Air Fryer Calzones

If there’s one thing busy weeknights have taught me, it’s this: Air Fryer Calzones are the kind of dinner win that feels like you cheated the system—in the best way possible. 😄 Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have, this recipe is a total lifesaver when everyone’s hungry now.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just decision fatigue at 5:30 p.m., these air fryer calzones step in like a warm, cheesy hero. No oven preheating. No complicated steps. Just comfort food that comes together fast and makes everyone at the table happy.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Calzones

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty.

  • Crazy easy (truly beginner-friendly)
  • Fast – dinner on the table in under 30 minutes
  • Crispy outside, melty inside thanks to the air fryer magic
  • Customizable for picky eaters or whatever’s in your fridge
  • Perfect for weeknights, game days, or “I don’t feel like cooking” days

If pizza night and hand-held comfort food had a baby, this would be it.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy!)

One of my favorite things about these Air Fryer Calzones is how simple the ingredient list is. No grocery-store scavenger hunt required.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz pepperoni

That’s it. Four ingredients. Big flavor. Major cozy vibes.

💡 Tip: Store-bought pizza dough works beautifully here. If it saves you time and sanity, I’m all for it.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones (Step-by-Step)

Don’t worry—this is one of those recipes you can practically make on autopilot.

Step 1: Divide and Shape the Dough

Split the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Using your hands (or a rolling pin if you’re feeling fancy), roll each piece into a small pizza shape—about 6–7 inches across.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Rustic calzones are charming. 😉

Step 2: Add the Filling

Using a spoon or ladle, spread pizza sauce over half of each dough circle. Be sure to leave the edges clean so everything seals nicely.

Next, layer:

  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • Another sprinkle of mozzarella

Because let’s be honest—cheese is the glue holding this whole operation together.

Step 3: Fold and Seal

Fold the clean half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with your fingers to seal everything inside.

This step is oddly satisfying, like sealing a delicious little envelope.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil. Place the calzones inside, leaving space between them (you’ll likely need to cook in batches).

Air fry at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden brown.

Once they’re crisp and bubbly, they’re ready to devour. 🙌

Air Fryer Calzones sliced open showing melted mozzarella and pepperoni
These Air Fryer Calzones are crispy on the outside and loaded with gooey cheese and pepperoni inside.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

A few small tricks can make a big difference:

  • Don’t overfill – tempting, I know, but too much filling can cause leaks.
  • Seal well – press those edges firmly to keep the cheese inside where it belongs.
  • Flip gently – use tongs or a spatula so the calzones keep their shape.
  • Every air fryer is different – start checking at 7 minutes.

If a little cheese escapes and gets crispy? That’s not a mistake. That’s a snack for the cook.

Easy Variations (Because Flexibility Is Everything)

Once you master the basic Air Fryer Calzones, the possibilities are endless:

  • Veggie calzones – add mushrooms, peppers, onions, or olives
  • Meat lovers – try sausage or ham
  • Chicken calzones – rotisserie chicken + mozzarella = weeknight gold
  • Dipping upgrade – serve with warm marinara or ranch on the side

This recipe is a great way to use up leftovers hiding in your fridge.

A Little Real-Life Moment

I first made these Air Fryer Calzones during one of those weeks—laundry piled up, schedules packed, and my brain completely out of dinner ideas. I needed something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to be eaten without complaints.

These calzones delivered. The kitchen smelled like a cozy pizzeria, everyone was happy, and I felt like I actually won the evening. That’s a small victory—but I’ll take it every time.

FAQs About Air Fryer Calzones

Can I use refrigerated pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought refrigerated dough works perfectly and saves time.

How do I store leftovers?

Let calzones cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I reheat them in the air fryer?

Yes! Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Can I freeze air fryer calzones?

You can. Freeze them after cooking and cooling. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until hot.

Let’s Talk Comfort Food Wins

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, Air Fryer Calzones deserve a permanent spot in your rotation. They’re quick, comforting, and just plain fun to make—and eat.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual weekend dinner, or a “breakfast-for-dinner” kind of mood, these calzones show up every time. Give them a try, make them your own, and enjoy every cheesy bite.

Keep the Comfort Food Love Going

If these Air Fryer Calzones hit the spot and you’re in the mood to keep easy, cheesy dinners rolling, here are a few cozy favorites that pair perfectly with the same low-effort, high-comfort vibe. Think simple ingredients, family-approved flavors, and recipes that fit right into busy nights:

This is the kind of cooking that keeps dinner fun, stress low, and everyone happily full—and that’s always a win in my book.

Print
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Air Fryer Calzones sliced open showing melted mozzarella and pepperoni

Air Fryer Calzones


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 calzones 1x

Description

These Air Fryer Calzones are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. An easy, family-friendly dinner that’s ready fast and always a hit.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb pizza dough

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 4 oz pepperoni


Instructions

  1. Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions and shape each one into a small round using your hands.

  2. Spoon pizza sauce onto one half of each dough round, leaving the edges clean.

  3. Layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a little more cheese on top of the sauce.

  4. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges tightly to seal.

  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the calzones inside, working in batches if needed.

  6. Air fry at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

  7. Remove carefully and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks while cooking.

Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 calzone
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1,050mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg