Name: Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package 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)

Introduction

Air fryer calzones offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian treat at home. Crispy on the outside and filled with a savory blend of cheeses, meats, and greens, these calzones come together easily and are perfect for a family meal or snack. Let’s dive into this ultimate recipe for four servings.

Four golden brown, half-circle pastries with crimped edges are evenly spaced on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper. The puffed, flaky crusts are shiny with a baked glaze and speckled with small green herb bits on top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough by allowing store-bought pizza dough to come to room temperature, or roll out homemade dough into a thin sheet.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked meats, spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 4: Cut the dough into large circles approximately 6-8 inches in diameter using a pizza cutter or knife.

Step 5: Place a generous scoop of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving space at the edges for sealing.

Step 6: Fold the empty half over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, or crimp with a fork.

Step 7: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the calzones with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 8: Arrange the calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, working in batches if necessary.

Step 9: Check that the filling is bubbly and the dough is fully cooked; add extra minutes if needed.

Step 10: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving, and enjoy with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried oregano for a brighter flavor.

If you prefer a crispier crust, increase air frying time by a few minutes and monitor closely to avoid burning.

Try adding red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I freeze the calzones?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.