Air Fryer Calzones

Change up pizza night with our Air Fryer Calzones. Made with all your favorite pizza ingredients they make for an easy lunch, dinner or snack your entire family will love.

Have you ever ordered a calzone from an Italian restaurant then tried to find a cheaper version at the grocery store? This is me – always!

The ones from the restaurant are usually huge, which is great for leftovers. But that can get a little expensive if you want to carry them for lunches throughout the week. 

And the ones from the store just don’t compare to the homemade ones. So what’s a busy Mom to do? Recreate the restaurant version so I can make them at home in the air fryer anytime we get a craving! 

If you love Italian food like me, be sure to try my Air Fryer Ravioli. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and makes for a great appetizer. 

What is a Calzone? 

Think of a calzone as a pizza folded in half. It’s an Italian favorite that some people refer to as pizza turnovers. You’ll find many variations of this traditional dish but pizza dough is the common ingredient. Pizza dough is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, like these ham and cheese pinwheels.

The filling ingredients can vary and they can be made with sauce on the inside or served on the side for dipping. You may also find some calzones contain ricotta cheese, but I prefer to use mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to find and it’s less expensive than ricotta.

What’s the Difference between Calzones and Strombolis? 

The main difference is the origination and shape. Calzones are a true Italian-made dish, while strombolis were created in the U.S. 

Calzones are made into a half-moon shape, while strombolis are longer and more rectangular shaped. 

And Stromboli’s typically use mozzarella cheese rather than ricotta. 

Basically, they are sister versions of each other but can be personalized any way you like, which is one of the many reasons we love making these. 

Ingredients for Air Fryer Calzones 

pizza dough – you can use the refrigerated kind in the can or look for fresh dough at the grocery dough

pizza sauce 

shredded mozzarella cheese – for even more flavor use freshly shredded 

pepperoni 

How to Make Calzones in the Air Fryer 

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F. If you are using parchment paper liners, wait to add those to the basket until you are ready to place the calzones in. 

Take out the pizza dough and place it on a floured surface. Flatten it until it’s about ⅛ of an inch thick. 

Cut out 5-inch circles using a cookie cutter or small bowl. 

Add a little pizza sauce on half of the dough circle, followed by cheese and pepperoni. 

Fold over the opposite side, making a half-circle then crimp the edges. Use a fork to seal the side or a pastry crimper if you have one.

If you aren’t using a parchment liner, spray a little oil on the bottom of the basket. Then add the calzone and cook for 7 minutes, turning them at the 5-minute mark. 

Repeat for the remaining calzones, letting them cool slightly before serving. 

Tips for Making

• Substitute with your favorite fillings or refer to our suggestions below. Meats must be pre-cooked and veggies sauteed before making calzones.
• Don’t overstuff the dough or the fillings will leak out.
• Room temperature dough works best.

Calzone Filling Options

Never eat the same calzone twice when you use different veggies and meats! Need ideas? Try the variations below.

• Ground beef, turkey, or chicken 
• Italian sausage
• Thin sliced steak
• Ham
• Onions
• Peppers
• Mushrooms 
• Spinach
• Black olives

Dips to Serve With Calzones:

• Marinara 
• Ranch 
• Garlic Butter Sauce 
• Sriracha 

How to Freeze for Meal Prep 

Once you have constructed your calzones, instead of baking them, place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 3-4 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag until you’re ready to cook. They’ll keep in the freezer for 1-2 months.

To cook from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. At the 8 minute mark, take a look and flip them if needed. 

**Save Air Fryer Calzone Recipe for Later**