Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I’ve got this absolutely delightful recipe for Air Fryer Calzones that I just can’t stop raving about. You know those evenings when you want pizza but also crave something a little different? That’s when these beautiful golden-brown calzones come into play! They are the perfect combination of crispy outside and gooey cheesy goodness inside, and you can fill them with whatever your heart desires!
I’ll never forget the first time I made these for my family. It was a cozy Friday night, and I was trying to whip up something special for our movie marathon. I stuffed these calzones with pepperoni and mozzarella—oh my! The kids went wild! The best part? I didn’t have to fire up the traditional oven, and they cooked up in no time in my trusty air fryer. Now, every Friday night, this is our go-to! Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these amazing calzones.
What’s in Air Fryer Calzones?
Pizza Dough: This is the star of our calzones! You can use store-bought dough or make your own. I usually opt for fresh dough from the bakery section—super convenient and delicious!
Ricotta Cheese: Oh, the creamy goodness! Ricotta adds a lovely texture and mild flavor that balances the richness of the mozzarella.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty mozzarella is a must. It stretches beautifully when you take that first bite, making everything feel extra indulgent.
Fillings (your choice): I like to keep it classic with pepperoni and bell peppers, but you can go wild! Spinach, mushrooms, or even some leftover pulled chicken work great too.
Italian Seasoning: A little dash of this magical blend adds depth to the filling. You can use a store-bought mix or create your own with oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
Is Air Fryer Calzones Good for You?
Well, let’s break it down a bit. Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a lighter option than deep frying, which is always a win in my book.
Pizza Dough: While pizza dough can be high in carbs, you can swap it out for whole-wheat dough for a healthier alternative.
Ricotta Cheese: Not only does ricotta add creaminess, but it also packs some protein! Just keep an eye on the portions since it can be a bit rich.
Vegetables: Adding any colorful veggies is a great way to sneak in some nutrients. I try to fill half my calzones with spinach or bell peppers whenever I can.
Overall, I would say these are a fun and satisfying treat—just don’t forget about moderation if you’re watching your intake!
Air Fryer Calzones Ingredients
– 1 lb Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
– 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
– 1 cup Fillings (like pepperoni, spinach, or mushrooms, your choice!)
– 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
– Olive Oil Spray (for air frying)
This recipe serves about 4 people; perfect for a family night or a cozy gathering with friends!
How to Make Air Fryer Calzones?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: If you’re using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature as per the package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
2. **Mix the Filling**: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, your chosen fillings, and the Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
3. **Shape the Calzones**: Cut the dough into circles (about 6 inches in diameter works great). Spoon some filling onto one half of the circle, leaving space at the edges to seal. Sprinkle some of the remaining mozzarella on top of the filling.
4. **Seal and Cut**: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for that adorable look and to help seal it all in.
5. **Preheat the Air Fryer**: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. **Air Fry the Calzones**: Spray the calzones lightly with olive oil spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, checking for that beautiful golden brown color.
7. **Serve**: Once done, take them out and let them cool for a minute (they’ll be hot, hot, hot!). Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Fun Variations and Tips!
– **Dough Choices**: Feel free to switch up the dough! Cauliflower crust or whole grain dough are great options if you’re looking for something lighter.
– **Dipping Sauces**: Always serve with a side of marinara, but ranch dressing or garlic butter is great too!
– **Meal Prep**: You can make and freeze the prepared calzones before cooking them. Just pop them in the air fryer from frozen—time may vary, so keep an eye on them!
So, there you have it—Air Fryer Calzones that will make you the star at any dinner table! I hope you give these a whirl and create some fun memories of your own. When you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Happy cooking, friends!
