Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of the air fryer calzone! If you love cheesy, melty goodness wrapped in golden, crispy dough, this is the dish for you. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked calzone, oozing with melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni, all in just a matter of minutes! Seriously, the air fryer takes this classic Italian treat and makes it so easy. I mean, who has time to wait for the oven to preheat when you can whip these up in about 12 minutes? Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you for this one! It’s the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or a fun snack to share with friends. Let’s dive into making these delicious pockets of joy!
Ingredients for Airfryer Calzone
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect air fryer calzone! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups pizza dough: You can make your own or grab some from the store—either way, it’s the foundation of your calzone.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: The star ingredient! Use fresh for a gooey, melty experience.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: These add that classic flavor, but feel free to switch it up with your favorite meats.
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce: This adds a burst of flavor and moisture—just a spoonful on the filling will do!
- 1 egg, beaten: We’ll use this for our egg wash to give the calzones a beautiful golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This is optional, but it really kicks up the flavor of your filling!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Airfryer Calzone
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing these delightful air fryer calzones! I promise, it’s simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring your creation in no time!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures even cooking, helping your calzones achieve that perfect golden crust. While it heats up, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Dough
Next, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You want it about 1/4 inch thick for that perfect balance of chewy and crispy. Now, grab a round cutter or just use a plate as a guide, and cut the dough into circles, each about 6 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round; rustic is charming!
Fill the Calzones
Now for the fun part—filling! Take one circle of dough and place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on one half, followed by a layer of pepperoni and a spoonful of pizza sauce. But here’s a tip: don’t overfill! Leave a little space around the edges to make sealing easier.
Seal and Brush the Calzones
To seal your calzones, fold the dough over to create that lovely half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, and then use a fork to crimp them for a nice touch. This also helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside. Next, brush the tops with your beaten egg—this will give them that beautiful golden color as they cook—and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor!
Cook the Calzones
Finally, place your calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re a lovely golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—every air fryer is a little different, so check for that perfect color and texture. Once done, let them cool for a minute or two before digging in. Trust me, the aroma will drive you wild!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore these air fryer calzones! Here’s why they should be on your dinner rotation:
- Quick: Ready in just about 32 minutes, from start to finish!
- Easy: Simple steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthy: Using an air fryer means less oil and a lighter meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of melty cheese, tangy sauce, and savory pepperoni is unbeatable!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up fillings or add veggies to suit your tastes!
Seriously, with all these perks, you’ll find yourself making these calzones again and again!
Tips for Success
To make your air fryer calzone even better, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for a veggie boost! If you’re a cheese lover, mix in some ricotta or parmesan for extra creaminess.
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; every air fryer is a bit different, so check them a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. And remember, letting them cool slightly after cooking will help the filling set and make for easier eating! Enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Each air fryer calzone packs a satisfying punch with around 320 calories. You’ll also find about 15 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, making it a deliciously indulgent treat. With 14 grams of protein, it’s a filling option that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Plus, you’re looking at 36 grams of carbohydrates, which means it’s perfect for a quick energy boost. Just remember to enjoy in moderation!
FAQ about Airfryer Calzone
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save you a ton of time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and handling. Most store-bought options are ready to roll, so you can jump straight into cutting your circles. If you find it’s a bit sticky, a light dusting of flour on your work surface will do the trick!
What can I substitute for pepperoni?
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of tasty alternatives! You can use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option, or even diced cooked sausage or ham. For vegetarians, try adding sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Cheese lovers can pack in more mozzarella or try a mix of different cheeses for a fun flavor twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Simply place your cooled calzones in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get that crispy exterior back. You can also microwave them, but they might lose that lovely crunch. Enjoy every bite!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your air fryer calzones turn out! After you try this recipe, please leave a comment or rate it. Your feedback not only makes my day but helps others find this delicious gem too. Happy cooking!
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Airfryer Calzone: 4 Steps to Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious air fryer calzone filled with cheese and pepperoni.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into circles, about 6 inches in diameter.
- Add cheese, pepperoni, and a spoonful of pizza sauce to one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
- Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle Italian seasoning.
- Place calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables or other meats as desired.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: airfryer calzone, calzone recipe, air fryer recipes