There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy calzone fresh out of the air fryer, and with this 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones Recipe, you get all that deliciousness in a flash. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or craving a savory snack, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a super satisfying treat that’s ready before you know it!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Ridiculously Quick to Make: Finished in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect when time is tight but you don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Customizable to Your Taste: Use your favorite toppings to make each calzone uniquely yours.
Air Fryer Magic: Achieves a perfectly crispy crust without heating up the entire kitchen.
Kid-Friendly and Fun: Great for involving little hands and making mealtime a hands-on activity everyone enjoys.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe combines a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering those classic calzone flavors. From the tender pizza dough that forms the perfect golden crust to the melty mozzarella cheese that laces the inside, every component is essential for an authentic result.
- Pizza dough: Either homemade or storebought works beautifully here; just make sure it’s at room temperature to roll out smoothly.
- All-purpose flour: For dusting your workspace so the dough doesn’t stick as you roll it out thin and even.
- Pizza sauce: Adds that tangy tomato punch, but feel free to swap in marinara or pesto for a twist.
- Shredded mozzarella: The star cheese that melts perfectly inside, giving each bite gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Toppings of your choice: Whether it’s pepperoni, sautéed veggies, or fresh basil, choose whatever you love most on your pizza.
- Olive oil: Brushing the calzones and air fryer basket ensures a golden, crisp exterior with a lovely shine.
How to Make 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Divide and Roll Your Dough
Start by dividing your pizza dough into 8 equal pieces — this keeps your calzones the perfect size for a handy meal or snack. Then, taking one piece at a time, sprinkle your surface lightly with flour and roll each ball into a 6-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. This thinness ensures a crispy, flaky crust that’s not too doughy.
Step 2: Layer on the Sauce and Toppings
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over half of each dough circle. Be sure to leave about an inch of the edge clean, so you can seal the calzone properly. Next, sprinkle roughly 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella followed by 2 tablespoons of your chosen toppings. This layering locks in that signature gooey and flavorful filling.
Step 3: Fold, Seal, and Vent
Fold the empty half of the dough over your fillings, creating a neat half-moon shape. Pinch and twist the edges tightly to seal all the deliciousness inside. Don’t forget to cut 2-3 small vents on top of each calzone — this allows steam to escape and keeps the crust crisp without sogginess.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer and Cook
Brush the basket of your air fryer and the tops of the calzones with a generous coat of olive oil. This oil is the secret to getting that beautiful golden exterior. Arrange 1-2 calzones in the basket (depending on size), then air fry at 370˚F for about 9 minutes. Since air fryer models vary, peek in at the 7-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
How to Serve 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma. You can also pair your calzones with a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for that extra gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve your air fryer calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables for a nourishing boost. For dipping, marinara sauce or a spicy arrabbiata really complements the cheesy filling beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking calzones like little sandwiches on a wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized wedges for party-friendly finger foods that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. These calzones will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a cozy snack later in the week.
Freezing
Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can batch-make them for easy future meals.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated calzones in the air fryer at 350˚F for about 5-7 minutes to revive their crispy crust and melty cheese inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of feta for a unique flavor profile. Just be mindful of melting properties to keep that gooey texture.
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Do toppings need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, any meats or raw vegetables should be cooked beforehand to ensure they are fully done after air frying. This prevents any sogginess and guarantees safe, tasty bites.
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What’s the best dough to use for calzones?
A traditional pizza dough works best for this recipe — it crisps up nicely in the air fryer while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. You can use storebought dough or homemade if you prefer.
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Can I bake these calzones in an oven?
Definitely! If you prefer baking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment at 435˚F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. The result will still be delicious, just slightly different from air frying.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about pulling hot, golden calzones from your air fryer in under half an hour. I hope this 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones Recipe brings as much joy and flavor to your kitchen as it has to mine. Gather your favorite toppings, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy this cozy, cheesy treat with friends and family — you won’t regret it!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 8 calzones 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These 20-Minute Air Fryer Calzones are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with the convenience of an air fryer. Made with pizza dough filled with savory sauce, melted mozzarella, and your choice of toppings, these calzones are perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Ideal for a fast weeknight meal, they require minimal prep and cooking time, delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough and Base
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or storebought)
- All-purpose flour (for working with the dough)
Fillings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
Finishing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Divide the dough: Separate the 1 lb pizza dough into 8 equally sized pieces to create individual calzones.
- Roll out dough: Working with one piece at a time, dust your surface with all-purpose flour and roll the dough into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick.
- Add sauce: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on one half of the dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge for sealing.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of your chosen toppings evenly over the sauced half.
- Fold and seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings, creating a half-moon shape. Gently twist and pinch the edges together to seal the calzone completely. Use a knife to cut 2 to 3 small vents on top to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Prep for air frying: Brush the basket of your air fryer with olive oil to prevent sticking, then also brush the top of each calzone with olive oil for a golden, crisp finish.
- Air fry: Place 1 to 2 calzones into the air fryer basket making sure they have space to cook evenly. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for about 9 minutes, checking at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking since air fryer temperatures may vary.
Notes
- If making pizza dough from scratch, add approximately 1 hour to prep time for rising.
- If using refrigerated pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Any meats used as toppings should be fully cooked prior to assembling and air frying.
- For oven baking, bake calzones on a baking sheet at 435°F (224°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
