Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey with the crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Crispy Air Fryer Calzones? These Italian-inspired pockets of flavor are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fun family meal. Imagine biting into a golden-brown calzone, the warm cheese oozing out, bursting with delicious fillings of your choice! The beauty of these calzones lies not just in their irresistible taste, but in how quick and easy they are to prepare.

What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s a fantastic way to involve the whole family in the kitchen. Kids love helping with the fillings and shaping the calzones while adults enjoy the quick air-frying process that ensures a crispy outer layer. So why not gather your loved ones and give these calzones a try? You might just uncover a new favorite dish that will please everyone around the dinner table. Trust us; once you taste them, you’ll be ready to make them a regular feature in your home-cooked meals!

What is Crispy Air Fryer Calzones?

So, what exactly is in a calzone? Well, if you’ve ever seen a pizza fold over on itself, then you’ve already got the idea! These delightful pockets come filled with an assortment of ingredients, typically involving cheese, veggies, and perhaps some beautifully seasoned proteins. But why the funny name? The word “calzone” actually translates to “trouser” in Italian, which makes you wonder—did someone think they looked like a pair of pants? It’s quite the conversation starter, after all! When you think about it, isn’t it true that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach? So why not serve up some delicious calzones and charm your friends and family? Give this recipe a whirl; you’ll be amazed at how much fun it is to create these little culinary masterpieces!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

Crispy Air Fryer Calzones are the ultimate combination of crunch, flavor, and versatility. What’s the main highlight? It’s definitely the crispy outer layer paired with the gooey, cheesy filling that will have your taste buds dancing. The cost-saving benefits of making calzones at home can’t be overlooked; rather than ordering takeout, you can create a custom meal for a fraction of the cost, packed with ingredients you love.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings to match your taste. From classic tomato sauce and mozzarella to a healthier blend of spinach and ricotta, the options are endless! If you enjoy other easy-to-make snacks like pizza rolls, you’ll love how this recipe can elevate your weeknight meals. So, why not gather the ingredients and try making these scrumptious calzones at home?

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

Quick Overview

Making Crispy Air Fryer Calzones is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect recipe for entertainers and busy families alike. With just a few steps and about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a delicious meal that satisfying and easy to clean up afterward. Whether you’re hosting friends or making a cozy dinner for your family, these calzones are sure to impress!

Key Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Olive oil spray
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the calzones.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into circles using a round cutter or a glass, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Add the Fillings: On one half of each dough circle, layer some shredded mozzarella, a spoonful of ricotta, and your choice of cooked vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently and use a fork to seal them well, making sure no filling escapes during cooking.
Lightly Spray: Lightly spray the tops of each calzone with olive oil spray to give them that beautiful, crispy finish when they cook.
Air Fry: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few moments. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your delicious calzones!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

To master your calzone-making game, here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor. Make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Don’t Overfill: Less is more when it comes to the fillings; overstuffing can lead to messy leaks.
Experiment with Dough: Don’t be afraid to try different types of dough, like whole wheat or gluten-free, to suit your dietary preferences.
Check for Doneness: Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your calzones during the last few minutes of cooking time to achieve that golden brown perfection.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover calzones—though we doubt it!—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until heated through. This method keeps the calzones nice and crispy, just like when they were first made. You can also reheat in an oven, placing them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy your tasty creation again!

Now it’s your turn! Grab your ingredients, roll out the dough, and start crafting these savory Crispy Air Fryer Calzones. It’s time to create delicious, homemade pockets of joy that everyone will love! Don’t forget to leave a comment about how yours turned out!

Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

Delightful pockets of flavor filled with cheese and veggies, perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 calzones

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Calzone Fillings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Use fresh for best flavor.
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.) Sauté beforehand to reduce moisture.
½ cup marinara sauce For dipping.
1 spray olive oil spray
to taste salt and pepper
optional crushed red pepper flakes For added heat.

Dough

1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) Roll out to about ⅛ inch thick.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the calzones.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into circles using a round cutter or a glass, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
On one half of each dough circle, layer some shredded mozzarella, a spoonful of ricotta, and your choice of cooked vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently and use a fork to seal them well, making sure no filling escapes during cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of each calzone with olive oil spray to give them that beautiful, crispy finish when they cook.

Cooking

Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few moments. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your delicious calzones!

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and don't overfill the calzones. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.

Keyword Air Fryer Recipes, Comfort Food, Crispy Calzones, Easy Dinner, Family Meal