Name: Air Fryer Calzones: Crispy & Cheesy
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon instant yeast; ¾ cup warm water; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup cooked chicken ham, diced; ½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped; ½ cup diced bell peppers; ½ cup sliced mushrooms; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 large egg (for egg wash); Marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for dipping); Semolina flour or cornmeal (for dusting)

Air Fryer Calzones are poised to become your new favorite culinary obsession, transforming weeknight dinners and weekend treats alike. Picture this: a golden-brown, perfectly crisp crust, achieving that desirable crunch without the deep-frying fuss, giving way to a warm, molten interior bursting with savory cheese, rich tomato sauce, and your chosen delicious fillings. It’s an experience that truly redefines convenience without sacrificing a single ounce of flavor or texture. Originating from Naples, Italy, the calzone was traditionally crafted as a folded pizza, a clever and portable meal for those on the move – essentially a ‘trouser pizza’ designed for easy, mess-free enjoyment.

I believe you’ll adore how the air fryer method elevates this classic. Not only does it significantly cut down on cooking time, but it also delivers an unparalleled crispness that’s often harder to achieve in a traditional oven, all while using minimal oil. This makes for a lighter, yet equally satisfying, dish. People universally love calzones for their incredible versatility; they are a canvas for endless customization, from classic pepperoni and ricotta to inventive vegetarian options. These easy Air Fryer Calzones promise a delightful blend of crispy exterior and a wonderfully gooey, flavorful center, making every bite a truly satisfying delight.

Ingredients:

For the Calzone Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar: To help activate the yeast and give the dough a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup Warm Water (105-115°F / 40-46°C): The perfect temperature for waking up your yeast.
- 2 ½ to 3 cups All-Purpose Flour: Divided. You might need a little more or less depending on humidity.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor and elasticity to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for flavor balance in the dough.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for the dough): Adds an extra layer of savory flavor directly into your crust.
For the Savory Filling:
- 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage (mild or spicy, your preference): A fantastic base for the filling, providing robust flavor.
- ½ cup Diced Onion: Finely diced for even distribution and a touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup Diced Green Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: For an aromatic punch.
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s a calzone essential.
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential melty cheese for that perfect pull.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth.
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Brightens the flavors and adds a pop of green.
- 1 large Egg, beaten: To bind the ricotta mixture and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Dried Basil: Another essential herb for Italian cooking.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Season generously to bring out all the flavors.
- Optional: ¼ cup Mini Pepperoni: For those who love a classic pepperoni pizza flavor.
- Optional: ½ cup Sautéed Mushrooms, thinly sliced: Earthy and delicious.
For Assembly and Finishing:
- 1 large Egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water (Egg Wash): For a golden, shiny crust on your Air Fryer Calzones.
- Semolina flour or cornmeal: For dusting your work surface and air fryer basket, preventing sticking.
- Marinara sauce or Pizza Sauce: For dipping, because every great calzone needs a delicious sauce!

Preparing the Dough: The Foundation of Your Air Fryer Calzones

Creating a perfect, pliable dough is the first and most crucial step for incredible Air Fryer Calzones. Don’t be intimidated; it’s a straightforward process, and the results are well worth the effort. A good dough provides that wonderful chewiness and crispy crust we all crave.

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is active and ready when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface. If it doesn’t foam, your water might have been too hot or too cold, or your yeast might be old. In that case, start over with fresh yeast and properly tempered water. This initial step is vital for a light and airy calzone crust.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the olive oil, salt, and optional garlic powder. Stir them in. Then, gradually add 2 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough. If you’re using a stand mixer, continue with the dough hook on medium-low speed. Knead for 7-10 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining ½ cup of flour if the dough is too sticky. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic, and non-sticky dough. It should spring back when you gently poke it with your finger. Properly kneaded dough is key to a tender calzone crust.
First Rise: Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little olive oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat the entire surface with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot and let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow rise develops deep flavors and a wonderful texture.
Punch Down and Divide: Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your Air Fryer Calzones to be. For standard-sized calzones, 4 portions work well, resulting in larger, more satisfying servings. If you prefer smaller, individual portions or want to make more varieties, divide into 6.
Rest the Portions: Shape each portion into a ball. Cover the dough balls loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 15 minutes. This brief rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out.

