld experience that surprises everyone at the table.

Stuffed with your favorite ingredients, these calzones cook faster and crispier than conventional oven methods.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy cooks seeking something special.

Let’s unlock the magic of creating restaurant-quality calzones right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

What Goes Into Air Fryer Calzones

• Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base for creating the calzone shell, store-bought or homemade works great.

• Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan: Creamy and melty cheese blend that provides rich flavor and gooey texture, choose fresh and high-quality cheeses.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spice mix that adds depth and traditional Italian flavors to the filling.

• Pizza Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and tangy flavor inside the calzone.

• Egg, Olive Oil: Golden and crispy exterior coating that helps achieve a beautiful brown crust, egg creates shinier finish while olive oil works as alternative.

• All-Purpose Flour: Light dusting to prevent dough from sticking during rolling and shaping.

• Pepperoni, Sausage, Vegetables: Customizable protein and vegetable options to personalize calzone filling.

How To Make Air Fryer Calzones Step By Step

Step 1: Fire Up The Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 375F. Make sure it’s ready to transform your dough into crispy pockets of deliciousness.

Step 2: Craft Your Dough Circles

Sprinkle flour on a clean countertop. Roll out pizza dough into perfect rounds that are about 6 inches wide and super thin. Your goal is creating delicate, pillowy bases.

Step 3: Layer Flavor Explosions

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

Step 4: Seal Your Flavor Treasure

Fold the dough over like you’re creating a delightful moon-shaped package. Press edges firmly and use a fork to crimp and lock in all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Create A Golden Armor

Whisk an egg and gently paint the calzone tops. This magical wash will transform your pockets into gorgeous golden beauties. Olive oil works wonderfully too!

Step 6: Transform In The Air Fryer

Carefully place calzones in the basket. Ensure they’re not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee an even, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Rest And Devour

Let these flavor bombs cool briefly. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Tips For Air Fryer Calzones

• Customize Fillings Wisely: Experiment with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your perfect calzone combination while keeping the filling light to prevent soggy edges.
• Prevent Sticking Tricks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent calzones from sticking during cooking.
• Seal Edges Carefully: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, creating a tight seal that prevents fillings from leaking out during the air frying process.
• Oil Brush Brilliance: Apply a thin layer of egg wash or olive oil to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that's crispy and visually appealing.
• Temperature Check Pro: Verify the internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure all ingredients are fully cooked and safe to eat, especially if using meat fillings.

How To Store Air Fryer Calzones Properly

• Refrigerate leftover calzones in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store them carefully to maintain their delicious flavor and texture.
• Sealed containers keep calzones fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap each calzone individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture and preserve crispiness.
• Freezing works wonderfully for longer storage.
• Place cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Frozen calzones stay tasty for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• Reheating brings back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer taste.
• Avoid using a microwave, which can make the dough soggy.
• Instead, use the air fryer to restore the crispy exterior and warm filling.
• Always check the internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety and optimal enjoyment.

Best Sides To Eat With Air Fryer Calzones

• Elevate with Italian Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, cheesy calzones with a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness and matches the herbal Italian seasoning perfectly.
• Refresh with Bright Salad Companion: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent calzone, providing a zesty and light counterpoint to the warm, cheesy filling.
• Boost with Herbal Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick basil-infused marinara or garlic aioli to enhance the calzone's flavor profile, adding an extra layer of excitement and depth to each bite.
• Pair with Sparkling Beverage: Select a cold, crisp Italian sparkling water like San Pellegrino or a light beer such as Peroni to cleanse the palate and complement the savory, cheesy calzone.

Tasty Twists On Air Fryer Calzones

• Veggie Power Calzones: Swap meat for roasted bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini, creating a nutrient-packed vegetarian version that's colorful and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwestern Calzones: Replace traditional Italian seasonings with pepper jack cheese, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Calzones: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano to transport your taste buds to the Greek coastline.
• Breakfast Calzone Remix: Stuff with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and diced potatoes for a morning meal that breaks traditional breakfast boundaries.

What Makes Air Fryer Calzones So Fun

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: This air fryer calzone recipe transforms complex meal prep into a quick, hassle-free experience, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Customize with Endless Combinations: Unleash your creativity by mixing different cheeses, proteins, and vegetables, making these calzones perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor: Using an air fryer eliminates greasy pans and excessive oil, ensuring crispy golden calzones with minimal kitchen mess and cleanup time.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in preparing their personalized calzones, turning mealtime into a fun, interactive experience that encourages culinary exploration and family bonding.

Answers About Air Fryer Calzones

• What kind of pizza dough works best for these air fryer calzones?

Fresh or store-bought pizza dough is perfect. Homemade or pre-made dough from the grocery store bakery section will work great. Just ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and shaping.

• Can I make these calzones vegetarian or with different fillings?

Absolutely! Swap meat fillings with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or use plant-based cheese. You can customize the calzones with whatever ingredients you love or have on hand.

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

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil before placing the calzones. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a crispy exterior. You can also use parchment paper designed for air fryers.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these calzones?

All you need is an air fryer, a rolling pin, a fork for crimping edges, and basic kitchen tools like a whisk and brush. No complicated equipment required, making this recipe super simple and accessible for home cooks.

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy golden air fryer calzones deliver Italian pizzeria magic right to home kitchens. Melted cheese, savory fillings, and perfectly crisped dough invite you to savor each delectable bite of comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings (mushrooms, sausage, bell peppers, etc.)

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Preparation Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough surface by lightly dusting with flour, then gently stretch and roll pizza dough into 6-inch circular shapes, ensuring an even thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
2. Distribute pizza sauce across one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge to facilitate proper sealing.
3. Layer mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Add optional protein or vegetable toppings like pepperoni, sausage, spinach, or mushrooms to customize the calzone filling.
5. Carefully fold the bare dough half over the loaded side, creating a half-moon shaped pocket. Press edges firmly together using fingertips to create a tight seal.
6. Use a fork to crimp and reinforce the calzone edges, preventing filling from leaking during cooking.
7. Whisk an egg and delicately brush the exterior of each calzone, which will promote a rich golden-brown color and crispy texture when air fried.
8. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
9. Arrange calzones in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even heat circulation.
10. Cook for 8-10 minutes, carefully flipping midway to achieve uniform browning and crispness.
11. Remove calzones and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize.
12. Serve immediately with additional warm pizza sauce for dipping, creating a delightful dining experience.

Notes

• Flour your surface generously to prevent sticky dough and ensure smooth rolling when preparing calzone circles.
• Select high-moisture mozzarella carefully to avoid soggy fillings, which might compromise the calzone’s crispy texture.
• Experiment with different protein options like cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to customize your calzone without compromising the cooking method.
• Keep fillings minimal and evenly distributed to prevent bursting and ensure proper sealing, which helps maintain the calzone’s structural integrity during air frying.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg