Air Fryer Calzone: 5 Irresistible Recipes for Pizza Lovers

Name: Air Fryer Calzone: 5 Irresistible Recipes for Pizza Lovers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups pizza dough; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 1, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings, you’ve got to try making air fryer calzones. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer! The air fryer gives you that crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside wonderfully gooey and cheesy. Plus, it cuts down on cooking time and mess, so you can whip up a batch in just about 30 minutes. Imagine biting into a warm calzone, bursting with melted mozzarella and your favorite toppings, all without the guilt of frying. It’s like having pizza and a pocket-sized meal all in one! Trust me, once you try this easy air fryer calzone recipe, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into the details so you can impress your family or enjoy a cozy night in with this tasty treat!

Ingredients List

To make the most scrumptious air fryer calzones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up your own for extra flavor!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooier, the better! Make sure it’s freshly shredded for that perfect melty texture.
1/2 cup marinara sauce: This adds moisture and flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version for a personal touch.
1/2 cup pepperoni slices: A classic favorite! You can also swap this out for veggies, ham, or whatever toppings you love.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help give your calzones that beautiful golden color. Use extra virgin for a bolder flavor!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs that rounds out the flavors beautifully. You can even make your own mix if you prefer!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating something truly delicious. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize the fillings to suit your taste!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Calzone

Making air fryer calzones is so simple and fun! Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying your golden, cheesy pockets in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it helps the calzones cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown crust. Preheating usually takes about 5 minutes, so you can use this time to get your dough ready!

Prepare the Pizza Dough

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to prepare the pizza dough. Roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. You’ll want to keep it thin enough to cook through but thick enough to hold your fillings. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut the dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; every calzone has its own unique charm!

Fill the Calzones

Now comes the fun part – filling your calzones! On one half of each dough circle, place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few pepperoni slices, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Remember, don’t overfill! You want to leave some space around the edges to seal them up properly. Overfilling can lead to messy calzones that burst open while cooking. Trust me, you want that cheesy goodness inside, not all over your air fryer!

Seal and Cook

To seal the calzones, fold the dough over the fillings and press the edges together gently. Then, take a fork and crimp the edges to make sure they’re tightly sealed – this step is key to keeping all that deliciousness inside! Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle a little Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Now, carefully place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overcook. You’ll know they’re done when they smell amazing, and the crust looks perfect!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this air fryer calzone recipe! Here are just a few that I’m sure will have you reaching for that pizza dough in no time:

Quick Preparation Time: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these tasty calzones even on the busiest weeknights. Perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!
Customizable Fillings: The beauty of calzones is that you can stuff them with anything your heart desires! Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, sautéed veggies, or even leftover chicken, the options are endless. Get creative!
Healthier Cooking Method: Cooking in the air fryer means you get that crispy texture without the excess oil. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite flavors while keeping it lighter.
Easy Clean-Up: Since the air fryer uses less oil and cooks quickly, there’s way less mess to deal with afterward. Just a quick wipe-down, and you’re done!
Perfect for Meal Prepping: These calzones are great for making ahead and freezing. You can have delicious homemade meals ready to go whenever you need them!

Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these delicious little pockets of joy!

Tips for Success

Let me share some of my best tips for making the perfect air fryer calzone! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your calzones turn out absolutely delicious every single time.

Don’t Overfill: It’s so tempting to pile on the fillings, but trust me, less is more! Overfilling can lead to calzones bursting open in the air fryer, creating a mess. Stick to a generous but manageable amount to keep everything inside where it belongs!
Seal Those Edges: Make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork. This will prevent any cheesy goodness from escaping during cooking. A tight seal is essential for achieving that delightful, gooey center!
Adjust Cooking Time for Sizes: If you decide to make larger calzones, be prepared to adjust the cooking time. Bigger calzones will need a bit longer to cook through. Keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your air fryer is crucial! It helps to ensure even cooking and that golden brown crust we all crave. So, give it those five minutes to warm up!
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Try different cheeses, veggies, or even sauces. This is your calzone, so personalize it to your taste! You could even throw in some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Check for Doneness: Each air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your calzones during the last few minutes of cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and that’s when you know they’re ready to be devoured!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to air fryer calzone perfection! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying air fryer calzones, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you indulge guilt-free! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving (1 calzone):

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 12g

This delicious air fryer calzone is not just tasty but also provides a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy every bite while feeling good about what you’re eating!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making air fryer calzones? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I’ve encountered. Let’s dive in!

Can I use different fillings in my air fryer calzone?

Absolutely! One of the best things about air fryer calzones is how customizable they are. You can swap out pepperoni for cooked veggies, chicken, or even go for a classic cheese and spinach combo. Just remember to keep the fillings balanced so they don’t overflow!

How long do I cook the calzones in the air fryer?

For perfect results, you’ll want to cook your air fryer calzones for about 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy. Every air fryer is a little different, so check for doneness by looking for that beautiful golden color!

Can I make the calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These calzones are great for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just make sure to cover them well so they don’t dry out. If you want to freeze them, wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What should I do if my calzones are bursting open in the air fryer?

Oh no! If this happens, it’s usually because they were overfilled or not sealed properly. To avoid this, make sure to use a manageable amount of filling and crimp the edges tightly with a fork. This will help keep all that cheesy goodness inside where it belongs!

Can I make air fryer calzones vegetarian?

Definitely! You can easily make delicious vegetarian air fryer calzones by loading them up with your favorite veggies, like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even some delicious ricotta cheese. Just skip the meat, and you’ll have a tasty option that everyone can enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your delicious air fryer calzones, you might have a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay just as tasty as when they were fresh out of the fryer.

Storing Leftover Calzones

To keep your air fryer calzones fresh, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Freezing Calzones

If you decide to freeze your calzones, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date so you can keep track!

Reheating Calzones

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key to maintaining that crispy crust and gooey filling. The best way to reheat your calzones is in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the calzones for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the crust is crispy again. You can also use an oven, placing them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Microwaving is an option too, but it tends to make the crust a bit soggy. If you go this route, heat them in short intervals (about 30 seconds) until warm. However, for the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend sticking with the air fryer or oven method!

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a tasty treat waiting for you whenever the craving strikes! Enjoy every cheesy bite!