There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy calzone, bursting with gooey cheese and flavorful fillings. Using an air fryer to make calzones gives you that delightful crunch without the mess of deep frying, making it a favorite way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
With this air fryer calzones recipe, you can whip up a delicious snack or meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these calzones deliver the perfect balance of crispy crust and savory fillings every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses the air fryer for crispy crust without excess oil.
- Customizable fillings to suit any taste preference.
- Less mess compared to traditional frying or baking methods.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s great for snacks, lunches, or dinner.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your deliciously crispy air fryer calzones:
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Calzones: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite!
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F while you prepare the calzones.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, crimping with a fork for a tight seal.
- Brush the outside of each calzone with olive oil, then lightly coat with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each, and cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the calzones and let them cool for a few minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent leaks during cooking.
- Use a fork to crimp edges tightly to seal in the filling.
- Allow the calzones to cool slightly before cutting or eating for best texture.
- Customize fillings to your preference – try spinach, mushrooms, or different cheeses.
- If your air fryer is small, cook calzones in batches to allow even air circulation.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover air fryer calzones tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes instead of the microwave.
For longer storage, wrap calzones tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great and can add extra flavor. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and keep it thin enough to cook thoroughly in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, but the air fryer will yield a faster cook time and crispier crust.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the sausage and pepperoni, and feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to keep them flavorful.
How do I prevent the calzones from getting soggy?
Ensure the dough edges are sealed tightly and avoid overfilling. Also, brushing with olive oil and using the air fryer helps achieve a crispy crust without sogginess.
