Name: Crispy Air Fryer Calzones with Cheese & Meat Filling
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)

Crispy Air Fryer Calzones with Cheese & Meat Filling

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Calzones, perfect for a quick meal with a crispy golden crust and a savory filling of cheese, seasoned meats, and fresh greens. This recipe serves 4 and uses simple ingredients combined for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

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

Finishing

1 egg (for egg wash)
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature as per package instructions. For homemade dough, roll it out into a thin sheet, approximately ¼ inch thick.
Mix Fillings: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large circle about ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking and easy folding.
Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into large circles approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter to form individual calzones.
Fill the Calzones: Place a generous portion of the prepared cheese and meat mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving room at the edges for sealing.
Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly or crimp with a fork to seal tightly, preventing filling from leaking during cooking.
Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones to achieve a golden and appealing finish after cooking.
Air Fry the Calzones: Place the calzones in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on basket size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Check for Doneness: Make sure the filling is bubbly and hot inside. If necessary, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
Serve: Allow the calzones to rest briefly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the savory flavors.

Notes

You can customize the filling by using your favorite meats or make it vegetarian by omitting the meats and adding more vegetables.
If you don’t have an air fryer, calzones can also be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
To prevent sticking, lightly oil or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Letting the dough rest and come to room temperature before rolling helps in easier handling and better texture.
The egg wash gives a beautiful golden crust, but you can skip it for an egg-free option or substitute with milk wash for a lighter finish.