Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe

If you are craving a handheld, melty, and satisfyingly crispy treat, then this Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together simple pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and pepperoni to create a perfect golden calzone in just 20 minutes. The air fryer transforms these pockets into a delightfully crispy and golden snack or meal without the mess and fuss of deep frying. Whether you’re feeding kids after school or impressing friends with a quick homemade appetizer, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make these calzones is a breeze because the ingredients are so straightforward and each one plays a vital role. From the stretchy pizza dough providing structure, to layers of rich cheese, tangy sauce, and pepperoni that infuse every bite with flavor, this list guarantees a delicious final result.

• 1 lb pizza dough: The foundation that creates the perfect chewy and crisp calzone crust.
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds a tangy, herb-infused moisture that balances the richness of the cheese.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melty, gooey, and generous layers of cheesy goodness.
• 4 oz pepperoni: Provides a savory, slightly spicy punch that elevates every bite.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe

Step 1: Divide and Shape the Dough

Start by dividing the pizza dough into four equal pieces. This portion control makes each calzone manageable and gives you perfectly sized handheld pockets. Use your hands to roll out each piece into a rounded pizza shape, not too thin and not too thick—just right to hold all the delicious fillings inside.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Next, grab a ladle or spoon and spread about half a cup of the pizza sauce on one side of each dough circle. Be careful to leave a clean border around the edges since that’s what you’ll seal later. The sauce is your flavor base, so spreading it evenly helps every bite have that classic tomato taste.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni

Now it’s time for the heavenly layers. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add slices of pepperoni, and finish off with another layer of cheese to ensure that everything melts together beautifully when cooked.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Fold the clean, empty side of the dough over the filled half. Seal the edges firmly by pressing and crimping with your fingers. This step is crucial to avoid leaks and to keep all the melted cheese and savory ingredients trapped inside that delightful golden shell.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before cooking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. This keeps your calzones intact when you flip them halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the calzones in the basket, making sure there’s some space between them. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the calzones turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling, they are ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe

Garnishes

Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe comes alive with fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped basil or oregano on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of garlic butter or marinara dipping sauce on the side also adds a new layer of yum.

Side Dishes

Pair these golden pockets with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A bowl of warm tomato soup alongside can turn this calzone snack into a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for any season.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your calzones cut in halves or thirds on a rustic wooden board for a casual get-together. For fun, you can also prepare mini versions by dividing the dough into smaller pieces, making them great finger foods for parties or lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from the Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They maintain their texture and flavor quite well when properly wrapped.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked calzones wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored inside freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the calzones back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method refreshes their crispy crust better than a microwave, keeping that delightful crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time, making the Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe even simpler to pull together.

What if I’m vegetarian—can I skip the pepperoni?

Yes, you can either omit the pepperoni or swap it with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. The cheese and sauce still create a fantastic filling for the calzones.

How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust on both sides and bubbling cheese inside. The air fryer makes this easy to monitor, and flipping halfway ensures even cooking.

Can I make these calzones in an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown. However, the air fryer gives a slightly crisper crust faster.

Is it possible to freeze uncooked calzones?

Yes, you can assemble the calzones and freeze them uncooked. When ready, air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and fun about biting into a homemade calzone, especially when it comes together this easily and quickly. The Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe brings that joy to your kitchen any day of the week with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a family favorite you reach for again and again!

Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy) Recipe

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These Air Fryer Calzones are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian treat with less mess and in less time. Made with simple ingredients including pizza dough, sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, these calzones are perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside, all cooked conveniently in the air fryer for a golden brown finish.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Calzone Dough

• 1 lb pizza dough

Filling

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz pepperoni slices

Instructions

1. Divide Dough: Split the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll out each piece into a round pizza shape, preparing the base for your calzones.
2. Add Sauce: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over half of each dough round, making sure to leave the edges clean so the calzone can be sealed properly.
3. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Layer the sauce with a good amount of shredded mozzarella, followed by pepperoni slices, and topped with more mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
4. Shape Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle shape. Press and crimp the edges firmly with your fingers to seal the calzone and prevent filling from leaking.
5. Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
6. Air Fry: Place the calzones into the basket (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before enjoying your hot, melty, and crispy calzones.

Notes

• Make sure not to overfill the calzones to avoid leaking.
• You can customize fillings by adding vegetables, different cheeses, or cooked meats.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; monitor the calzones to avoid burning.
• Let calzones rest for a few minutes after cooking to avoid burning your mouth on hot filling.