Crafting the Flavorful Filling: The Heart of Your Air Fryer Calzones

While the dough is performing its first rise, you’ll have ample time to prepare the delicious filling. The combination of savory meat, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs will make your Air Fryer Calzones truly irresistible.

Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease once the sausage is fully cooked and browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet (no need to clean, those drippings add flavor!), add a small drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the cooked sausage.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: To the bowl with the sausage and vegetables, add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, beaten egg, dried oregano, and dried basil.
Season and Mix: Season the filling generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan are already salty, so taste a small amount and adjust as needed. If you’re adding optional mini pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms, now is the time to fold them in. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed for a balanced bite in every Air Fryer Calzone.

Assembling Your Magnificent Air Fryer Calzones

This is where the magic really starts to happen! Transforming your dough and filling into beautiful, ready-to-cook Air Fryer Calzones is a fun and creative process. Take your time to seal them well to prevent any delicious filling from escaping during cooking.

Prepare Your Work Surface: Lightly dust your clean work surface with a small amount of all-purpose flour or semolina flour. Semolina provides a slightly coarser texture and helps prevent sticking even better.
Roll Out the Dough: Take one of your rested dough balls. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a circle approximately 8-10 inches in diameter and about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; a rustic look is charming! Aim for an even thickness so your calzones cook uniformly in the air fryer.
Fill One Half: Spoon about ½ cup to ¾ cup of the prepared filling onto one half of the rolled-out dough circle, leaving a ½ to ¾ inch border around the edge. Do not overfill! Overfilling makes sealing difficult and increases the chances of your Air Fryer Calzones bursting open.
Moisten the Edges: Lightly moisten the border of the dough with a little water using your fingertip. This acts as a glue, helping the edges seal securely.
Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filling to meet the moistened edge, creating a half-moon shape. Press down firmly along the edges to seal them completely.
Crimp the Edges: Now, for the signature calzone look and a secure seal: crimp the edges. You can do this by using the tines of a fork to press down all around the sealed edge, or by folding the edge over itself to create a decorative, rope-like crust. A good, tight seal is paramount for perfect Air Fryer Calzones.
Vent the Calzone: Using a sharp knife or a fork, make 2-3 small slits on the top of each calzone. These vents allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the calzones from puffing up excessively and ensuring an even bake.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top surface of each assembled calzone generously with the egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water). This will give your Air Fryer Calzones a beautiful golden-brown and slightly shiny crust.

The Air Frying Process: Achieving Golden Perfection for Your Air Fryer Calzones

Cooking calzones in an air fryer is a game-changer! It provides that wonderful crispy crust without deep-frying, making them a fantastic, less greasy alternative. Batch cooking is usually necessary, so plan accordingly.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for at least 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier exterior right from the start. Don’t skip this step for the best Air Fryer Calzones.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, or place a piece of parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers in the basket. If using parchment, ensure it’s cut to size and doesn’t block the air circulation. A dusting of semolina flour or cornmeal directly on the basket can also prevent sticking and add a nice texture.
Load the Calzones: Carefully transfer 1-2 assembled calzones to the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are placed in a single layer and are not overcrowded. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. The number you can fit depends on the size of your air fryer basket and the size of your calzones.
First Cook Cycle: Air fry the calzones at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. At this point, they should be beginning to turn golden brown and puff up.
Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the calzones over using tongs or a spatula. Continue air frying for another 5-8 minutes, or until both sides are deeply golden brown and the internal temperature of the filling reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). The dough should look cooked through, and the cheese should be visibly melted and bubbly.

Expert Tip for Air Fryer Calzones:

Cooking times can vary significantly between different air fryer models. It’s always a good idea to monitor your calzones closely, especially during the first batch. If they are browning too quickly on the outside but you suspect the inside isn’t fully cooked, you can reduce the temperature slightly (e.g., to 325°F / 160°C) and increase the cooking time by a few minutes. You want that perfect balance of crispy exterior and hot, gooey interior.
Repeat for Remaining Calzones: Remove the cooked calzones from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat the air frying process with any remaining calzones, ensuring you don’t overload the basket.

