Name: Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving something warm, cheesy, and full of savory goodness that comes together quickly, you’re going to love this recipe. Making An Incredible Ultimate Air Fryer Calzones is a game-changer for a cozy meal, effortlessly combining rich cheeses, flavorful meats, and fresh greens within a perfectly golden, crispy dough. This dish not only delivers fantastic taste but also showcases how simple ingredients can transform into a comforting delight with just a little air fryer magic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these calzones bring joy in every bite.

An Incredible Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for this recipe is totally straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Together, they create the heart of what makes this dish so irresistible.

Pizza dough: The base of your calzones, soft and stretchy dough is key for that flaky, golden crust.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory fillings.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving each calzone that delightful gooey stretch.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp and nutty punch that elevates every bite.
Cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken): Packs in that rich, savory goodness to satisfy your hunger.
Fresh spinach or arugula: A fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the cheeses and meats for vibrant color and nutrients.
Dried oregano: Infuses an aromatic, Italian-inspired herb flavor that ties ingredients together.
Garlic powder: Offers a subtle but essential depth of flavor without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Egg: Used for an egg wash that creates a beautifully shiny, golden crust.
Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping, adding a tangy, tomato-rich finishing touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 4 Easy Servings

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by letting your pizza dough relax at room temperature if it’s store-bought—it becomes much easier to work with and stretches without snapping back. If you’ve whipped up your own dough from scratch, roll it out into a smooth, thin sheet about a quarter inch thick. This sets the stage for that perfect calzone crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Fillings

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, your choice of cooked meats, chopped spinach or arugula, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a well-mixed, savory blend that’s bursting with flavor. This filling is truly where the magic happens, giving your calzones that rich and hearty personality.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle that’s smooth and even. Use a pizza cutter or a large knife to cut the dough into rounds about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. These circles will become your calzone wrappers, so try to keep them uniform for even cooking in the air fryer.

Step 4: Fill and Fold Your Calzones

Place a generous scoop of your cheese and meat mixture on one half of each dough round, taking care to leave some space around the edges. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and seal the edges by pinching them tightly or pressing with a fork. This step ensures all that delicious filling stays inside while baking.

Step 5: Prep for Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of your calzones with a beaten egg wash—this simple step creates a stunning golden crust with a glossy finish that looks as tasty as it tastes.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the calzones in the air fryer basket without overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary. Air fry them for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling inside is piping hot and bubbly. Check to ensure the dough is thoroughly cooked, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or cracked black pepper on top just before serving to give your calzones a fresh, vibrant pop that complements their rich flavors perfectly. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also enhance their luscious texture.

Side Dishes

Serve your calzones alongside a bright green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies to create a well-rounded meal. The crispness of fresh greens balances the warm, cheesy filling beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your calzones with different dipping sauces like a spicy arrabbiata, creamy ranch, or even a smoky chipotle aioli. You can also slice them into mini portions for an appetizer platter ideal for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to preserve their flavor and texture. Stored in the fridge, they remain delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your calzones individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method avoids sticking and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months—ideal for meal prepping.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your frozen or refrigerated calzones back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. This technique restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture and maintains the flavor complexity of Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe calzone.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free dough works well here as long as it can be rolled and sealed properly. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different texture but will still produce delicious results.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?

Yes, you can bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. The air fryer just speeds up cooking and adds extra crispness without using much oil.

Can I customize the filling with vegetables?

Definitely! You can swap spinach for sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or caramelized onions for a veggie-packed version that still shines as An Incredible Ultimate comfort meal.

How do I prevent the calzones from bursting open during cooking?

Make sure to seal the edges very tightly by pinching or crimping them with a fork. Also, avoid overfilling as this can increase the chance of leaks during cooking.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes! The recipe is very flexible. Just adjust ingredient quantities accordingly and cook in batches if you’re making more calzones so they all cook evenly in your air fryer basket.

Final Thoughts

There really is something special about the way these air fryer calzones come together that makes them a go-to favorite in any kitchen. With easy steps, simple ingredients, and that unbeatable blend of cheesy, savory filling enveloped in a crisp crust, this recipe is truly An Incredible Ultimate dish to share with family and friends. You deserve a meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, so dive in and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Air Fryer Calzones: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This recipe for Air Fryer Calzones offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy classic calzones with a crispy exterior and a cheesy, savory filling. Perfectly portioned for 4 servings, these calzones combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, cooked meats, and fresh greens, all air-fried to a golden finish. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to create an easy meal or appetizer with minimal fuss.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature according to the package directions. For homemade dough, roll it out into a thin sheet about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
Mix Fillings: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach or arugula, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large circle approximately ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into large circles measuring between 6 to 8 inches in diameter, depending on your preferred calzone size.
Fill the Calzones: Place a generous scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a margin along the edges for sealing.
Fold and Seal: Fold the plain half of the dough over the filling to create a semicircle, then tightly pinch the edges together or press with a fork to seal and prevent filling leakage during cooking.
Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones to help them develop a golden, shiny crust.
Air Fry the Calzones: Arrange the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through and bubbly. You may need to cook in batches, depending on your air fryer size.
Check for Doneness: Confirm the filling is hot and bubbly and the dough is thoroughly cooked. If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure not to overfill your calzones to avoid leakage during cooking.
Use a fork to crimp edges securely if you don’t have a pizza crimper.
You can customize the filling with your preferred meats or vegetables.
For a healthier version, substitute ricotta with part-skim or low-fat cheese options.
Adjust cooking times based on the size of your calzones and your air fryer’s wattage.
Marinara sauce can be warmed before serving for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian