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.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 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
Other
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Air fryer calzones, Easy calzones recipe, Italian snack, Cheese calzones, Quick dinner
