I make these air fryer calzones when I want something comforting, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. They come out golden and crisp on the outside, warm and melty on the inside, and they are incredibly simple to customize with my favorite fillings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast and convenient this recipe is. The air fryer gives me that perfectly crisp crust without needing to heat up the oven. I can use store-bought dough to keep things simple, and I can fill each calzone with whatever I am craving, whether it is classic pepperoni and mozzarella or a veggie-packed version. I also like that these calzones cook quickly and turn out evenly golden every time.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping) 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or preferred filling) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
I start by dividing the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. I roll each portion into a circle about 6 to 7 inches wide on a lightly floured surface.
I spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
I add mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of ricotta, and my pepperoni (or other fillings) on top of the sauce. I sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the filling.
I fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. I press the edges together and seal them tightly with a fork.
I lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
I place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. I cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
I let them cool for a few minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 calzones
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 8–10 minutes Total Time: About 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. When I want a meatless option, I load them with ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. I also like brushing the tops with garlic butter instead of olive oil for extra flavor. If I want a breakfast twist, I fill them with scrambled eggs and cheese.
I store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. I can also reheat them in the microwave for about 1 minute, but I find the crust stays much crispier in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I freeze these calzones?
I freeze them after they have cooled completely. I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
I often use store-bought dough because it saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prevent the calzones from bursting open?
I make sure not to overfill them and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Sometimes I even fold the edge slightly before crimping for extra security.
Do I need to flip them in the air fryer?
I flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
Can I make them ahead of time?
I assemble the calzones a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When I am ready to cook, I place them directly in the air fryer.
Conclusion
I find these air fryer calzones to be one of the easiest ways to enjoy homemade comfort food without much effort. They cook quickly, turn out perfectly crisp, and can be customized however I like. Whenever I need a quick dinner or a fun snack, this recipe is one of my go-to favorites.
These air fryer calzones are golden and crisp on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to customize with your favorite fillings. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal without heating up the oven.
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or preferred filling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 to 7 inches wide on a lightly floured surface.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
Add mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of ricotta, and pepperoni (or other fillings) on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and seal tightly with a fork.
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce on the side.
Notes
Do not overfill the calzones to prevent bursting during cooking.
Seal edges firmly with a fork for best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes for a crisp crust.
Freeze cooled calzones individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
