Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Calzones offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian favorite with less oil and a perfectly crispy crust. Packed with savory fillings like mozzarella, ham, turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables, these calzones are perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast evenly.
2. Step 2: Make a well in the center and add the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Prepare the fillings by cooking the turkey bacon and chopping the chicken ham. Dice the bell peppers and slice the mushrooms. Mix all fillings with the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
6. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle.
7. Step 7: Place the filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
8. Step 8: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones for a golden finish.
9. Step 9: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Air fry 2 to 3 calzones at a time for 12–15 minutes until they are golden brown, flipping them if needed.
11. Step 11: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, skip the ham and bacon and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Make sure the dough is well kneaded to develop gluten, which helps create a chewy crust.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these calzones can also be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain the crispy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast but you will need to dissolve it in the warm water first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy before mixing with the dry ingredients.

Can I freeze calzones after assembling?

Absolutely. Place assembled but uncooked calzones on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.6 from 112 reviews

These Air Fryer Calzones offer a deliciously crispy and golden crust filled with a savory blend of mozzarella cheese, chicken ham, turkey bacon, bell peppers, and mushrooms, all seasoned with garlic powder and oregano. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer, this recipe provides a healthier take on traditional calzones with less oil and quick cooking times.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 calzones 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water

Filling Ingredients

• 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

Other

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast evenly to ensure the leavening agents and seasoning are distributed throughout the dough.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure for a tender calzone.
4. Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size, indicating it is ready to use.
5. Prepare Fillings: Cook the turkey bacon and chop the chicken ham into small pieces. Dice the bell peppers and slice the mushrooms. Combine these ingredients with shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a bowl to create the flavorful filling.
6. Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into approximately a 6-inch circle on a floured surface for easy filling and folding.
7. Assemble Calzones: Spoon the prepared filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling, then seal the edges by crimping them with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
8. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it evenly over the tops of the calzones to ensure a beautiful golden and shiny crust once cooked.
9. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes to reach the optimal temperature for baking the calzones.
10. Cook Calzones: Place 2 to 3 calzones in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until the calzones are golden brown, flipping them halfway through if needed to ensure even cooking.
11. Serve: Allow the air-fried calzones to cool slightly before serving. They are perfect with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic butter.

Notes

• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not overfill the calzones to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the chicken ham and turkey bacon, or replace them with additional vegetables.
• Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
• Brush with egg wash for a shiny crust; alternatively, you can use olive oil for a matte finish.

Keywords: air fryer calzones, calzone recipe, homemade calzones, air fryer recipes, easy calzones, Italian snack, mozzarella calzones