Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

So you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and basically everything-delicious, but you don’t want to spend all day slaving in the kitchen? Same. Enter the air fryer calzone—your shortcut to pizza perfection with almost zero guilt (and minimal effort). Seriously, these little pockets of heaven are about to change your snack game forever.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real: making calzones at home sounds fancy and complicated, but this version? Idiot-proof. Even if your cooking skills peak at “microwave meals,” you’ll nail this. Here’s why it rocks:

• Crispy outside, gooey inside: The air fryer makes the crust golden and crunchy without deep-frying.
• Customizable AF: Cheese, pepperoni, veggies, or whatever random fridge items you’ve got—stuff it, zip it, love it.
• Fast & easy: 15 minutes of prep, 10–12 minutes in the air fryer, and boom—you’re eating like a champion.
• No weird dough disasters: Forget pizza stone drama. The air fryer’s got your back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list—keep it simple, keep it fun:

• 1 package store-bought pizza dough (don’t judge, we’re not baking bread from scratch)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or any melty cheese you love)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• ½ cup your favorite fillings (pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers—you do you)
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing, optional but makes it look fancy)
• Olive oil spray or a tiny drizzle for crisping

Optional extras for flavor bombs: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your dough: Roll out the pizza dough into rough circles (no need to be Picasso). About 6–8 inches diameter works best.
2. Add the fillings: Spoon a generous amount of marinara in the center, sprinkle the cheese, and pile on your toppings. Don’t overstuff, unless you’re into lava-hot cheesy explosions.
3. Fold & seal: Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon. Pinch the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork. Bonus points for a fancy crimp.
4. Brush & season: Lightly brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Air fry magic: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook calzones for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown. Check halfway and adjust as needed.
6. Serve it up: Let them cool for 2 minutes (burning tongues are no fun), then dunk in marinara and savor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the calzone: More filling = less sealing = lava mess.
• Skipping the egg wash: It’s like makeup for your calzone—don’t skip it if you want that golden glow.
• Crowding the air fryer: These need space to crisp. One layer only, friends.
• Forgetting to preheat: Rookie move. Crispy crusts need heat from the start.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Cheese swaps: Cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses—your calzone, your rules.
• Dough hacks: Biscuits or crescent roll dough work in a pinch. Don’t expect exact pizza vibes, but hey, still delicious.
• Sauce options: Pesto, alfredo, or buffalo sauce if you want to be wild.
• Air fryer alternatives: Oven bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes if you don’t own one.

FAQs

Can I freeze these calzones?

Absolutely. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, freeze, then air fry straight from frozen for a few extra minutes. Snack prep = sorted.

Can I make them vegan?

Sure! Use vegan cheese and skip the egg wash. You’ll still get a crispy, melty masterpiece.

What’s the best cheese combo?

Mozzarella + provolone = dreamy. Add a little parmesan for a salty punch. You can thank me later.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Preheat that air fryer, don’t overcrowd, and spray a tiny bit of olive oil on the basket. Soggy is for sad pizzas, not you.

Can I make mini calzones for kids or parties?

Yes, yes, and yes. Bite-sized calzones = party hero points.

Can I overcook them?

Yes. And no one wants a burnt calzone. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes. Golden brown = happy calzone.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—crispy, cheesy, ridiculously easy air fryer calzones that make you look like a kitchen wizard without the stress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hoarding them for yourself (I won’t judge), these little pockets of joy are foolproof.

Now go, impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. And maybe grab some extra napkins… cheesy lava is real.