Air Fryer Calzones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Calzones are a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness of traditional calzones in a fraction of the time. With a golden, crispy crust and customizable fillings, these handheld delights are perfect for quick dinners, party snacks, or meal prep. The air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked calzone without the need for deep frying or turning on the oven.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)mozzarella cheesericotta cheesepizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)sliced pepperoniscooked sausage or vegetables (optional)olive oilItalian seasoninggarlic powdersalt

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into equal portions and roll each into a small circle or oval shape.

Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edge.

Add ricotta, mozzarella, and any additional fillings like pepperoni or veggies.

Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.

Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through if needed.

Let them cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4-6 calzones depending on size.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 8-10 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato for a creamy twist.

Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a flavor change.

Add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-filled version.

Make mini calzones for appetizers or kids’ lunchboxes.

Use crescent roll dough for a flakier crust option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.Calzones can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

Yes, puff pastry will give a flakier, more buttery crust but may cook faster, so watch closely.

Do I have to pre-cook the fillings?

Any raw meat should be fully cooked before using. Veggies can be raw or lightly sautéed.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and store in the fridge for up to a day before air frying.

Why are my calzones opening during cooking?

Make sure the edges are sealed tightly and don’t overfill the calzones.

Can I brush them with egg wash?

Yes, an egg wash gives a shiny, golden finish.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy filling and handheld size. Let them help pick the fillings too.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, simply use cheese and vegetables—mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach work great.

Do I need to flip them in the air fryer?

Flipping helps ensure even browning, especially with thicker calzones.

What kind of sauce is best for dipping?

Classic marinara or pizza sauce is perfect, but ranch or garlic butter dip also works well.

Can I make dessert calzones?

Definitely! Use Nutella, fruit, or sweetened ricotta with cinnamon sugar for a dessert twist.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calzones are a fast, fun, and versatile way to satisfy your pizza cravings. With endless filling possibilities and that irresistible golden crust, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Whether for a weeknight meal or a game day snack, these calzones are sure to become a go-to in your air fryer recipe collection.

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