Air fryer calzones are a fun, delicious way to enjoy a meal that’s both cozy and convenient. They’re filled with gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh veggies. Ready in no time, these calzones make a perfect weeknight dinner or tasty snack for the family.

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Calzone

These calzones are easy to make and are a hit with kids and adults alike. The air fryer gives them a crispy crust without all the oil and fuss of frying. You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, making them a delightful option for everyone. Plus, they come together quickly, making weeknight cooking a breeze!

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Making air fryer calzones is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll mix and knead the dough, let it rise, fill, and then cook them in the air fryer. It’s a hands-on recipe that’s fun to make, especially with little helpers.

What You Need

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)

Step-by-Step

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center and add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Prepare Fillings: Cook the turkey bacon and chop the chicken ham. Dice the bell peppers and slice the mushrooms. Mix all fillings with mozzarella, garlic powder, and oregano.
Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle.
Assemble Calzones: Place filling on one half of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges, crimping with a fork.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Cook Calzones: Air fry 2–3 calzones at a time for 12–15 minutes until golden brown, flipping them if needed.
Serve: Allow calzones to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones

These calzones are perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings. Pair them with a simple salad, marinara sauce, or garlic dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside some fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal. Kids will love them as a snack or lunch option.

How to Store Air Fryer Calzones

To store leftovers, let the calzones cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe Tips

Knead Well: Ensure the dough is kneaded enough for a good texture.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the calzones to avoid spillage.
Use Egg Wash: For a golden brown finish, don’t skip egg washing the tops.
Air Fryer Size: Cook in batches according to your air fryer’s capacity.
Cool Before Serving: Let calzones cool for a few minutes to set the filling.

Variations & Swaps

Veggie Version: Swap out the meats for extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Cheesy Delight: Add more cheese or try different types like cheddar or fontina.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.

FAQs

Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the calzones and assemble them but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply air fry as instructed.

Can I freeze cooked calzones?
Absolutely. Once they’re cooked and cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat calzones?
Reheat calzones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help maintain their crispy texture.

Can I change the protein?
Sure! Feel free to substitute chicken ham or turkey bacon with other cooked meats like pepperoni or sausage.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If the dough isn’t rising, check the freshness of your yeast. It should be within the expiration date. Also, make sure your water isn’t too hot, as that can kill the yeast.