You know that warm, buttery smell that comes floating through the kitchen when pizza dough meets hot air? That’s exactly what hits you the minute these Air Fryer Calzones start puffing up. They’re crisp on the outside, gooey with cheese and sauce insidelike little pizza pockets, only lighter and quicker. No mess, no oven, and the kids are obsessed. Not surprised they’ve become a new weeknight favorite.

These start with pre-made or homemade dough, folded around melty mozzarella, a bit of marinara, and your choice of cozy fillingspepperoni, mushrooms, or sauteed spinach if you’re feeling clever. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, sort of like your favorite pizzeria calzonebut done in 15 minutes flat. No oil splatter, no preheating, and yep, still that perfect golden crunch. You can make them ahead and freeze, too.

I first started playing with this recipe during a snowstorm back in 2021stuck inside with just dough, cheese, and nowhere to be. My daughter took one bite, then blinked and said, “Wait… this is from the air fryer?” The trick I learned is brushing the tops with a little egg wash for that shiny crunch. After over a decade of sharing recipes, I love when a shortcut feels this nostalgicand this good.

Olivia Farnsworth

Air Fryer Calzones Made Easy with Irresistible Taste

Air fryer calzones are a delicious handheld meal featuring a crispy golden crust and savory fillings such as turkey bacon, chicken ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or snacks, this recipe offers a versatile and satisfying option that fits well into Air Fryer Dinner Ideas and will delight anyone craving Air Fryer Calzones.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

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 egg (for egg wash)

Method

 

1. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Make a well, add warm water and olive oil, stir until dough forms.
3. Knead dough on floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Prepare fillings by combining cooked turkey bacon, chicken ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella, garlic powder, and oregano.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 6 portions; roll each into a 6-inch circle.
7. Place filling on half of each dough circle, fold over, and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg.
9. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
10. Air fry 2–3 calzones at a time for 12–15 minutes until golden brown, flipping if needed.
11. Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Ensure fillings are not watery to avoid soggy calzones. Dough can be prepared ahead or purchased for convenience. Customize with your preferred vegetables or cheese varieties.

Air Fryer Calzones: Your Guide to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

Get ready to whip up some seriously satisfying Air Fryer Calzones! This recipe brings all the classic Italian-American comfort food vibes right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Think gooey cheese, savory fillings, and a perfectly golden, crispy crust, all without heating up your whole house. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just craving a delicious, easy meal, these calzones are a game-changer. Let’s dive into making these irresistible pockets of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Calzones

• Quick and Easy: These calzones cook in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Healthier Comfort Food: With lean turkey bacon, chicken ham, and fresh veggies, these calzones deliver that nostalgic, cheesy comfort without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s a smart twist on a classic!
• No-Fuss Cleanup: The air fryer keeps things remarkably tidyno need to preheat a large oven or deal with messy frying oil. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal.
• Oh-So Customizable: You can switch up the fillings to match your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever’s lurking in your fridge. Spinach, olives, different cheesesthe possibilities are endless!

Key Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create something magical. Exact quantities for each are provided in the full recipe card below, but here’s a peek at what you’ll gather:

• Dough: While you can make it from scratch using all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, olive oil, and warm water for that authentic homemade touch, store-bought pre-made pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut for ultimate convenience.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the classic choice for that gooey, melty interior, but a blend with a little provolone or ricotta can add even more depth.
• Proteins: Diced chicken ham and turkey bacon bring savory flavor and a hearty texture to each bite. Feel free to substitute with cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni for a different twist.
• Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers and mushrooms add freshness and a hint of earthy sweetness; make sure to dice them small for even cooking and to prevent them from making the calzones soggy.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder and dried oregano tie everything together with a cozy, aromatic, Italian-inspired flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
• Tools: An air fryer (of course!), a rolling pin for shaping the dough, and a fork for crimping the edges are really all you need to get started. Parchment paper liners can also make cleanup even easier.

Pro Tip: Keep your dough and fillings at room temperature before assembly. This makes the dough more pliable and ensures more even cooking for a perfectly golden crust and melty interior.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Don’t be intimidated by homemade calzonesit’s simpler than you think! Here’s a streamlined overview of the process. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card.

