Air Fryer Calzones
Air Fryer Calzones are quick, easy, and customizable handheld snacks featuring a crispy golden crust and melty cheese with your favorite fillings. Perfect for a fast lunch or a fun party appetizer, these calzones use an air fryer for a healthier, crispier finish in under 20 minutes.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Calzone Dough
- Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade), enough for several 6-7 inch circles
Cheese and Sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, about 1/2 cup per calzone
- Marinara Sauce, 1-2 tablespoons per calzone
Fillings (Customize as desired)
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced mushrooms
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Other favorite toppings as desired (e.g., roasted vegetables, jalapeños, ricotta)
Seasoning and Finishes
- Olive Oil, for brushing crust
- Italian Seasoning, for sprinking inside or on top
- Egg Wash (1 beaten egg), optional, for brushing crust to add shine
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket without crowding, then cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking if your air fryer requires it for even cooking.
- 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. Enjoy every delicious, melty bite!
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Calzones, Quick Snacks, Melty Cheese Calzones, Crispy Calzones, Easy Appetizers, Gluten-Free Calzones