© Original recipe by The Spoon Studio ©
🍕Quick and Easy Air Fryer Calzones for a Delicious Dinner
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, crispy, and cheesy dinner without the fuss, these air fryer calzones are your new best friend. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they make for a fantastic easy dinner recipe that comes together in a flash. Using your air fryer, you can enjoy a pizza-inspired comfort classic with less oil and less mess—ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- One-pan cooking—less cleaning and fuss.
- Crispy, golden crusts achieved effortlessly with the air fryer.
- Customizable fillings to suit your taste, from classic pepperoni to veggie-packed options.
3. Ingredient Notes
For these air fryer calzones, I recommend high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor and texture. Use fresh pizza dough or even pre-made dough from your local store for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try homemade dough for that extra touch of freshness.
Choose good-quality cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for that melty, gooey texture. For fillings, seasoned meats like pepperoni or seasoned vegetables like bell peppers and onions work beautifully. Opt for fresh ingredients to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Investing in the right tools makes all the difference when making air fryer calzones. A reliable Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer will give you perfect crispy results every time. Its versatile settings allow you to bake and crisp your calzones evenly without extra oil, making it an easy dinner recipe you’ll want to make repeatedly.
Pair it with a good nonstick cookware set for easy prep and clean-up, especially when working with dough and cheese.
5. How to Make Air Fryer Calzones
Prepare the dough
Start by rolling out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. The visual cue? The dough should be smooth and slightly elastic, not sticky. Use a pizza cutter to cut into circles, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. This size ensures the calzone bakes evenly and fits nicely in your air fryer basket.
Fill and seal the calzones
Place a generous spoonful of your favorite fillings—cheese, meats, veggies—in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal. For a professional finish, crimp the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with a beaten egg or olive oil for a golden, crispy crust. It smells heavenly at this stage, with the aroma of baked dough and melting cheese filling the kitchen.
Air frying
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Carefully place the calzones in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between each. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. The trick? Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning. The result should be a perfectly crisp exterior with a cheesy, savory filling inside.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Seal the edges well—this prevents leakage and keeps fillings intact during cooking.
- Use a marinade or egg wash on the crust for that shiny, golden finish.
- Test your air fryer with one calzone first to find the ideal cooking time for your model.
- Keep fillings cold until ready to assemble to prevent sogginess.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you prefer vegetarian calzones, swap out meat fillings for roasted vegetables or spinach and feta. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free dough. Vegan options work well with dairy-free cheese and plant-based fillings. Looking for a low-carb take? Stuff your calzones with cauliflower or zucchini fillings wrapped in low-carb wrap dough.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
9. FAQ
Can I make calzones ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the calzones up to the sealing stage and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
What fillings work best in an air fryer calzone?
Classic options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Choose fillings that are pre-cooked or cooked beforehand to ensure everything heats evenly.
How do I prevent the calzones from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper suitable for air fryers. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper airflow.
10. Conclusion
With this simple recipe, you can elevate your weeknight dinners with crispy, cheesy air fryer calzones. Their customizable fillings and foolproof baking method make them an unbeatable easy dinner idea. Get creative with your favorite ingredients, and serve your calzones hot with a side salad or dipping sauces for a fully satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
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Quick and Easy Air Fryer Calzones for a Delicious Dinner
A quick and easy recipe for cheesy calzones cooked in the air fryer, perfect for a fast dinner or snack. Filled with melty cheese, pepperoni, and fresh herbs, these calzones are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (thawed)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares.
- Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on half of each square, then top with cheese, pepperoni, and herbs.
- Fold dough over to enclose filling and seal edges with a fork or pinch them closed.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket, seam side down, and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Feel free to customize fillings with vegetables or different cheeses.
- Ensure calzones are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian option possible
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg