Air Fryer Calzones

Air Fryer Calzones bring the best of pizza night into a hand-held, mess-free experience. With a crispy golden crust and gooey, cheesy filling, these calzones satisfy every craving without turning on the oven. You can stuff them with classic pepperoni and mozzarella or go veggie with mushrooms and ricotta – either way, they’re crowd-pleasers. Best of all, these calzones come together in under 30 minutes using your air fryer. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or planning a snack platter for game night, this recipe delivers flavor, convenience, and a little bit of crispy magic. Serve them hot with extra marinara on the side, and watch them disappear!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or sautéed mushrooms for vegetarian)

• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 4 equal circles.

3. On one half of each dough circle, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce, leaving a border.

4. Layer with mozzarella, ricotta (if using), pepperoni (or mushrooms), and season with oregano and garlic powder.

5. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges by pressing with a fork.

6. Brush each calzone with egg wash and a little olive oil for crispiness.

7. Place calzones in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.

8. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.

9. Let rest for 2 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per calzone | Servings: 4 calzones

The Comfort of Calzones: A Handheld Classic

Calzones are a delicious staple of Italian-American cuisine, born from the idea of taking the beloved pizza and folding it into a portable meal. Originating in Naples, calzones have traditionally been baked in ovens and filled with mozzarella, ricotta, meats, and vegetables. Over time, this hearty street food evolved to suit a variety of tastes, becoming a favorite across generations.

Today, calzones are celebrated for their convenience, flavor, and endless customization possibilities. And thanks to the magic of air fryers, they’re now quicker and crispier than ever before. Air fryer calzones take all the best parts of pizza — the golden crust, melty cheese, and savory fillings — and wrap them in a crispy shell that cooks in a fraction of the time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Calzones?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to enjoy fried-style textures without deep frying. When applied to calzones, the air fryer delivers a golden brown crust that’s perfectly crisp on the outside while keeping the inside tender, gooey, and flavorful.

Unlike traditional oven-baking, the air fryer circulates hot air around the calzone, sealing the dough quickly and evenly. This results in:

• Less oil usage, making it a healthier option

• Faster cooking times (8-10 minutes!)

• A crispier exterior without drying out the filling

• No need to preheat a full-sized oven, saving energy

What Makes This Air Fryer Calzone Recipe So Good?

This specific recipe combines simplicity and versatility. It uses readily available ingredients like pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni (or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist), making it perfect for weeknight dinners, party snacks, or even lunchbox options.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes

• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, and you can get them involved in stuffing and sealing

• Fully Customizable: From fillings to spices, you can make it your own

• Less Mess: No oil splatter or baking sheet clean-up

• Great for Leftovers: Use up extra cheese, veggies, or meats hiding in the fridge

This recipe also includes an optional egg wash and olive oil brush for that golden brown finish that mimics restaurant-quality results.

How to Customize Your Calzones

The beauty of calzones lies in their versatility. While this recipe offers a classic combination, you can easily experiment with a range of flavors and dietary preferences.

Here are some ideas:

Vegetarian Fillings:

• Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes

• Caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese

• Zucchini, ricotta, and sun-dried tomatoes

Meat-Lovers Fillings:

• Cooked sausage and ricotta

• BBQ chicken and cheddar

• Ground beef with taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese

Sauce Variations:

• Pesto instead of marinara

• Alfredo sauce for a creamy base

• Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick

You can also use whole-wheat or gluten-free dough if needed, and even opt for dairy-free cheeses for a vegan version.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

Making calzones in an air fryer might sound straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile in lots of filling, but overfilling can cause the dough to split during cooking. Leave space at the edges to seal properly.

• Seal the Edges Well: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly so the filling doesn’t leak out.

• Use Parchment Paper or Spray the Basket: To prevent sticking, line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper or give it a quick spray with oil.

• Flip Halfway Through: This ensures both sides cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust.

• Serve Fresh: These calzones are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Reheating is fine, but nothing beats that first crunch!

Nutritional Benefits and Healthier Swaps

This recipe already takes a healthier turn by using the air fryer rather than deep-frying. You can enhance the nutritional value even more by:

• Choosing whole wheat or cauliflower crust dough for added fiber

• Using reduced-fat cheese or plant-based cheese alternatives

• Adding nutrient-rich veggies like spinach, broccoli, or kale

• Skipping processed meats and going with lean protein options like grilled chicken or turkey

With only around 310 kcal per serving, these calzones are a much lighter option compared to their traditional fried counterparts, which can often exceed 500-600 kcal per piece.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

One of the biggest advantages of this air fryer calzone recipe is how well it fits into a meal prep lifestyle. You can make a large batch, cook them, and store the leftovers:

• In the Refrigerator: For up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to revive the crispiness.

• In the Freezer: Freeze uncooked, sealed calzones on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer by adding an extra 3-4 minutes.

This makes them an ideal option for school lunches, work meals, or unexpected guests.

Fun for the Whole Family

Kids love food they can pick up and eat with their hands, and these calzones offer just that. Making calzones can also be a fun interactive activity — set up a filling bar with various toppings and let everyone assemble their own. It’s a fantastic way to get picky eaters involved and excited about food.

Plus, for those who don’t love tomato sauce, it’s easy to switch it out for white sauce or even just olive oil and garlic for a lighter flavor.

Great for Entertaining and Party Platters

Because they’re hand-held and self-contained, air fryer calzones are great for gatherings and game days. Cut them in halves or quarters, serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter, and you’ve got a party hit.

Mini calzones or bite-sized versions also make excellent appetizers that feel a bit more gourmet than your average chips and dip.

Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Ready

Many of the ingredients used in this calzone recipe are pantry and fridge staples: flour, cheese, sauce, spices. You don’t need to break the bank for this meal. It’s also an excellent way to use up odds and ends in your kitchen, from leftover meat to random bits of veggies that need a purpose.

Pizza dough can be bought for just a couple of dollars, or you can make it from scratch using flour, water, yeast, and a little olive oil.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect marriage of old-school comfort and modern convenience. They transform simple ingredients into golden, gooey, crispy bites of happiness — all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, prepping meals ahead, throwing a party, or just craving something cheesy and soul-satisfying, this recipe fits the bill.

Its adaptability, speed, and ease make it a standout in any home kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy how your air fryer turns everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. From the first crunch to the last dip in marinara, you’ll see why these calzones deserve a regular spot on your menu.