1. Prepare the Dough: If making from scratch, gently mix the flour, salt, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has roughly doubled in size (this usually takes 45-60 minutes). If using pre-made dough, let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before working with it.
2. Cook and Prep Fillings: Dice and lightly cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham until slightly browned to render some fat and enhance their flavor. While they cool, finely chop your vegetables (bell peppers and mushrooms work wonderfully). In a medium bowl, combine the cooked proteins and chopped veggies with the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Shape Your Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into six equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a roughly 6-inch circle. Aim for a thickness that’s not too thin (which can tear) and not too thick (which can be doughy).
4. Fill and Seal: Spoon a generous amount of your prepared filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a clear border around the edge. Be careful not to overfillthis is the most common mistake and makes sealing tricky! Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a crescent shape. Gently press the edges together to seal, then use the tines of a fork to crimp them securely, ensuring no delicious filling escapes during cooking.
5. Brush and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. While it preheats, lightly brush the tops of your calzones with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) for that beautiful golden-brown shine. Carefully place 2–3 calzones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For even cooking, it’s a good idea to rotate or gently flip them halfway through, around the 7–8 minute mark.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to overfill your calzonesit’ll make them much harder to seal, increase the risk of leaks, and can lead to uneven cooking. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a half-inch border around the edge.

Air Frying Timing and Tips

Achieving that perfect golden crust and thoroughly cooked, bubbly filling is all about getting your air fryer settings right. Here’s a quick guide:

Expert Tip for Crispier Calzones: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows the hot air to circulate properly around each calzone, ensuring a uniformly crispy exterior. Also, a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray on the calzones before air frying helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispness.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Air Fryer Calzones are fantastic for a quick meal, meal prep, or even freezing for later. Here’s how to best enjoy and store them:

• Serving: Always let the calzones cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the hot cheese filling to set, preventing burns and making them easier to handle. They pair perfectly with a warm marinara sauce for dipping or even a simple side salad for a cozy, complete meal.
• Leftovers: Store any cooked calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for a delicious and easy lunch the next day!
• Reheating: The best way to bring back that golden crunch is, you guessed it, the air fryer! Just 4–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do it. They’ll be almost as good as fresh. You can also use a conventional oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
• Freezing: To freeze unbaked calzones for future meals, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen by adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the air frying time, or until golden brown and hot through.

Pro Tip: Label your frozen calzones with the date so you don’t lose track of how long they’ve been stored. This helps ensure you’re always enjoying them at their freshest!

Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Calzones

Air fryer calzones offer a quick and healthier alternative to traditional frying or deep-frying, preserving crispness while significantly reducing oil absorption. The unique convection cooking of an air fryer ensures incredibly even cooking and a perfectly golden, delightfully crisp crust that mimics a deep-fried texture without the grease. This makes it a smart choice for busy home cooks seeking convenience without compromising on that satisfying texture or rich flavor. For best results, don’t shy away from preheating your air fryer; it’s a small step that makes a big difference in achieving immediate crisping and preventing a soggy bottom.

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The Journey to Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

Getting these air fryer calzones just right took more than a few experimentslike the time I forgot to seal the edges properly, and cheese oozed everywhere, creating a delightful (but messy!) crusty puddle. Or the time I overfilled them, and they burst mid-cook! After several rounds of adjusting dough thickness, perfecting the crimp, and fine-tuning cooking times, I finally landed on a recipe that’s consistently crisp, beautifully golden, and perfectly melty inside. This one’s been worth every step of the learning curve, and I’m thrilled to share a method that avoids all those little pitfalls.

FAQs ( Air Fryer Calzones
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Conclusion

You’ll absolutely love how these Air Fryer Calzones turn outcrispy golden pockets filled with savory, melty, comforting goodness in just about 15 minutes. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner that tastes incredibly homemade without demanding hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed to be simple, approachable, and consistently yields that warm, satisfying crunch every single time.

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Try swapping in fresh spinach or roasted bell peppers for an extra veggie boost, or sneak in some lean ground turkey or Italian sausage for added protein. A little shredded provolone or even a dollop of ricotta can elevate the cheese factor too. Remember, leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that crisp edge intacta handy tip I picked up from years of baking with grandma’s kitchen wisdom. Keep them wrapped well for a freezer-friendly meal option on those extra busy nights.

Give this recipe a whirl and share your favorite filling combinations or clever twists in the commentsI’d absolutely love to hear what your family thinks! Did you grow up enjoying calzones or similar pockets of cheesy comfort? Pass this recipe along to someone who needs a little kitchen inspiration tonight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wanna make them again and again.