Why Make This Recipe
Air fryer calzones are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. They offer a quick and simple way to enjoy the flavors you love, all while being healthier than traditional fried options. The air fryer helps achieve a crispy outer crust with a gooey and savory filling, making them irresistible.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have at home or what you’re craving. From vegetarian options to meaty delights, everyone can find a filling they love.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Calzones
Making air fryer calzones requires just a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. You’ll need a mixing bowl for combining your dough ingredients. A rolling pin is ideal for shaping your dough, while a baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps keep your workspace clean.
Of course, the star of the show is the air fryer itself. Ensure your air fryer has enough capacity to fit multiple calzones at once, which will save you cooking time. Lastly, a pastry brush is handy for applying the egg wash to achieve a golden finish.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Calzones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked chicken ham, diced
- ½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Cook Air Fryer Calzones Step by Step
Begin by preparing your dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed to distribute the salt and yeast evenly throughout.
Next, create a well in the center of your dry mix and add the warm water and olive oil. Using a spoon, gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough starts to form. Once the dough comes together, it’s time to knead.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture. It’s important to work it enough so it will rise well and become light and fluffy inside the calzone.
After kneading, place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm area to rise, allowing it to double in size. This process usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your room temperature.
While the dough is rising, prepare your fillings. Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy and chop it into small pieces. Dice the chicken ham, bell peppers, and slice the mushrooms. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey bacon, chicken ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix them thoroughly and set aside.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each piece into a circle about six inches in diameter. It’s best to flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
As you prepare to assemble the calzones, place a generous amount of the filling mixture on one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing them difficult. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and seal the edges firmly. You can crimp the edges with a fork for added security and decoration.
To achieve a beautiful sheen on your calzones, brush the tops lightly with a beaten egg using a pastry brush. This egg wash will give the calzones a lovely golden color as they cook.
Before placing the calzones in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures that your calzones will cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture we love.
Once preheated, place 2 to 3 calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook them for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, flipping them halfway through if you want a uniform golden brown color all around.
After cooking, allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. This helps the inside fillings, which can be very hot, settle a bit. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic sauce, to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Air Fryer Calzones
Air fryer calzones are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but they can also be a great make-ahead option. When serving, cut the calzones in half to reveal the delicious filling inside. This presentation not only makes them more appealing but also helps them cool down, making it easier to eat.
Provide a few dipping sauces alongside your calzones. Classic tomato marinara, creamy garlic sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce all make excellent companions. This way, each bite can be a different experience depending on the sauce used.
For an extra touch, consider serving a simple side salad. This will balance out the meal’s richness and add a refreshing element to your plate. A light vinaigrette will complement the flavors beautifully.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Calzones
Air fryer calzones can be quite filling on their own, but they can also be paired with various sides to elevate the meal. A fresh side salad is a great option, providing a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm calzones.
Pasta pairs well, too. A light pasta salad or even a simple spaghetti with marinara sauce can make for a hearty meal. Consider garlic bread as another option, as its buttery flavor complements the cheese-filled calzones.
If you want to keep the meal light, consider serving these calzones with some fresh fruit. A fruit salad or sliced apples with caramel dip can provide the perfect sweet touch after the savory flavors.
How to Store Air Fryer Calzones
Leftover air fryer calzones can be stored with ease. Allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Frozen calzones can last for about 2 to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw any frozen calzones in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their crispy exterior while warming the filling.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Calzones
To ensure your air fryer calzones turn out perfectly, it’s essential to follow a few tips. First, don’t skip the kneading step; it’s critical for achieving that fluffy texture.
Another great tip is to keep your fillings balanced. Too much filling can make sealing difficult. Aim for just enough to fill without spilling over.
Experiment with flavors and fillings! Don’t hesitate to use different cheeses or vegetables based on your taste. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or switch up the meats for pepperoni or sausage.
Variation
Air fryer calzones can be customized in countless ways to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can simply replace the meats with a variety of colorful vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes. Also, consider adding a ricotta cheese mix for extra creaminess.
For a breakfast variation, fill the calzones with scrambled eggs, cheese, and vegetables. These can make a delightful brunch item that’s both filling and delicious.
Another variation is the dessert calzone. Use sweet fillings like Nutella with sliced bananas or strawberries and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar before cooking. This sweet treat can be a perfect ending to any meal.
Best Time to Make Air Fryer Calzones
Air fryer calzones are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time. They can make for a fantastic dinner gathering, a game-day snack, or even a fun lunch option.
Due to their quick preparation and cooking time, they’re also great for busy weeknights when you’re looking for a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Family gatherings, potlucks, and parties are also perfect occasions to serve these delightful calzones. Everyone will appreciate the opportunity to customize their fillings, making it a hit with guests of all ages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making air fryer calzones. One major mistake is not allowing the dough enough time to rise. This can result in dense calzones that lack the desired fluffy texture.
Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. Cooking too many calzones at once can lead to uneven cooking, leaving some undercooked while others may burn. Always air fry in batches if needed.
Lastly, be careful with the filling. Overloading them can cause the calzones to burst open during cooking. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure they stay beautifully sealed and provide a delightful bite.
Nutritional Notes
One advantage of making calzones at home, especially in an air fryer, is that you have more control over the ingredients. By selecting whole ingredients, such as whole-wheat flour or low-fat cheese, you can create a balanced meal.
These calzones are a good source of protein due to the cheese and meats, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoying air fryer calzones can fit well into a balanced diet when paired with healthy side dishes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for calzones?
Yes, using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and will save time. Just ensure it’s thawed if frozen and follow the same steps for filling and cooking.
How can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise. Once it doubles in size, punch it down and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling.
What other fillings can I use?
The possibilities are endless! Try different cheeses, meats, and vegetables. Customizing fillings based on seasonal vegetables or leftovers is a great way to keep it interesting.
Conclusion
Air fryer calzones bring that wonderful blend of crunchy crust and oozy, savory filling to your table with a healthier twist. Easy to prepare and customize, they’re perfect for casual dinners, entertaining guests, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious, filling meal that caters to all tastes. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in these delightful calzones that are sure to be a family favorite!
