why make this recipe
Making calzones in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious stuffed pizza pockets. They are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, using an air fryer keeps them crispy on the outside while remaining soft and cheesy on the inside!
how to make 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones
Ingredients :
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- All-purpose flour (for working with the dough)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Toppings of your choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions :
- Divide the dough into 8 equally sized pieces.
- Working with 1 piece at a time, roll pizza dough into a 6-inch circle to the thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of cheese and 2 tablespoons of various toppings to each calzone.
- Fold the clean side of the dough up and over the filled side.
- Gently twist and pinch the edges together to seal the calzone. Use a knife to cut 2-3 vents in the top.
- Brush olive oil on the basket of the air fryer and the top of the calzone.
- Place 1-2 calzones in the air fryer and bake at 370˚F for 9 minutes (check at 7 minutes since all air fryers will bake slightly differently).
how to serve 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones
Serve your calzones hot out of the air fryer with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They make a wonderful appetizer, snack, or main dish alongside a salad. Feel free to pair them with garlic bread or a refreshing drink for a complete meal.
how to store 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones
If you have leftover calzones, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350˚F for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
tips to make 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Experiment with different fillings; vegetables, meats, or even desserts can be great choices.
- If you want extra crispy calzones, brush more olive oil on top before cooking.
variation
You can easily customize your calzones with different dough types, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough. Additionally, try adding different cheeses like ricotta or parmesan for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze calzones?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, air fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are some good toppings for calzones?
Some popular toppings include pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. You can also use cooked meats like chicken or sausage.
How do I know when my calzones are done cooking?
Your calzones should be golden brown on the outside. You can also check the cheese inside; it should be melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, you can use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165˚F.
Air Fryer Calzones
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 lb pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup toppings of your choice e.g., pepperoni, vegetables
For Working
- to taste All-purpose flour for working with the dough
Instructions
Preparation
- Divide the dough into 8 equally sized pieces.
- Working with 1 piece at a time, roll pizza dough into a 6-inch circle to the thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of cheese and 2 tablespoons of various toppings to each calzone.
- Fold the clean side of the dough up and over the filled side.
- Gently twist and pinch the edges together to seal the calzone. Use a knife to cut 2-3 vents in the top.
Cooking
- Brush olive oil on the basket of the air fryer and the top of the calzone.
- Place 1-2 calzones in the air fryer and bake at 370˚F for 9 minutes (check at 7 minutes as all air fryers bake differently).