Air Fryer Calzones (Crazy Easy)

Air Fryer Calzones are a game-changer for anyone craving a crispy, cheesy, and savory treat without the hassle of deep frying or baking for hours. Using store-bought pizza dough, your favorite fillings, and an air fryer, you can whip up these golden pockets in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or a fun weekend cooking project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super fast and easy with minimal cleanup
• Perfectly crispy exterior and melty inside every time
• Great for using up leftover meats, cheeses, and veggies
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Customizable to suit all taste preferences
• Healthier than traditional fried versions
• No fancy ingredients required—just basics from your kitchen
• Ideal for meal prep and quick snacks
• Can be made ahead and reheated beautifully
• Perfect for picky eaters with endless filling options

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Store-bought pizza dough
• Marinara or pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices or other preferred fillings
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Olive oil spray (optional)

directions

1. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into equal-sized circles or rectangles.
2. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on one half of each dough piece.
3. Add your favorite toppings and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
4. Fold over the dough and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
7. Place calzones in the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd.
8. Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 calzones.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and onions.
• Meat Lover’s: Use sausage, ground beef, ham, or bacon.
• Cheese Explosion: Try a mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or crushed red pepper flakes.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and fill with shredded chicken and red onion.
• Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For best results, use the air fryer to keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

How do I prevent calzones from bursting in the air fryer?

Seal the edges well using a fork and avoid overfilling. Also, poking a small steam vent on top helps.

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works great if you have the time and ingredients.

What are the best cheeses for air fryer calzones?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but ricotta, cheddar, and provolone also work well.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

It’s recommended for even cooking and crispier results, but not mandatory.

Can I make these calzones ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them for up to a day before air frying.

What dipping sauces go well with calzones?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even buffalo sauce pair well.

Are these calzones freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after cooking. Just adjust cook time when reheating.

Can I make mini calzones for appetizers?

Yes! Just reduce the size and air fry for slightly less time (6–8 minutes).

Is egg wash necessary?

Not essential, but it gives the calzones a beautiful golden finish.

Can I cook multiple calzones at once?

Only if they fit in a single layer without overlapping. Cook in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calzones are the ultimate go-to for fast, flavorful, and satisfying meals or snacks. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, these crispy pockets of goodness are guaranteed to impress. With endless filling possibilities and easy prep, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.

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