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To make your calzones crispy and tasty, gather these must-have ingredients: - 2 cups pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen) - 1/4 cup sliced black olives - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Marinara sauce, for dipping These ingredients create a rich and creamy filling and give the calzones a delightful crunch. Want to spice things up? Consider adding these fun ingredients: - Sliced pepperoni or salami - Chopped bell peppers - Diced onions - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano - Additional cheeses like feta or cheddar These add-ins can elevate your calzones and let you customize each one to your taste. You can choose between store-bought or homemade dough. - Store-bought dough is quick and easy and works well for busy days. - Homemade dough gives you more control over flavor and texture. It can be fun to make, too! Both options yield great results, so pick what fits your schedule and skills best. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the air fryer, making sure the calzones cook evenly. A hot air fryer helps achieve that crispy texture we love. Next, lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough into circles. Aim for about 6 inches in diameter. Keep the thickness even for best results. This ensures all parts cook at the same time. Now, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Add 1/2 cup of chopped spinach and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until creamy and well-blended. Take a generous scoop of the filling and place it on one half of each dough circle. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Fold the other half over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty touch and a good seal. Brush the tops of each calzone with a beaten egg. This gives a lovely golden color when cooked. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch them closely, as cooking times can vary. Once golden brown and crispy, remove the calzones from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few moments. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. For a nice touch, arrange them on a wooden board or colorful plate. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your crispy air fryer calzones! To get that crispy outside, follow these steps: - Preheat your air fryer: Always start with a hot air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C). - Use egg wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg. This gives a nice golden color. - Don’t overcrowd: Space the calzones well in the basket. This allows air to flow and crisp them up. You can change the filling for fun twists. Here are some ideas: - Meat lovers: Add cooked sausage or pepperoni. - Veggie delight: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. - Cheese overload: Try adding feta or gouda for a new flavor. Watch out for these common issues: - Overfilling calzones: Too much filling can cause leaks. Stick to one generous spoonful. - Skipping the crimping: Always crimp the edges well. This helps keep the filling inside. - Not checking on them: Keep an eye on cooking time. Every air fryer cooks a bit differently. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses to enhance the flavor and texture of your calzones. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your calzone fillings by adding cooked meats, different vegetables, or even a variety of cheeses for a unique twist. Ensure Proper Sealing: Make sure to press the edges of the calzones firmly and crimp them well to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking. Check for Doneness: Since air fryer models can vary, check your calzones a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure they don't overcook. {{image_4}} You can make calzones with many tasty vegetarian fillings. Try using: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped spinach - 1/4 cup sliced black olives Mix these ingredients for a creamy and delicious filling. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes. Each adds flavor and texture to your calzone. If you want to add protein, you have great options. Ground beef, sausage, or chicken work well. For seafood lovers, shrimp or crab add a nice touch. Here’s a simple mix to try: - 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage - 1/2 cup cooked shrimp Mix your meat or seafood with the cheeses for a hearty filling. This step makes the calzones more filling and satisfying. You can flavor the dough to make it more special. Adding herbs gives the dough a nice taste. Try mixing in: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Knead these spices into the dough before rolling it out. This will add extra flavor to every bite of your calzone. To store leftover calzones, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat calzones and keep them crispy, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check them often to avoid overcooking. This method restores their crunch. If you want to freeze calzones, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. To cook frozen calzones, do not thaw. Just air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes. Enjoy a quick meal anytime! The best temperature for air frying calzones is 375°F (190°C). This heat cooks them evenly and gives a nice crispy crust. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before cooking. This step helps the calzones cook thoroughly and gain that golden color. Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Feel free to mix ricotta, mozzarella, and even cheddar for a unique taste. Try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. The choice is yours! Just keep the filling creamy to maintain the right texture. To prevent leaking, seal the edges tightly. After folding the dough, crimp the edges with a fork. Make sure to leave a half-inch border around the filling. This extra step helps keep the filling inside while they cook. Serve air fryer calzones with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also add a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side. These pairings enhance the meal and add more flavors. Enjoy your calzones with any of these tasty options! Crispy air fryer calzones are easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and storage tips. You can customize flavors with different fillings and dough types. Avoid mistakes to ensure a great result. Lastly, enjoy your calzones fresh, or freeze leftovers for later. Get creative and make them your own!

Crispy Air Fryer Calzones

Delicious calzones filled with cheese and spinach, cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup chopped spinach
  • 0.25 cup sliced black olives
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • as needed Marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into circles approximately 6 inches in diameter.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, black olives, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Take a generous spoonful of the cheese filling and place it onto one half of each dough circle.
  • Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to ensure they seal well, then use a fork to crimp the edges.
  • Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg evenly using a pastry brush.
  • Carefully arrange the calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching.
  • Air fry the calzones for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  • Once cooked, remove the calzones from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few moments before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword air fryer, calzones, cheese, pizza dough, spinach