Name: Air Fryer Calzones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced; 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg (for egg wash); Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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So You’re Craving Something Tasty but Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same

We’ve all been there. You’re lounging on the couch, scrolling through Instagram, and suddenly that craving hits like a freight train. You wish you could whip up something delicious without spending three hours in the kitchen, right? Well, buckle up friend, because I’ve got just the solution for you. Let’s dive into a fun and scrumptious adventure making Air Fryer Calzones. These bad boys are quick, easy, and taste like a dream. Plus, they give you the perfect excuse to eat something that looks fancy but requires zero culinary skills.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First off, this recipe is basically fool-proof. Seriously, if I can pull it off, so can you. You see, air frying is like cooking for cheaters…and I mean that in the best possible way. You get that delicious crispy texture without deep frying, which means no oil splatters to clean up later. It’s also customizable; so you can throw in whatever weird combo of fillings your heart desires. If you want to add leftover veggies or a new cheese you found lurking in the back of your fridge, go for it. Or don’t. Just keep it simple, because we both know you’re not prepping a five-course meal tonight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goodies you’ll need to whip up these calzones. Bookmark this section or write it down if you must, but I promise it’s super simple and you probably have most of it already.

1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Trust me, you’ll be living your best life with these ingredients. Grab some friends or don’t, and let’s go make a mess in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Air Fryer Calzones is simple when you follow these steps

Warm Up That Dough: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature according to package instructions. For homemade, ensure it‘s rolled out into a thin sheet.
Mix Fillings: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked meats, spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Feel free to channel your inner MasterChef and get a little crazy with the ingredients.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about ¼ inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but don’t make it like a thick pancake either.
Cut the Dough: Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into large circles, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Think of it as making giant, tasty pastries.
Fill the Calzones: Place a generous scoop of your cheese and meat mixture on one half of each dough circle. Remember to leave enough space at the edges to seal because no one wants a calzone explosion.
Fold and Seal: Fold the half without filling over the filled half. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, or use a fork to crimp the edges. Basically, make sure it’s closed; if not, you might have calzone soup.
Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for that golden finish. Your calzones deserve to look fabulous.
Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Check for Doneness: Ensure that the filling is bubbly and the dough is cooked. If needed, add a couple of extra minutes. You can always use the “eye test” here; if they look gorgeous, they probably are.
Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer, while you’re mastering the keen art of dipping them in marinara sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that we’ve turned you into an air-fried calzone master, let’s talk about some common faux pas. You know those slip-ups that could send you back to the frozen pizza aisle

Skipping the Preheat: Thinking you don’t need to preheat the air fryer is a rookie mistake. Don’t ruin your culinary masterpiece right out of the gate.
Overstuffing the Calzones: You’re excited and want all the fillings. But overstuffing leads to disaster. You don’t want filling oozing out everywhere like an angry calzone volcano.
Using Cold Dough: This could lead to a calzone with texture issues. Always let it warm up a bit so it’s easier to work with. Trust me, it’ll save you a headache during assembly.
Ignoring the Marinara Sauce: Seriously, just don’t skip the dipping sauce. You’ll regret it and it’s a total game-changer.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Let’s say you’re short on some ingredients or want to go rogue. Here’s how you can customize your calzones without any guilt

Dough Dilemma: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using crescent roll dough instead. It’s a total cheat but works like a charm.
Cheese Swap: Out of ricotta? No prob. You can use cream cheese or even cottage cheese. Just don’t blame me if your taste buds get a little confused.
Veggie Power: Don’t have spinach or arugula on hand? Toss in whatever veggies you’ve got lying around. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even leftover roasted veggies work great.
Meatless Marvel: Going vegetarian? No worries. Just skip the meats and load those calzones with extra cheese and veggies. You won’t regret it.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Go for the real stuff if you can.
How do I know if my calzones are done? You’ll know they’re ready when they’re all golden brown and the filling is bubbling. It’s like a little party in there.
Is it okay to freeze calzones? Absolutely. Make them ahead, freeze them, and then let them thaw before air frying them later. It’s like meal prep but with a twist.
Can I use whole grain pizza dough? Sure thing. Go ahead and be healthy if that’s your vibe. Just don’t come crying to me if they taste different.
How do I store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re great the next day, just zap them in the air fryer or microwave for a quick reheat.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re ready to impress someone—or even just satisfy your cravings with your amazing Air Fryer Calzones. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these little beauties prove it. Remember, the kitchen is your playground, and mistakes are just part of the fun. So go forth and make those calzones, all while channeling your inner culinary genius. You’ve earned it!

Air Fryer Calzones