I love these Air Fryer Calzones because they deliver everything I crave in pizza—cheese, sauce, and flavorful fillings—wrapped in a crispy crust that’s lighter than traditional oven-baked versions. The air fryer gives them a beautiful golden finish in just minutes, without heating up the kitchen. They’re also easy to personalize with whatever ingredients I have on hand, making them perfect for family nights or quick meals.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.) Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) 1/2 cup shredded cheese, divided 4 tablespoons ricotta cheese, divided 1-1/2 cups desired fillings (cooked) Parchment paper Olive oil for brushing Salt for sprinkling Marinara sauce, for serving
Directions
I prepare my ingredients first—making the pizza dough if needed and cooking the fillings (like vegetables, chicken, sausage, or pepperoni). I let them cool for about 30 minutes, and I bring refrigerated dough to room temperature.
I cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the air fryer basket.
I preheat the air fryer to its highest setting for 10 minutes with the basket inside to ensure even crisping.
On a lightly floured surface, I roll the dough into an 8–9-inch circle, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
I place the rolled dough on the parchment paper, making sure it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket.
About two inches from one edge, I add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons of ricotta to form the base.
I layer my chosen fillings (about 1-1/2 cups total) evenly on top of the cheese.
I add the remaining ricotta and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the fillings.
I fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly to seal. I sometimes fold or crimp the edges for a thicker crust.
I brush the top of the calzone with olive oil, make a few small steam vents, and sprinkle lightly with salt.
I air fry the calzone at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, checking around the 5–6 minute mark to make sure it’s not overbrowning.
Once golden brown, I remove it carefully and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
I serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use whole-wheat pizza dough for a heartier texture.
For a vegetarian version, I fill it with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella.
To make it extra cheesy, I add a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
I love making breakfast calzones with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies.
For a sweet twist, I skip the savory fillings and use Nutella and sliced bananas instead, dusting with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. They can also be frozen—once cooled, I wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! I often use refrigerated or frozen pizza dough when I need a quick option.
What are the best fillings for calzones?
I love using pepperoni, sausage, grilled chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers—anything that isn’t too watery.
How do I keep calzones from getting soggy?
I make sure my fillings are fully cooked and cooled before sealing them into the dough. Preheating the air fryer also helps create a crisp crust.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble them a few hours before cooking, then refrigerate until ready to air fry.
Can I make mini calzones?
Absolutely! I divide the dough into smaller circles and cook them for about 6–8 minutes instead.
What type of cheese works best?
I like a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for a perfect melt and flavor balance.
Can I brush with something other than olive oil?
Yes, I sometimes brush with garlic butter or egg wash for extra shine and flavor.
Do I need to flip the calzones in the air fryer?
No, they usually brown evenly on both sides without flipping, but I check halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What dipping sauces go well with calzones?
I love serving them with marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing.
Can I bake them in the oven instead?
Yes, I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Calzones are one of my favorite quick and satisfying meals to make. I love how the air fryer gives them that perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside warm and cheesy. Whether I’m using classic pizza fillings or experimenting with new flavors, they’re always a hit—and the convenience of the air fryer makes them even better.
These Air Fryer Calzones are golden, crispy handheld pockets filled with melty cheese, savory fillings, and a flaky crust. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re a fun, customizable meal that delivers all the deliciousness of pizza in an easy-to-eat form.
Ingredients
Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup shredded cheese, divided
4 tablespoons ricotta cheese, divided
1–1/2 cups desired cooked fillings (such as sausage, chicken, vegetables, or pepperoni)
Parchment paper
Olive oil, for brushing
Salt, for sprinkling
Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
Prepare all ingredients: make or bring pizza dough to room temperature and cook desired fillings. Let fillings cool for about 30 minutes.
Cut parchment paper to fit the air fryer basket and preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes with the basket inside.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into an 8–9-inch circle, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Place on parchment paper.
Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons ricotta about two inches from one edge. Layer with about 1-1/2 cups of cooled fillings, then add remaining ricotta and shredded cheese.
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp or fold for a thicker crust if desired.
Brush the top with olive oil, cut a few small vents for steam, and sprinkle with salt.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway through to prevent overbrowning.
Remove carefully and let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use whole-wheat pizza dough for a heartier crust.
Try vegetarian fillings like spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
Make breakfast calzones with eggs, cheese, and veggies.
For a sweet version, fill with Nutella and bananas, then dust with powdered sugar.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crisp again.
