I don’t know about you, but there’s something so comforting about calzones. Growing up, I remember family pizza nights where we’d gather around a messy table, pizza boxes opened wide, and plenty of sauce on the side. But the real treat for me was always the calzones – ooey-gooey cheese, savory fillings, and a crispy crust. Since my oven is a bit on the older side (let’s just say it has a personality), I recently jumped on the air fryer bandwagon. I couldn’t believe how fast and perfectly crispy the calzones turned out!
Making Air Fryer Calzones has become a regular around my house. It’s a foolproof way to whip up a flavorful meal without all the fuss. Plus, it gives me a chance to play around with different fillings while keeping things easy. Whether I’m in the mood for classic pepperoni and cheese or something a little more adventurous like spinach and feta, the air fryer delivers perfectly golden results every single time. So, let me share this fantastic recipe with you!
What’s in Air Fryer Calzones?
Pizza Dough: The star of the show! You can either use store-bought or make your own. I prefer a pre-made dough for convenience, especially on busy weeknights. Brands like Trader Joe’s or Pillsbury are my go-tos – they never disappoint!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is what makes calzones so deliciously rich. It adds a wonderful texture and keeps everything nice and moist. I try to look for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
Shredded Mozzarella: You can’t have calzones without melty mozzarella. It’s the binding agent that brings everything together. Make sure to grab a good quality mozzarella cheese for that perfect stretch!
Fillings: This is where you can get creative! I love adding pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted veggies. Make it your own! Just try to avoid using fillings that are too watery, as they can make the dough soggy.
Marinara Sauce: A side of warm marinara for dipping is an absolute must! I go for a classic store-bought marinara, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can whip up a quick homemade batch.
Is Air Fryer Calzones Good for You?
It’s all about moderation when it comes to calzones! They can be a balanced meal if you include plenty of veggies. For example:
Ricotta Cheese: While delicious, it’s also high in fat, so if you’re watching your intake, consider using part-skim ricotta.
Pizza Dough: Whole grain or cauliflower crust options can be healthier alternatives if you’re looking to cut down on refined carbs.
And don’t forget about those fillings! Incorporating lots of vegetables not only boosts the nutrition but also adds great flavor and texture. Just be cautious with heavy add-ins like full-fat cheeses or extra meats; it’s easy to go overboard!
Ingredients List
– 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, serves 2-4)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup assorted fillings (pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones?
1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your calzones cook evenly and become golden brown as they puff up.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or a bowl to create circles about 6 inches in diameter.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella. Feel free to season with a pinch of salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Lay your dough circles on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture in the center—don’t go too close to the edges! Add your fillings on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and you can crimp them with a fork if you like.
6. Spray the tops with a little olive oil spray to help them turn golden and crispy, and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning if you fancy.
7. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
8. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Check them halfway through and flip if necessary for even cooking.
9. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side. You’re going to love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
More Tips for Perfect Calzones
– Want to switch it up? Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese, or add some herbs for freshness.
– You can batch-make these calzones and freeze them before cooking! Just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time.
– Interested in making mini ones for an appetizer? Just use smaller circles of dough and follow the same process!
It’s hard to describe how delightful it is to bite into a warm calzone, especially when you’ve just cooked it up in under 15 minutes! I hope you give these Air Fryer Calzones a try; they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even a fun family cooking night. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t hesitate to share your creations! Happy cooking!
