Air Fryer Calzones: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Air Fryer Calzones: A Quick and Easy Italian Favorite is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your home. These stuffed delights are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. By utilizing an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden-brown calzones without the excess oil typically used in frying. This makes them not only healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Imagine biting into a warm calzone filled with melted cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a tender crust. It’s a combination that promises to excite your taste buds and provide comfort at the same time. In this guide, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, outline the preparation and cooking times, and provide clear instructions to achieve the best results.

Calzones have a rich history, originating from Naples, Italy. They are often compared to pizza, but with a delightful twist—the ingredients are sealed within the dough, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. Air Fryer Calzones take this beloved dish to a new level, combining convenience with authentic Italian taste. Let’s dive deeper into this amazing culinary adventure and uncover the secrets to making perfect calzones in your air fryer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Air Fryer Calzones is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to allocate for this recipe:

• Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes

These times can vary depending on your familiarity with the ingredients and your efficiency in the kitchen, but this estimate provides a good framework to follow.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce (for serving)
• Olive oil spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating delicious Air Fryer Calzones is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, remove it from the packaging and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you’re making dough from scratch, ensure it’s ready and properly risen.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into equal pieces, usually about 4-6 portions. Roll each piece into a circle, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.
3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, cooked sausage or pepperoni, chopped bell peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
4. Fill the Dough: Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each rolled-out dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge to seal.
5. Seal the Calzones: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges thoroughly.
6. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the mixture over the tops of the calzones. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they cook.
7. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
8. Prepare for Cooking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the calzones in the basket, ensuring there is space between each for proper air circulation.
9. Air Fry: Cook the calzones for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through cooking and rotate if necessary for even cooking.
10. Remove and Cool: Once cooked, carefully remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

These straightforward steps will lead you to create scrumptious Air Fryer Calzones that are sure to impress!

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Air Fryer Calzones, there are a few delightful ideas to consider:

1. Pair with Dipping Sauce: Serve the calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a wonderful flavor and enhances the overall experience.
2. Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness on the plate.
3. Accompany with Salads: A light, fresh salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the calzone. Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Presentation: Cut the calzones in half before serving to showcase the delicious filling. Place them on a platter for a beautiful display.
5. Beverage Pairing: Consider serving with a glass of Italian wine or a refreshing sparkling water to complement the flavors of the dish.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you will elevate your Air Fryer Calzones from fantastic to truly memorable! Enjoy this amazing Italian favorite at your next gathering or simply as a comforting meal at home.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh vegetables and quality meat for your calzone filling.
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, leaving space is crucial for proper sealing and cooking.
• Experiment with Herbs: Adding fresh basil or oregano to the filling can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
• Let Them Rest: Allow calzones to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set, making for a less messy meal.
• Sheet Pan Method: Instead of cooking them in batches, consider using a sheet pan to fit more calzones in the air fryer at once, as long as they do not touch.

Recipe Variation

There are endless ways to customize your Air Fryer Calzones! Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
2. BBQ Chicken Calzone: Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese for a smoky flavor.
3. Spicy Veggie Delight: Add jalapeños, black beans, and corn for a spicy kick that will excite food lovers.
4. Breakfast Calzone: Stuff them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast option.
5. Sweet Treat: For a dessert variation, fill calzones with Nutella and banana slices, then serve with whipped cream.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep your cooked calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Prior to cooking, you can freeze assembled but uncooked calzones for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: To reheat, place cold or frozen calzones in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), ensuring they are heated all the way through.

Special Equipment

To make your Air Fryer Calzones, here are some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking experience:

• Air Fryer: The star of the show—choose one with adjustable temperature settings.
• Rolling Pin: Useful for rolling out the dough evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients easily.
• Fork: To crimp the edges of the calzones securely.
• Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash for that golden finish.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calzones: A Quick and Easy Italian Favorite not only satisfies the cravings for delicious Italian cuisine but also adapts to various dietary preferences and tastes. Their convenience, health benefits, and versatility make them a superb choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Experiment with different fillings to make them uniquely yours and enjoy the ease of preparation that the air fryer provides. Impress family and friends with these delectable calzones, and you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!