Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
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Crispy & Golden: Achieves a deep-fried crunch without the excess oil.
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Customizable: Fill with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your taste.
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Minimal Cleanup: Cooked entirely in the air fryer, reducing the need for multiple pans.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup pizza sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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4 oz pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Optional: garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for brushing
directions
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
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Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
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Assemble the Calzones: Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni.
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Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are well sealed.
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Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. If desired, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
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Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Serve: Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional pizza sauce for dipping
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 calzones
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Cheesy Delight: Add ricotta or Parmesan cheese to the filling for a richer taste.
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Veggie Lover: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or onions in the filling.
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Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked sausage, bacon, or ham into the calzones.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for added heat.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.
2. How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?
Ensure the edges are sealed tightly and crimped well. Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the calzones and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I freeze the calzones?
Yes, freeze the assembled (but uncooked) calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
5. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture. Adjust cooking time as needed, as puff pastry may cook faster.
6. How do I know when the calzones are done?
The calzones should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.
8. Can I add sauce inside the calzone?
While traditional calzones don’t include sauce inside, you can add a small amount. Be cautious not to overfill to prevent sogginess.
9. Can I cook multiple calzones at once?
Yes, but ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
10. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian calzone.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Calzones offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a pizza-inspired meal with a crispy crust and customizable fillings. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or puff pastry, these calzones are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different fillings to create your perfect calzone.
PrintAir Fryer Calzones
Air Fryer Calzones are a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a crispy, golden crust filled with gooey cheese and savory toppings—all prepared in a fraction of the time using your air fryer. Perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or party appetizer, these calzones are both customizable and convenient.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Dish, Snack
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for brushing
Instructions
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are well sealed.
- Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. If desired, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Place the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a cheesy delight, add ricotta or Parmesan cheese to the filling for a richer taste.
- Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or onions in the filling for a veggie lover’s version.
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg