© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
🍕✨ Quick and Easy Air Fryer Calzones for Dinner: The Stress-Free Homemade Calzone Recipe!
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and crispy dinner, air fryer calzones are an unbeatable choice. These portable, handheld pockets of deliciousness are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Using the air fryer transforms traditional calzones into light, crunchy delights with golden perfection inside. Imagine biting into a flaky crust filled with gooey cheese, savory meats, or fresh vegetables—effortlessly made in your own kitchen! This easy calzone recipe not only saves time but guarantees crispy results every time.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins — perfect for quick dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- One-pot meal — minimal cleanup with fewer dishes.
- Customizable fillings — tailor the flavors to your preferences.
- Healthy crispy texture — thanks to the air fryer’s even cooking and less oil.
3. Ingredient Notes
When making homemade calzones, quality ingredients really shine. Use a high-quality compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer for consistent crispiness. For the dough, choose fresh pizza or bread dough from your local bakery or make your own with King Arthur Baking’s Ultimate Bread Baker’s Cookbook for expert tips.
Pick flavorful fillings like high-quality mozzarella, thinly sliced pepperoni, or roasted vegetables. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add aromatic depth, and a dash of garlic powder can elevate every bite. Opt for versatile kitchen storage to keep your ingredients fresh and organized.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve perfectly crispy calzones, a reliable air fryer is essential. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer simplifies cooking, providing even heat and easy controls. A sturdy nonstick cookset helps handle dough and fillings without sticking, and a KitchenAid Stand Mixer makes dough preparation smoother and more efficient. These tools make your cooking experience enjoyable and foolproof.
5. How to Make Quick and Easy Air Fryer Calzones
Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your pre-made or homemade dough into 6-8 inch circles. Keep the dough slightly thicker around the edges for a good crust. As you roll, the aroma of fresh flour and rising dough will fill your kitchen—an irresistible promise of what’s to come.
Fill and Seal
Place your choice of fillings—cheese, meats, or veggies—on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal, creating a half-moon shape. The sound of dough sealing and the visual of neatly crimped edges ready for baking makes the process satisfying.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the calzones with olive oil for a golden, crispy exterior. Place them in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch, and cook for 12-15 minutes. The calzones should puff up, turn a beautiful golden brown, and smell irresistible—crispy crust with a warm, cheesy interior.
6. Expert Tips for Success
For perfectly sealed calzones, use a little water or beaten egg along the edges before sealing. This acts as a natural glue. Don’t overfill—less is more; overflowing calzones can burst during cooking. Lightly spray or brush with oil before baking to enhance their crunchiness. Always check the calzones around the 12-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If gluten isn’t your friend, try using gluten-free dough. Vegetarian? Swap out meats for hearty vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Dairy-free options are simple—use vegan cheese and plant-based fillings. The flexibility of this recipe means it adapts easily to your dietary needs.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. These calzones are best enjoyed fresh, but reheating keeps them nearly as delicious as when freshly baked.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze calzones before cooking?
Yes! Assemble the calzones, then freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. To cook, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I make these with store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Using ready-made dough is the quickest route to delicious, homemade calzones that taste just as great as from scratch.
10. Conclusion
This easy calzone recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With minimal effort, you get crispy, cheesy pockets of goodness that everyone will love. Whether you prefer classic cheese, meat, or veggie fillings, these quick and tasty calzones made in your air fryer are bound to become a household favorite. Enjoy the wholesome comfort of homemade calzones, fresh from the air fryer—delicious, satisfying, and simply perfect!
Print
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Calzones for Dinner
A simple and quick recipe for homemade calzones made in the air fryer. Filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, these calzones are perfect for a satisfying dinner.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or cooked sausage
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- Spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce onto half of each circle.
- Sprinkle cheese, meat, and seasoning on top of the sauce.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pinching or using a fork.
- Brush the calzones with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Customize fillings with vegetables or different meats.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg