Air Fryer Calzone: Craving that warm, cheesy, pizza-pocket goodness but short on time? Forget takeout! I’m about to let you in on a little secret that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners. We’re talking about achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust and gooey, melted filling in a fraction of the time, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer.
The calzone, a close cousin to the pizza, hails from Naples, Italy. While pizza is often enjoyed open-faced, the calzone is its more portable, enclosed relative. It’s believed to have originated as a convenient street food, allowing busy Neapolitans to enjoy their favorite pizza toppings on the go. Think of it as a delicious, hand-held hug from Italy!
What’s not to love? The combination of a perfectly baked crust, oozing with melted cheese, savory meats, and flavorful vegetables is simply irresistible. People adore calzones because they are customizable, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Plus, making an air fryer calzone is surprisingly easy and quick, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a fun weekend cooking project. This recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of a traditional calzone, but with the added benefit of a crispy, perfectly cooked crust, thanks to the air fryer. Get ready to experience the joy of a homemade air fryer calzone that’s ready in minutes!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I usually put mine in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!) to create a cozy environment.
Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- In separate bowls, have your cooked sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese ready to go. You can also add other fillings you like, such as cooked mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Get creative!
Assembling the Calzones:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 8-inch circle. Try to keep the circle as even as possible for a nice, uniform calzone.
- Spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Top with 1/4 cup of cooked sausage, 1/4 cup of pepperoni, and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Don’t overfill the calzones, or they will be difficult to seal and may burst during cooking.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely in the air fryer.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make a few slits in the top of each calzone. This will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent the calzones from bursting.
Air Frying the Calzones:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at that temperature for a few minutes before adding the calzones.
- Place two calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Check them halfway through and flip them over for even browning.
- Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside!
- Repeat with the remaining calzones.
Serving:
- Serve the air fryer calzones warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. They are also delicious on their own!
- These calzones are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or a satisfying snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or bread flour.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Some other popular fillings include spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, ham, and different types of cheese.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture for a little heat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and pepperoni and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian calzone.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the assembled calzones before cooking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then air fry as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the calzones from browning evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Prevent Sticking: If you’re concerned about the calzones sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Check for Doneness: The calzones are done when they are golden brown and the filling is heated through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Calzones! They’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a modern twist.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! I truly believe this Air Fryer Calzone recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious. The crispy, golden-brown crust achieved in the air fryer is simply unmatched by traditional oven baking. You get that satisfying crunch with every single bite, giving way to the warm, gooey, and flavorful filling inside. What’s not to love?
I know what you might be thinking: “Another calzone recipe? What makes this one so special?” Well, beyond the speed and convenience of the air fryer, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your own personal tastes and dietary needs. Are you a meat lover? Load it up with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon! Prefer a vegetarian option? Try a combination of spinach, ricotta, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. The possibilities are truly endless.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
For a classic experience, serve your freshly air-fried calzone with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. A simple green salad also makes a wonderful accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the calzone.
But don’t stop there! Here are a few other ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
* Pizza Calzone: Use your favorite pizza toppings, like mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
* Chicken Pesto Calzone: Combine shredded chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
* Breakfast Calzone: Scramble some eggs, add cooked sausage or bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions.
* Dessert Calzone: Fill it with Nutella, ricotta cheese, and chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Dust with powdered sugar after air frying.
* Spicy Calzone: Add some jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to your filling for an extra kick.
Tips for Success:
* Don’t overfill the calzone, as this can cause it to burst during cooking.
* Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
* Preheat your air fryer for best results.
* Keep a close eye on the calzone while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning.
* Let the calzone cool slightly before slicing and serving.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the magic of air fryer calzones for yourself! I’m confident that it will become a new favorite in your household.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. And please, don’t be shy! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what fillings you tried, what you served it with, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to see your amazing Air Fryer Calzone creations!
Air Fryer Calzone: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe You'll Ever Make
Easy and delicious homemade calzones cooked in the air fryer! Filled with ricotta, Parmesan, sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella for a satisfying and customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- In separate bowls, have your cooked sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese ready to go. You can also add other fillings you like, such as cooked mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 8-inch circle.
- Spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Top with 1/4 cup of cooked sausage, 1/4 cup of pepperoni, and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make a few slits in the top of each calzone.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place two calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Check them halfway through and flip them over for even browning.
- Remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside!
- Repeat with the remaining calzones.
- Serve the air fryer calzones warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or bread flour.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Some other popular fillings include spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, ham, and different types of cheese.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture for a little heat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and pepperoni and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian calzone.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the assembled calzones before cooking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then air fry as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the calzones from browning evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Prevent Sticking: If you’re concerned about the calzones sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Check for Doneness: The calzones are done when they are golden brown and the filling is heated through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).
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