Name: Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced; 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg (for egg wash); Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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If you have ever dreamed of enjoying a warm, cheesy, and perfectly crisp calzone without the hassle of deep frying or long oven wait times, then this recipe is for you! This Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering delight that is both satisfying and fun to make. It’s an incredible ultimate go-to for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave that classic pizza flavor wrapped in a golden pouch of goodness. From the rich cheeses to the savory meats and vibrant greens, every bite bursts with cozy Italian charm you’ll want to share with everyone.

Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Ingredients You’ll Need

An Incredible Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Prepare to be amazed at how just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a calzone masterpiece. Each element adds its own unique touch, whether it’s creaminess, zest, or that charming crunch that makes this dish unforgettable.

Pizza dough: The foundation for your calzone, providing a soft yet crispy exterior that holds all the flavors inside.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, smooth texture that balances the sharper cheeses beautifully.
Shredded mozzarella: Delivers that famous melt and stretch every calzone deserves.
Grated Parmesan: Lends a nutty flavor that amplifies the cheesy goodness.
Cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken): Offers savory depth and protein to keep things hearty.
Fresh spinach or arugula: Brings a fresh, peppery note and a pop of vibrant green color.
Dried oregano: Infuses a classic herbaceous Italian aroma.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and character to the filling.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all flavors.
Egg (for egg wash): Ensures a beautiful golden-brown finish and pleasant crunch.
Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping, delivering a tangy, savory companion to every bite.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by taking your pizza dough out of the fridge and letting it come to room temperature if it’s store-bought. This makes it easier to roll out without springing back. If you’re going the homemade route, ensure you have a nice thin sheet ready — around a quarter inch thick will give you that ideal balance of soft interior and crisp crust.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, gather your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped greens, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture is the heart and soul of your calzone, so taste and adjust seasoning now — it’s where all the magic begins.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a large round. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to divide this into circles about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. These rounds will become your calzone pockets — sturdy yet tender enough to fold without tearing.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Place a generous scoop of your filling on one half of each dough circle. Make sure to leave space on the edges so the dough can seal tightly. Then, fold the other half over the filling and pinch or crimp the edges with a fork to secure. This step keeps all your cheesy, meaty goodness locked safely inside.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Give your calzones a brush of beaten egg on top to ensure that irresistible golden crust. Place them carefully in the air fryer basket without overcrowding—cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and the filling bubbles invitingly. A couple of extra minutes won’t hurt if they need it!

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate

Garnishes

While these calzones shine on their own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a light dusting of Parmesan can elevate the presentation and flavor to new heights. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds an exciting finish for those who love a little kick.

Side Dishes

Pair your calzones with a vibrant side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of soup can make the meal even cozier and more satisfying without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your calzones on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara, pesto, and ranch dip invites everyone to customize their bites. You might also slice them into smaller pieces for a party platter or wrap them in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go snack that looks as inviting as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any uneaten calzones in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining their flavors spectacularly when reheated.

Freezing

To make your life easier, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests craving comfort food.

Reheating

The best way to reheat frozen or refrigerated calzones is in the air fryer or conventional oven. This method restores the crunchy exterior and melty filling like they were freshly made. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza dough works just as well in the air fryer, though you might want to watch the cooking time closely as some doughs can brown faster or slower.

What other fillings can I use for Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate calzone?

Feel free to customize with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You can also experiment with different cheeses or meat substitutes for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly twist.

Do I need to pre-cook the meats for the filling?

Yes, it’s best to use cooked meats to ensure food safety and that your filling is perfectly heated through without overcooking the dough.

Can I make these calzones without an air fryer?

You can bake them in a traditional oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown, but the air fryer gives that irresistible crispness more quickly.

Is marinara sauce necessary, or can I serve calzones without it?

Marinara sauce is traditional and adds a tangy contrast, but you can absolutely enjoy calzones on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or pesto.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to an easy, flavorful meal that feels special yet is so simple to whip up, this Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate recipe is a total winner. It brings together the perfect combination of textures and tastes while saving you time and fuss. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder why you ever did calzones any other way!

Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

This Air Fryer Calzones recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy cheesy, meaty calzones with a perfectly golden crust using your air fryer. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, these calzones are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, and fresh spinach, then air fried to crispy perfection. Served with marinara sauce for dipping, they are an incredible and easy meal for 4 servings.

Author: mia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought, allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature according to package instructions. If homemade, roll out the dough into a thin sheet ready for shaping.
Mix Fillings: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into a large circle approximately ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking and easy folding.
Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into large circles about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, creating individual calzone bases.
Fill the Calzones: Place a generous portion of the cheese and meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving enough space along the edges to seal properly.
Fold and Seal: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly or use a fork to crimp and seal the calzones, preventing the filling from leaking out during cooking.
Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones to promote a golden, shiny crust.
Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles inside. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Check for Doneness: Confirm the dough is fully cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for thorough cooking.
Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, paired with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

You can customize the filling by using different meats or vegetables according to preference.
Make sure to seal the calzones tightly to prevent any cheese or sauce from leaking during air frying.
If your air fryer basket is small, cook calzones in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
You can substitute spinach with arugula or kale for a different leafy green flavor.
Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling to make it more pliable and easier to work with.
Use a toothpick to poke a few small holes on top before air frying if you want to let steam escape and avoid sogginess inside.