Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection is one of my favorite recipes to whip up on busy weeknights or during cozy family gatherings. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy calzone with your favorite toppings, all cooked to crispy perfection in just minutes. It’s comfort food at its finest!

What I adore about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use whatever fillings you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers or trying out new flavor combinations. Plus, the air fryer gives them a delightful crunch without all the extra oil. Trust me, once you try these calzones, they’ll become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy homemade calzones without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cheesy pockets of goodness! They’re perfect for little hands and big appetites alike.
• Customizable Fillings: You can mix and match your favorite ingredients, so everyone gets a calzone they’ll love.
• Healthy Cooking Method: The air fryer creates that crispy texture we all crave while using less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and heat them up when hunger strikes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious calzones! You likely have most of these items in your pantry already.

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup turkey pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Dried oregano for garnish (optional)
• Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket

Variations

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust the fillings based on what you have at home or what you’re craving.

• Swap the protein: Try using grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables instead of turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or arugula with the cheese for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick!

How to Make Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring our calzones rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture; stir to combine thoroughly. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time. Keep mixing until you form a shaggy dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This mixture will soon transform into something wonderful!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch more water. Kneading develops gluten which gives our calzones their delightful texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. Patience is key here—it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Prepare Your Filling

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into six equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about six inches wide. Now comes the fun part—add about a quarter cup of pizza sauce in the center of each circle.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Toppings

Top each sauce-filled circle with mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings you desire. Fold over the dough to form a half-moon shape and press firmly along the edges to seal them well. Crimping with a fork is optional but adds an adorable touch!

Step 7: Brush and Preheat

Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them that lovely golden color as they cook. If you like, sprinkle with dried oregano before moving on to preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Cook Your Calzones

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray before placing your calzones inside—be sure not to overcrowd them! Cook at that perfect temperature for about 8 to 10 minutes while flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and bubbling inside.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Carefully remove your delicious calzones from the air fryer when they’re done cooking and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every crispy bite—you deserve this treat!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection

Making calzones at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Warm Water for Yeast Activation: The temperature of your water is crucial; it should be warm but not hot. This helps activate the yeast effectively, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.

• Knead Until Smooth: Kneading the dough not only develops gluten, which gives your calzones structure but also creates an elastic texture that makes them easy to shape and less likely to tear.

• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the tops of the calzones with beaten egg before air frying adds a beautiful golden color and shiny finish, making them look as good as they taste.

• Avoid Overcrowding in the Basket: Give your calzones enough space while cooking to ensure even air circulation. This results in a crispy exterior without sogginess.

• Experiment with Fillings: While turkey pepperoni is delicious, don’t hesitate to mix in other fillings like veggies, different cheeses, or even cooked chicken. Personalizing your calzone can take it to another level of yum!

How to Serve Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection

Presentation can elevate your homemade calzones from tasty treats to a delightful meal! Here are some creative ways to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your calzones.
• Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of grated Parmesan provides an extra layer of richness that complements the gooey cheese inside.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the calzones and adds freshness.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These crispy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into pizza sauce and provide an additional carb fix that everyone loves.
• Vegetable Platter: Crunchy carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers served with hummus make for a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy goodness.
• Marinara Sauce for Dipping: A warm bowl of marinara sauce on the side is always a hit! It’s perfect for dipping those crispy edges and enhances the overall experience.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection surrounded by friends or family, making memories one bite at a time!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Calzone recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the calzones in advance, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the calzones to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled calzones in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but this may result in a softer crust.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while preparing your Air Fryer Calzone: Crispy-Golden Perfection!

Can I make an Air Fryer Calzone with different fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite ingredients. Vegetables, different cheeses, or even plant-based alternatives work wonderfully!

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Calzone is perfectly cooked?

To achieve crispy-golden perfection, preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket. Flipping halfway through cooking helps all sides cook evenly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake these calzones in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative. Just note that it might alter the texture slightly.

How long do Air Fryer Calzones take to cook?

They typically take about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C).

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Air Fryer Calzones: Crispy-Golden Perfection! They’re not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these calzones are bound to please everyone. Enjoy crafting your delicious creations and remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting! Happy frying!

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