Serving Your Delicious Air Fryer Calzones

Once your beautiful Air Fryer Calzones are hot, golden, and smelling absolutely incredible, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Rest Briefly: Allow the calzones to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth on molten cheese.
Serve with Sauce: These delicious calzones are absolutely best served warm, accompanied by a generous side of your favorite warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce perfectly complements the rich, savory filling.
Suggested Sides: For a complete meal, consider serving your Air Fryer Calzones with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or perhaps some roasted vegetables. Enjoy your homemade Italian feast!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite way to whip up a truly satisfying meal that feels special without demanding hours of your time. This recipe for Air Fryer Calzones isn’t just another dish; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, a brilliant solution for last-minute guests, and an incredibly fun project to tackle with the family. I’ve found that the air fryer consistently delivers a perfectly golden-brown crust that’s wonderfully crisp on the outside yet beautifully tender and chewy within, all without the deep-fried greasiness. Inside, you get that glorious explosion of warm, melted cheese and your favorite fillings, creating a portable pocket of pure comfort. It’s an undeniable upgrade from frozen versions and surprisingly simpler than traditional baked calzones, cutting down on both cooking time and cleanup.

The convenience factor alone makes these a must-try, but it’s the sheer deliciousness combined with minimal effort that truly seals the deal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from zero to a delightful, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Forget about soggy bottoms or uneven cooking; your air fryer is about to become your best friend for achieving calzone perfection every single time. Seriously, once you experience the ease and fantastic results, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this recipe in your repertoire. It’s truly a testament to how modern kitchen appliances can transform classic comfort food into something even more accessible and equally, if not more, delicious. This isn’t just about making food; it’s about reclaiming your time and still enjoying incredible, homemade flavors.

Your Culinary Canvas: Endless Variations and Serving Suggestions!

But the magic doesn’t stop with the basic recipe. One of the things I adore most about these calzones is their incredible versatility. For serving, a simple bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping is non-negotiable in my book – it just completes the experience and adds that essential tangy counterpoint. To round out the meal, a crisp, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette or some homemade garlic knots would be absolutely sublime. Or, for a truly indulgent experience, a creamy tomato soup alongside offers a comforting pairing that’s hard to beat, especially on a chilly evening. These calzones are also fantastic on their own, perfect for grab-and-go lunches or a quick snack.

Now, let’s talk variations, because this is where you can truly let your culinary imagination run wild! The beauty of a calzone is that it’s essentially a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. For a hearty meat-lover’s version, consider adding cooked crumbled sausage, pepperoni, and some finely diced ham. Vegetarians can rejoice with options like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts – perhaps even a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends beyond mozzarella; a sprinkle of provolone, ricotta, or even some smoked gouda can elevate the flavor profile dramatically. Think outside the Italian box too! How about a breakfast calzone filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage, perfect for a weekend brunch? Or a dessert calzone with Nutella, bananas, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, air-fried until warm and gooey and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The possibilities are genuinely endless, and each variation offers a fresh, exciting take on this beloved handheld meal, ensuring you’ll never get bored. These also make fantastic make-ahead options for meal prep. You can assemble them, freeze them uncooked, and then air fry straight from frozen (adjusting time as needed), making future busy evenings even easier. They’re also brilliant for packing into lunchboxes, providing a much more exciting alternative to a standard sandwich for both kids and adults.

Ready to Dive In? Share Your Calzone Journey!

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite fillings, and give these incredible Air Fryer Calzones a try this week. I promise you won’t be disappointed. There’s such a sense of accomplishment and pure joy in pulling a perfectly golden, puffed-up calzone from the air fryer, knowing you created something so delicious and satisfying with such minimal fuss. It’s a moment of culinary triumph that’s truly rewarding.

When you do make them, please come back and tell me all about your experience! Did you stick to the classic fillings, or did you get adventurous with your own unique combinations? What was your favorite part of the process, and what did your family or friends think? I absolutely love hearing your success stories, seeing your beautiful creations, and learning about the twists and turns you bring to the recipes I share. Share your photos on social media, tag me, or simply drop a comment below. Your feedback and creative ideas inspire not just me, but our entire community of enthusiastic home cooks who are always looking for their next delicious adventure. Let’s make dinner exciting, easy, and utterly delicious together. Happy cooking, my friends, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to calzone recipe!