© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🔥🍕 Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones for a Fast Dinner! 🍕🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and crispy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, then these air fryer calzones are exactly what you need. They combine the indulgence of traditional calzones with the convenience of a quick, hands-free cooking method. Whether you’re short on time or just want a fun weekend dinner, these homemade calzones become an instant family favorite. Lightly browned on the outside, filled with gooey cheese and savory toppings, they bring comforting satisfaction in every bite.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20-25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-step cooking in the air fryer for minimal cleanup.
- Customizable fillings—add your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
- Golden, crispy crust thanks to the hot circulating air.
- Healthy alternative to deep-fried calzones with significantly less oil.
3. Ingredient Notes
For these easy calzones, quality ingredients make a delicious difference. Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella for that perfect gooey texture, and opt for flavorful Italian sausage, pepperoni, or veggies to customize your fillings. The pizza dough should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without leaking, so choose a store-bought or homemade dough with a good gluten structure. To elevate the flavor, brush the calzones with a little garlic butter before air frying—adding a savory, aromatic touch that truly elevates the dish.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Equip yourself with essential appliances to streamline this recipe. A trusty Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer delivers crisp, even cooking while saving space. A rolling pin helps create even dough layers, and a pastry brush simplifies applying garlic butter for that irresistible golden finish. These tools make preparing homemade calzones a breeze, yielding professional-looking results every time.
5. How to Make Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones
Preparation and Filling
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your dough into a large circle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread a layer of marinara sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce) over half of the dough, leaving a border for sealing. Layer your cheese, meats, and vegetables—think pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, or spinach—tailored to your taste. Be careful not to overfill, as this might cause leakage during cooking.
Sealing and Cooking
Fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges and seal the calzone tightly—no one wants a messy spill! Brush the outside with garlic butter for a fragrant, crispy crust. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, leaving room between them. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown.
Finishing Touches
Remove the calzones carefully, let them cool for a few minutes, then serve with extra marinara dipping sauce. The result? Crispy, cheesy, savory delights that’ll make dinner feel like a special occasion, all in just a fraction of the usual time.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure your dough is at room temperature to make rolling easier and prevent tearing.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage—less is more for a perfect, sealed calzone.
- Brushing with garlic butter before air frying is key to achieving that irresistible golden crust.
- Check the calzones halfway through cooking to adjust the time if needed, especially if your air fryer runs hot.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Customize your homemade calzones to suit dietary needs. Use whole wheat dough for added fiber or dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist. Swap out meats for grilled veggies, or add herbs like basil and oregano to boost flavor. For gluten-free options, try a gluten-free pizza dough brand that works well with air fryers.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy. For the best results, avoid microwaving, which leaves the crust soggy; re-crisping in the air fryer restores their original crunch.
9. FAQ
Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the calzones, keep them unbaked in the fridge covered with plastic wrap, and cook when ready — just add a few extra minutes for baking time.
Are air fryer calzones healthier than fried ones?
Absolutely. Using the air fryer significantly reduces oil, resulting in a crispy, satisfying meal without excess fat.
What fillings work best for calzones?
Classic options include mozzarella and pepperoni, sausage and peppers, or spinach and feta. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Can I freeze the unbaked calzones?
Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
10. Conclusion
These air fryer calzones combine homemade comfort with unbeatable convenience. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, they’re perfect for quick dinners or unexpected guests. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy masterpiece ready in no time. Grab your favorite fillings, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a fun, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
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Crazy Easy Air Fryer Calzones for Fast Dinner
A flavorful calzone filled with cheese, ham, and vegetables, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy and cheesy homemade dinner.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 calzones
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of pre-made pizza dough
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced ham
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into two equal circles.
- Spread marinara sauce over half of each circle, leaving the edges free.
- Top with mozzarella, ham, and peppers.
- Fold the dough over the fillings and seal the edges.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Optional: add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Quick & Easy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
