Air Fryer Calzones

Craving something warm, crispy, and packed with melty cheese and your favorite fillings? Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect tasty snacks that come together effortlessly and deliver big on flavor. These handheld pockets of joy are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and ready in minutes, making them an irresistible go-to whenever hunger strikes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or serving something special at a casual gathering, Air Fryer Calzones are sure to impress without the hassle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making snack time stress-free.
• Customizable Fillings: Tailor your calzones with endless ingredient options to suit any craving.
• Healthier Cooking: Uses the air fryer for a crispy finish with less oil than traditional frying.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer delivers golden, crunchy crusts every time.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and eat, ideal for picky eaters and family meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using fresh ingredients that work together to create a balance of texture, flavor, and color in every bite. Each component plays a vital role, from the dough’s fluffiness to the savory, cheesy filling that pulls everything together.

• Pizza Dough: The foundation for a soft yet crispy crust—store-bought or homemade both work great.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey, melty texture inside.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds tangy richness and moisture to keep the filling flavorful.
• Fillings: Choose from pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, or any favorite toppings for variety.
• Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust before air frying to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
• Italian Seasoning: Sprinkled into the filling or on top for an herby punch of flavor.
• Egg Wash: Optional, to brush the crust for shine and extra color.

Variations for Air Fryer Calzones

One of the best things about Air Fryer Calzones is how easy it is to make them your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, using up odds and ends from the fridge, or simply experimenting with flavors, these variations make it simple to switch things up without the fuss.

• Vegetarian Version: Load up with roasted vegetables, spinach, and ricotta for a meat-free delight.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
• Gluten-Free Dough: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for dietary needs.
• Breakfast Calzones: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar for a morning treat.
• Vegan Option: Replace cheese with vegan mozzarella and choose plant-based fillings.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into circles about 6-7 inches in diameter—this will become the base for your calzones, offering the perfect size for snacking.

Step 2: Add the Fillings

Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce over half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer on your mozzarella cheese and desired fillings evenly for balanced flavor and gooey texture.

Step 3: Seal the Calzones

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal all the ingredients inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal that keeps the filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 4: Prep for Air Frying

Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil and, if you like, an egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or extra parmesan for some added flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket without crowding, then cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip halfway through if your air fryer model requires it for even cooking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Air Fryer Calzones rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving, allowing the cheese to set slightly and preventing any hot filling mishaps. Then enjoy every delicious, melty bite!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Calzones

• Preventing Sogginess: Use slightly thicker sauce or drain watery fillings to avoid a soggy crust.
• Even Cooking: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Seal Edges Well: Crimp edges securely to keep fillings contained and avoid leaks.
• Check Dough Thickness: Roll dough evenly for consistent cooking and a crispy outside.
• Temperature Tips: Preheat the air fryer to ensure a perfect golden finish from the moment the calzones hit the basket.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of garlic butter can elevate your calzones with fragrant aroma and additional flavor notes.

Side Dishes

Pair Air Fryer Calzones with a crisp garden salad, crunchy veggie sticks with dip, or a simple bowl of mixed olives for a balanced and satisfying snack or meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve calzones sliced into bite-sized pieces on a wooden board with small cups of marinara or ranch dipping sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer platter that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Air Fryer Calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for quick reheating.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked calzones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the fillings evenly without drying out your snack.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for Air Fryer Calzones?

Absolutely! Pre-made dough works perfectly and saves time while still delivering a delicious, crispy crust in the air fryer.

What fillings work best for Air Fryer Calzones?

Classic fillings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara are favorites, but vegetables, cooked meats, or even creative ingredients like ricotta and spinach are fantastic choices.

How long do Air Fryer Calzones take to cook?

Most calzones cook quickly in about 8-10 minutes at 375°F, but cooking times can vary based on your air fryer and calzone size.

Can I make these calzones gluten-free?

Yes, just swap regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety and adjust cooking times slightly if needed for best results.

Do I need to use oil in this recipe?

Brushing olive oil on the calzones helps achieve a golden, crispy crust, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter option—though the texture may differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a snack that’s fast, flavorful, and downright fun to eat, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Calzones. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and comforting on the inside, and customizable to fit any mood or dietary preference—this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Grab your ingredients, warm up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy these delicious pockets of joy in no time!

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