Golden-brown pockets of cheesy goodness just waiting to be devoured—this is what happens when you take a classic calzone and give it a modern, crispy twist in the air fryer. Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked crust, followed by a gooey flood of melted mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and sharp Parmesan cheese. As the golden exterior cracks open, you’ll find a warm, savory filling that’s accented by tangy marinara sauce and your favorite toppings, from pepperoni to earthy mushrooms. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light in calories, clocking in at just about 350 per serving. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing snack for game night, these air fryer calzones hit all the right notes with minimal fuss.
With just 20 minutes of hands-on preparation, a brief 10-minute air fry session, and a quick 5-minute rest, this recipe is tailor-made for busy home cooks and beginners alike. You don’t need to be a pizza pro to shape dough into perfect half-moons—just a lightly floured surface and a touch of enthusiasm. Store-bought pizza dough works like a charm, but homemade dough can elevate the experience if you have the time and inclination. Once you’ve mastered this simple formula, you can mix up the fillings however you like: swap in cooked sausage, toss in fresh spinach, or try different cheese combos for endless customization. In no time, you’ll have golden, bubbly calzones that rival anything from your favorite pizza joint, right out of your own kitchen.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN AIR FRYER CALZONES
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients and a clear understanding of their roles. For these air fryer calzones, each element contributes to the final texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment, from the dough beneath your fingertips to the finishing egg wash that guarantees a golden, glossy top.
- Pizza dough
The foundation of your calzone, providing a chewy yet crisp outer shell. Store-bought dough is convenient, while homemade allows for personalized flavor and texture.
- Mozzarella cheese
The melty superstar that stretches with every bite. Shredded mozzarella ensures even melting and a luscious, gooey interior.
- Ricotta cheese
Adds a creamy, tangy layer that balances the mozzarella’s meltiness and creates a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
- Parmesan cheese
Offers a nutty, salty punch to the filling mix, enhancing depth of flavor and complementing the milder cheeses.
- Marinara sauce
Provides a zesty tomato base that keeps the filling moist and flavorful, infusing each bite with classic pizza taste.
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
Introduce a savory, slightly spicy kick and a bit of meaty texture for traditional pizza lovers.
- Chopped bell peppers (optional)
Bring a fresh crunch and sweet, vegetal notes that brighten up the rich cheese blend.
- Sliced mushrooms (optional)
Offer an earthy flavor and tender chewiness, adding another layer of complexity to each calzone.
- Egg (beaten)
Used as an egg wash to create a shiny, golden-brown crust and help sealed edges hold together during cooking.
- Flour
Prevents sticking while rolling out the dough, ensuring a smooth, manageable surface for assembly.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER CALZONES
Before rolling up and sealing these savory pockets, it’s helpful to gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and clear a floured work surface. Follow these steps closely for perfectly cooked calzones every time.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring the cooking chamber reaches the right temperature ahead of time gives you a crisp, evenly browned crust.
2. Lightly dust your working surface with flour to prevent sticking, then roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick, aiming for uniform thickness throughout.
3. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, divide the rolled dough into four equally sized portions, so each calzone bakes up at the same rate.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly blended, forming a rich, cohesive filling.
5. Spread approximately two tablespoons of marinara sauce onto one half of each dough portion, taking care to leave a one-inch border around the edges for sealing.
6. Spoon a heaping dollop of the cheese mixture on top of the sauce layer, centering it to avoid overfilling.
7. Add any optional toppings—pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms—for extra flavor and texture, being mindful not to overload the pocket.
8. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a sturdy half-moon, then seal the edges by pressing down firmly with a fork, creating a decorative crimp.
9. Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg wash to encourage a bright, shiny, golden crust.
10. Place two calzones at a time into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching so hot air can circulate freely.
11. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until the calzones turn golden brown and crispy. Adjust the time slightly based on your air fryer model’s heating characteristics.
12. Carefully remove the calzones from the basket and let them cool for about five minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set slightly for easier, less messy slicing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AIR FRYER CALZONES
After you’ve pulled these perfect calzones out of the air fryer, it’s time to think about how to present and enhance them. Whether you’re serving family dinner or entertaining friends, little finishing touches can take these golden pockets from great to unforgettable. Rich, savory flavors benefit from bright accompaniments and complementary textures that round out each plate.
- Serve with a side of extra marinara sauce in a small dipping bowl for every guest. A warm, seasoned sauce with a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes is the ideal companion for each crispy bite.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil. The vibrant green color and aromatic crunch add brightness and visual appeal, cutting through the cheese’s richness.
- Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly in a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity from the citrus and the fresh bite of greens helps balance the hearty, cheesy calzones and makes the meal feel well-rounded.
- Offer chilled beverages such as a cold craft beer, sparkling water with a twist of lime, or a robust red wine. Each choice enhances different flavor notes in the calzone filling and keeps the palate refreshed.
HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER CALZONES
Planning to make these calzones ahead of time or save leftovers for another meal? Proper storage is key to preserving that signature crisp crust and gooey interior. With the right techniques, you can enjoy your calzones again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow the calzones to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days, reheating in the air fryer or oven to crisp up the crust.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, wrap cooled calzones tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
- Air Fryer Reheating: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, then reheat refrigerated or thawed calzones for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method guarantees a crunchy exterior and perfectly warm filling.
- Oven Reheating: Heat your oven to 350°F, place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust to avoid over-browning and maintain the right balance of crispness.
CONCLUSION
From the first bite of the crispy, golden crust to the last pull of stringy, melted cheese, these air fryer calzones deliver a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that make weeknight meals feel like a celebration. With just 20 minutes of prep, a brief cooking time, and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, this beginner-friendly recipe is a game-changer for busy kitchens. You can print this article and save it for later, tucking it into your recipe binder or clipping it to the fridge for quick reference. Don’t forget to scroll down to find a FAQ section below that answers common questions about this easy dinner favorite.
Whether you stick to the classic pepperoni and cheese or experiment with spinach, sausage, or extra herbs, these portable pizza pockets are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun party appetizer. If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your favorite filling combinations, or let us know if you encountered any questions along the way. Your feedback and stories help other home cooks dive into the world of air fryer cooking with confidence and creativity. Enjoy the crunch!
Air Fryer Calzones
Description
Filled with gooey cheese and tasty toppings, these golden-brown calzones cooked in the air fryer are a delightful twist on classic pizza pockets. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle or circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
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Using a knife or a pizza cutter, divide the rolled dough into 4 equally-sized portions.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese.
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Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto one half of each dough portion, leaving a 1-inch border.
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Add a heaping spoonful of the cheese mixture onto the sauce layer.
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Add optional toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms if desired.
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Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork.
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Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg to encourage a golden crust.
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Place two calzones at a time into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy. Adjust time based on your air fryer model if necessary.
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Carefully remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Note
- Customize the filling to your preference by adding cooked sausage, spinach, or different types of cheese.
- Make ahead and refrigerate uncooked calzones for up to 24 hours; cook directly from the fridge.
- Use leftover pizza dough from previous meals to make this an efficient midweek dinner.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
