These Air Fryer Calzones are your new weeknight heroes golden, crispy on the outside, cheesy and saucy on the inside, and made without turning on your oven. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or craving something cozy and handheld, calzones are the answer, and the air fryer makes them easier and crispier than ever.
Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, rich marinara, and your favorite pizza toppings, these calzones are customizable, fun to make, and totally satisfying. If you’ve never made calzones before, now’s your moment and no, you don’t need a pizza oven or any fancy tools!
What Are Air Fryer Calzones?
Calzones are folded pizza pockets filled with cheese, sauce, and toppings, then sealed and baked (or in this case, air fried!) until golden. They’re like mini pizza turnovers — crispy, warm, and oozing with melty goodness.
In the air fryer, calzones cook quickly with that perfect balance of soft interior and crispy crust, no oil-soaked dough or soggy bottoms here.
Why You’ll Love These
- Crispy crust, gooey cheese — the dream combo!
- Fast & fuss-free thanks to the air fryer
- Customizable for every craving
- Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or lunchboxes
- Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, party-friendly!
What Do Air Fryer Calzones Taste Like?
Imagine the best part of a pizza — warm crust, stretchy cheese, flavorful fillings — folded into a golden pocket. Each bite gives you chewy dough, hot marinara, melty cheese, and whatever fillings you love. Plus, the air fryer gives it a slight crisp on the outside that’s next-level satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
- ½ cup cooked toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Italian seasoning or fresh parsley for topping
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Fork (for crimping edges)
- Parchment paper or silicone liner (optional)
Additions & Substitutions
- Use ricotta cheese for a creamier interior
- Try pesto instead of marinara for a fun twist
- Make it vegetarian with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and olives
- Go spicy with crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones
- Prep the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough into circles, about 6–7 inches wide.
- Add Fillings: On one half of each dough circle, spread 1–2 tablespoons marinara, sprinkle with mozzarella and toppings. Leave a border.
- Seal It Up: Fold the dough over and press the edges together. Crimp with a fork to seal.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place calzones in basket (don’t crowd!) and cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly before biting into that molten center. Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Calzones
- Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic parmesan roasted broccoli
- Mozzarella sticks or veggie chips
- Fresh fruit or a sparkling Italian soda
Tips for Success
- Don’t overstuff! A little filling goes a long way.
- Use parchment or spray your air fryer basket to avoid sticking.
- Rotate calzones halfway through for even browning if needed.
- Let them cool a few minutes — cheese lava is real!
Storage Instructions
Store leftover calzones in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. You can also freeze uncooked calzones and cook from frozen (add 3–4 more minutes to the air fryer time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble calzones and store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Can I freeze calzones?
Absolutely. Freeze assembled, uncooked calzones for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen at 370°F for 12–15 minutes.
Do I have to use egg wash?
No, but it gives them that beautiful golden shine. You can also brush with olive oil instead.
What dough works best?
Any pizza dough works — homemade, store-bought, even biscuit dough in a pinch!
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect mashup of pizza night and convenience food. Crispy, cheesy, and fully customizable — they’ll become a staple in your kitchen whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. So grab your dough and fillings, and let’s air fry some magic!
Nutritional Info (Per Calzone, approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
Air Fryer Calzones
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
Description
These Air Fryer Calzones are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and stuffed with your favorite pizza fillings! Quick to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a savory snack.
Ingredients
– 1 lb pizza dough
– ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
– ½ cup cooked toppings (pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, etc.)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Optional: Italian seasoning or parsley for topping
Instructions
1. Roll dough into 6–7 inch rounds.
2. Spoon sauce, cheese, and toppings onto one half, leaving space at the edge.
3. Fold and seal edges with a fork.
4. Brush tops with egg wash.
5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
6. Air fry calzones for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly and serve with extra marinara for dipping.
Notes
– Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent bursting.
– Rotate halfway through air frying for even browning.
– Freeze extras uncooked for later!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: air fryer calzones, easy calzone recipe, pizza pockets, crispy air fryer snacks, homemade hot pockets, kid-friendly dinner
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