There’s something magical about the combination of crispy dough and melted cheese, and when you throw in some savory meats and fresh veggies, you have a dish that’s simply irresistible. Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect solution for a quick dinner or a fun snack that will please both kids and adults alike. Not only are they loaded with flavor, but they also offer a quick cooking time thanks to the air fryer. If you’re looking for a delicious and simple recipe that delivers each time, then get ready to enjoy these incredible calzones!
What Makes These Calzones Stand Out
This recipe for Air Fryer Calzones stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s remarkably easy to make. Whether you opt for store-bought pizza dough or decide to whip up your own, the preparation is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Secondly, this dish is budget-friendly. You can easily customize the filling ingredients to suit your taste or use up leftovers, minimizing waste and saving money in your grocery budget. Lastly, air frying reduces cooking time while maintaining that crispy texture we all love.
A Quick Look at Preparing This Dish
Making Air Fryer Calzones involves a few simple steps that anyone can follow. You start by rolling out your pizza dough, mixing a delightful filling of cheeses, meats, and veggies, and then assembling the calzones. Once they are filled and sealed, a quick stint in the air fryer gives them a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and gooey. It’s truly that easy!
Ingredients
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Process to Create Calzones
Making Air Fryer Calzones is simple when you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature according to package instructions. For homemade dough, roll it out into a thin sheet, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Mix Fillings: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and all flavors are combined, ensuring that every bite is delicious.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, making sure it’s even. Aim for about ¼ inch thick for the best texture.
4. Cut the Dough: Use a pizza cutter or a knife to cut the dough into large circles, about 6-8 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for holding ample filling while being easy to handle.
5. Fill the Calzones: Take a generous scoop of the cheese and meat mixture and place it on one half of each dough circle. Be careful to not overfill, leaving enough space at the edges to seal.
6. Fold and Seal: Fold the half of the dough without filling over the filled half. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, or use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges securely.
7. Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg to create a beautiful golden finish during cooking.
8. Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Check for Doneness: Upon completion of cooking, ensure that the filling is bubbly and the dough is thoroughly cooked. If needed, add a couple of extra minutes to obtain that perfect crisp.
10. Serve: Once they’re done cooking, allow the calzones to cool slightly. They are best enjoyed warm, right out of the air fryer, paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Delicious Ways to Serve Calzones
When it comes to serving Air Fryer Calzones, the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy them as a main dish paired with a fresh salad or some garlic bread on the side. For a cozy movie night, serve them alongside a trio of dipping sauces, like marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. These calzones are also perfect for game day gatherings – just slice them into smaller pieces for easy sharing!
How to Store and Reheat Your Calzones
If you find yourself with leftover calzones, storing them is a breeze. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each calzone in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, if they are refrigerated, you can warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. If they are frozen, cook them at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. This way, you can still enjoy that crispy texture when reheating!
Essential Cooking Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Calzones turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t rush the sealing process: It’s crucial to seal your calzones well to avoid any filling from leaking during cooking. Make sure to pinch the edges securely.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can include a variety of vegetables, different types of cheeses, or even try a dessert calzone filled with chocolate and fruit.
- Check your air fryer settings: Different air fryer brands may have different cooking times, so keep an eye on your calzones the first time you make them and adjust as necessary.
Smart Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about calzones is their versatility. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, fill your calzones with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
- Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the filling to give your calzones a kick.
- Cheesy Delight: For extra cheesiness, mix in some ricotta or cream cheese into your filling.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Calzones:
- Can I use gluten-free pizza dough? Yes! Gluten-free pizza dough works well for this recipe, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I prepare these calzones ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble and seal them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.
- How can I keep the calzones from getting soggy? Make sure the filling isn’t too wet. Draining excess moisture, such as from cooked vegetables, can help keep your calzone crispy.
- What dipping sauces work best? Marinara is classic, but ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or garlic dip also pair wonderfully.
- Can I reheat these in the oven instead? Yes, you can reheat calzones in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, but they may not crisp up as well as in the air fryer.
