© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🔥🤤 Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones for Quick Dinner
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and crispy dinner without the hassle of traditional baking, these air fryer calzones are your answer. This quick dinner idea combines the comfort of a classic calzone with the convenience of modern kitchen technology. Using an air fryer, you can enjoy a flaky crust filled with savory ingredients that are cooked to perfection in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is all about simplicity and flavor.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- One-pan cooking — Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Customizable fillings — Use your favorite ingredients or leftovers.
- Healthy alternative — Uses less oil compared to deep-fried calzones.
3. Ingredient Notes
To create perfect air fryer calzones, selecting high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. Use fresh, flavorful toppings like aged mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, or roasted vegetables. For the dough, opt for good-quality pizza or bread dough—store-bought is fine, but homemade dough adds a delightful chewy texture and rich flavor. To elevate the taste, sprinkle herbs like basil or oregano inside and on top.
For best results, consider using nonstick cookware to keep everything hassle-free. Fresh ingredients will give your calzones vibrant flavors, while high-quality shredded cheese creates that irresistible cheesy pull.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Essential tools make preparing these calzones straightforward. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is perfect for evenly crisping the calzones, thanks to its precise temperature control. A good rolling pin like the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even dough rolling and handling. Additionally, a pastry brush can help with egg wash, giving your calzones a shiny, golden finish.
5. How to Make Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones
Preparing the Dough & Filling
Start by rolling out your dough on a floured surface—aim for about 1/4-inch thickness. As you prepare the filling, focus on balancing flavors; for example, a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and pepperoni creates a classic Italian vibe. Place a generous scoop of filling on half of each dough circle, leaving an inch around the edge.
Sealing & Shaping
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative touch. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a shiny finish, and cut small slits to allow steam to escape.
Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the calzones in the basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The smell of baked dough and melted cheese will fill your kitchen!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overstuff— too much filling can cause leaks or uneven cooking.
- Seal edges tightly— crimping with a fork prevents filling from escaping during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer— for even crispiness, this step is crucial.
- Check doneness early— air fryers may vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your calzones.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your calzones based on dietary needs or preferences:
- Vegetarian: Use bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms instead of meats.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free dough or flattened cauliflower crust.
- Lower carb: Wrap fillings in lettuce or low-carb tortillas and air fry.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
9. FAQ
Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the calzones and freeze them unopened. When ready to eat, cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are air fryer calzones healthy?
They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried calzones because they use less oil and cook faster, maintaining the crispy texture without excess fat.
What fillings work best for air fryer calzones?
Classic fillings include mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, or sautéed vegetables. Experiment with your favorites for a personalized touch.
10. Conclusion
Enjoying warm, cheesy calzones for dinner has never been easier. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get crispy crust and gooey filling in just minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a quick snack, this recipe offers delicious air fryer recipes that are hard to beat. For more quick and tasty ideas, explore other easy comfort food recipes. Happy cooking!
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Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones for Quick Dinner
A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer calzones filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, perfect for a satisfying dinner or snack.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup cooked pepperoni slices
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into four equal squares.
- Spread marinara sauce on each square, then add cheese and pepperoni.
- Fold each square into a triangle and seal the edges with a fork or by pinching.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with extra marinara if desired.
Notes
- You can customize fillings with vegetables, ham, or cooked sausage.
- Ensure the edges are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Includes dairy and gluten
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
