These air fryer calzones bring pizzeria-quality taste right to your kitchen in just 36 minutes. Golden-brown pockets of perfection, filled with your favorite toppings and melty cheese, emerge perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
At only 402 calories per serving, they’re a smart choice for pizza lovers seeking a handheld meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The air fryer works its magic to create that coveted crunchy exterior without deep frying, making these calzones a healthier twist on the Italian classic.
Delightful Air Fryer Calzones
- Pizza Dough (1 can): Let it come to room temperature for easier handling
- Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup): Spread evenly but keep away from edges for proper sealing
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Freshly shredded works best for optimal melting
- Pepperoni (1/2 cup): Thinly sliced for perfect layering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Roll out the pizza dough into circles of even thickness
- Layer the Filling: Spread sauce on half the circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border for sealing
- Add Toppings: Layer cheese and pepperoni evenly, remember not to overfill
- Seal with Care: Fold dough over and firmly crimp edges with a fork to prevent leaks
- First Air Fry: Place in air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes until starting to brown
- Flip and Finish: Carefully turn over and cook additional 2 minutes for perfect crispiness
- Cool and Serve: Let rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting to keep fillings intact
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect golden-brown crust in your air fryer is super easy! Keep the calzone sealed by pressing firmly with your fork when crimping the edges. If you notice any spots opening up while cooking, don’t worry – a little cheese might leak out, but it’ll create yummy crispy bits. For best results, spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil before placing your calzones inside.
Variations & Substitutions
Make these calzones your own! Try swapping pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage, ham, or mushrooms. Not a fan of mozzarella? Use provolone or a pizza cheese blend instead. You can even use homemade pizza dough if you have time. For veggie lovers, try spinach and ricotta, or roasted peppers and onions – just make sure to cook wet ingredients first so your calzone doesn’t get soggy.
Storage Tips
Let your calzones cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just wrap each one in foil first. When you’re ready to eat, heat them straight from frozen at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
Air Fryer Calzones
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Pizza Dough
- 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Pepperoni
Instructions
- Spread pizza sauce on half of circle, add cheese and pepperoni. Avoid overstuffing the calzones.
- Fold over opposite side of dough circle to form a half circle. Crimp edges with a fork.
- Place calzones in the airfryer basket and cook on 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Let cool before eating.
