Chef Tony Marcelli - Air Fryer and Italian Cuisine Expert
👨‍🍳 Air Fryer Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 12+ Years Experience 🍽️ Air Fryer Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"These air fryer calzones were born from my quest to recreate the perfect pizzeria calzone at home. After countless experiments, I discovered that the air fryer creates the ideal crispy exterior while keeping the cheese filling perfectly melted."

Tony specializes in adapting traditional Italian recipes for modern kitchen appliances. His air fryer expertise helps home cooks achieve restaurant-quality results with convenience and speed.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown air fryer calzones with crispy, bubbly surfaces, cut open to show melted cheese and pepperoni filling, garnished with fresh basil

Mastering Air Fryer Calzone Technique

The secret to perfect air fryer calzones lies in understanding how hot air circulation creates that coveted crispy exterior. Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer's intense heat and constant air movement create an evenly golden crust in a fraction of the time.

Proper dough handling is crucial for air fryer success. The dough should be at room temperature for easy rolling, and sealing edges thoroughly prevents filling from leaking during the intense cooking process.

💡 Professional Tip

Brush calzones with both oil and egg wash for the ultimate golden, crispy finish. The oil promotes browning while the egg wash creates a beautiful glossy sheen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling and better results.

Seal edges firmly with a fork, don't overfill, and make sure to leave a proper border. A beaten egg wash on the edges helps create a better seal.

Yes! Assemble calzones, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then store in freezer bags. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cook in batches if needed. Most air fryers can fit 2 calzones at a time. Don't overcrowd as this prevents proper air circulation and even browning.

Calzones should be golden brown and feel firm when gently pressed. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Definitely! Try Italian sausage, spinach and feta, or ham and pineapple. Keep wet ingredients minimal to prevent soggy dough.

Ensure you're brushing with oil and egg wash, and your air fryer is fully preheated. Some models may need an extra minute or higher temperature.

Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy and cheese rubbery.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Bottom Crust

Problem: Calzone bottoms are not crispy enough

Solution: Ensure air fryer is fully preheated, don't skip the oil brushing, and flip halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.

✅

Filling Leaks Out

Problem: Cheese and filling ooze out during cooking

Solution: Don't overfill, seal edges properly with egg wash and fork crimping, and ensure dough isn't too thin when rolling.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some areas brown faster than others

Prevention: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, flip halfway through, and rotate position if your air fryer has hot spots.

✅

Dough Too Tough

Problem: Calzone crust turns out tough and chewy

Recovery: Let dough come to room temperature, don't overwork it, and ensure you're not overcooking. Check doneness at minimum time first.

✅

Cheese Not Melted

Problem: Filling cheese doesn't melt completely

Prevention: Use room temperature cheese, don't make calzones too thick, and ensure air fryer reaches proper temperature before cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni

Too Salty: Balance with fresh herbs or serve with a squeeze of lemon

Bland: Increase Italian seasoning, add more garlic, or finish with herb-infused oil

Fresh ingredients for air fryer calzones including pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, ricotta, and Italian seasonings on a wooden cutting board

Choosing the Best Calzone Ingredients

Quality pizza dough forms the foundation of exceptional calzones. Whether homemade or store-bought, the dough should be pliable and at room temperature for easy rolling. Fresh dough from the bakery section often yields better results than frozen varieties.

The cheese combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates the perfect melted filling. Mozzarella provides stretch and mild flavor, ricotta adds creaminess, while Parmesan contributes sharp, savory depth that complements the other ingredients.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Pizza Dough Quality: Look for dough with simple ingredients and no preservatives. Fresh dough from pizzerias or bakeries often works better than packaged versions.
  • Cheese Selection: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess and low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid that can make the crust soggy.
  • Pepperoni Choice: Dice pepperoni rather than using whole slices to distribute flavor evenly and prevent the filling from sliding around inside the calzone.
Air fryer calzones cooking in the air fryer basket, showing golden-brown crispy exteriors developing during the cooking process

Perfecting Air Fryer Cooking Method

Air fryer cooking requires precise timing and temperature control to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and thoroughly heated interior. The key is preheating the air fryer and using the right temperature to ensure even cooking without burning.

The flip halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning on both sides. This technique, combined with proper spacing in the basket, ensures that hot air circulates freely around each calzone for uniform results.

The Perfect Seal

Create a strong seal by brushing edges with beaten egg before folding, then press firmly and crimp with a fork. This prevents filling from escaping during the intense air frying process.

Air Fryer Calzones

Prep 25 min
Cook 12 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Medium

📋 Ingredients

For the Dough and Assembly

  • 120g diced pepperoni
    Dice for even distribution
  • 60ml pizza sauce
    Plus extra for dipping
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    Blend of herbs for authentic flavor
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
    Classic Italian herb
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    For subtle heat
  • Fresh basil leaves
    For fresh aromatic garnish
  • Extra pizza sauce
    Warm for dipping

For the Cheese Filling

  • 450g pizza dough
    Room temperature for easy rolling
  • 240g shredded mozzarella cheese
    Low-moisture variety preferred
  • 120ml ricotta cheese
    Whole milk for best texture
  • 60g grated Parmesan cheese
    Freshly grated for best flavor
  • 1 large egg, beaten
    For sealing and golden finish
  • 30ml olive oil
    For crispy exterior
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic enhances flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling

    In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, diced pepperoni, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside. Let pizza dough come to room temperature if refrigerated.

  2. Shape the Calzones

    Divide pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into an 8-inch circle. Spread 1 tablespoon pizza sauce on half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border.

  3. Fill and Seal

    Divide filling evenly among the dough circles, placing on the sauced half. Brush edges with beaten egg, fold dough over filling, and press edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges for extra security.

  4. Prepare for Air Frying

    Brush tops of calzones with olive oil and beaten egg. Make 2-3 small slits on top for steam vents. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.

  5. Air Fry and Serve

    Cook calzones in air fryer for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping once halfway through. Let cool for 3-4 minutes before serving. Brush with garlic butter and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Cooked calzones keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness rather than microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

Try different fillings like spinach and feta, Italian sausage and peppers, or ham and pineapple. Keep wet ingredients minimal to prevent soggy dough.