Easy Steps for Perfectly Cooked Calzone in Air Fryer: Quick & Tasty Results

As a seasoned food blogger, I’ve experimented with countless recipes and cooking techniques. One question that frequently pops up is how long to cook calzone in an air fryer. Well, look no further! In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for achieving perfectly crispy and delicious calzones using an air fryer. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, I’ve got you covered with all the essential tips and tricks.

Cooking calzone in an air fryer is not only quick but also yields fantastic results. In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring that you achieve a golden-brown crust and a mouthwatering filling every time. With the right temperature and cooking time, your calzone will come out perfectly cooked, with a satisfying crunch that will leave you wanting more. Stay tuned as I reveal my secrets to mastering this delightful Italian dish in your air fryer.

Benefits of Cooking Calzone in an Air Fryer

Cooking calzone in an air fryer offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for preparing this delicious Italian dish. Here are some of the advantages of using an air fryer for your calzone:

1. Quick and Efficient: Cooking calzone in an air fryer is a quick and efficient process. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation technology ensures that the calzone is evenly cooked and crisped to perfection in a matter of minutes. This means you can satisfy your craving for a tasty calzone without having to wait for a long time.
2. Healthier Option: When you cook calzone in an air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. Since an air fryer requires little to no oil to achieve a crispy texture, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your calzone compared to traditional cooking methods. It’s a guilt-free way of indulging in a delicious meal.
3. Crispy Exterior and Tender Interior: The air fryer’s hot circulating air creates a consistently crispy exterior on the calzone, while keeping the filling moist and tender on the inside. This combination of textures adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every bite, making your calzone truly satisfying.
4. Versatility: An air fryer is incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking calzone. You can customize your fillings and experiment with various combinations of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. From classic combinations like mozzarella and pepperoni to vegetarian options filled with spinach and feta cheese, the air fryer allows you to be creative and explore different flavors.
5. Easy to Clean: Cleaning up after cooking calzone in an air fryer is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick, making it easy to remove any leftover food or residue. Additionally, the compact size of an air fryer means it takes up less counter space and is easier to store compared to traditional ovens or deep fryers.

Cooking calzone in an air fryer offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal method for preparing this flavorful Italian dish. The quick cooking time, healthier results, crispy exterior, tender interior, versatility, and easy cleanup make the air fryer a great choice for achieving the perfect calzone every time.

Preparing the Calzone Dough

To start cooking calzone in an air fryer, you need to prepare the dough first. Making calzone dough from scratch is surprisingly easy, and the results are definitely worth it. Here’s how I do it:

1. Gather the ingredients: To make the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and olive oil. Make sure all your ingredients are fresh and of good quality for the best results.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt until well blended. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is important for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives it its structure and helps it rise.
5. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and produce carbon dioxide, which creates air bubbles in the dough and gives it a light and airy texture.

And that’s it! Once your calzone dough has risen, you’re ready to move on to the next step of filling and shaping the calzones. But before we get there, let’s take a look at the best fillings for calzones in the next section.

Choosing the Right Fillings

One of the best things about making calzone in an air fryer is the versatility in fillings. You can get creative and experiment with a wide range of ingredients to create your perfect calzone. Here are some ideas for delicious fillings:

1. Classic Margherita: Fill your calzone with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Top it off with a drizzle of olive oil for a traditional and satisfying flavor.
2. Pepperoni and Cheese: For a more meaty and cheesy option, go for a combination of pepperoni slices and your favorite blend of cheeses. The air fryer will give the calzone a crispy exterior while melting the cheese to perfection inside.
3. Veggie Delight: If you prefer a vegetarian option, fill your calzone with a medley of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Add some feta or goat cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
4. BBQ Chicken: For a tangy twist, mix shredded cooked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and fill the calzone with this delicious mixture. The air fryer will help caramelize the sauce, resulting in a sweet and savory filling.
5. Mediterranean Medley: Combine diced grilled chicken, sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired filling. This combination of flavors will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.

Remember to not overstuff your calzone as it may lead to uneven cooking. Spread the filling evenly, leaving some space around the edges for sealing the dough.

Now that you have some inspiring filling ideas, it’s time to move on to the next step – shaping and cooking your calzone in the air fryer. Stay tuned for the upcoming section to learn how to achieve a golden, crispy crust that encases a deliciously moist and flavorful interior.

Assembling the Calzone

Once your calzone dough has risen and you have prepared your filling, it’s time to assemble your calzones. This step is where you can get a little creative and customize your calzone to your taste preferences.

To assemble the calzone, follow these simple steps:

1. Divide the dough: Start by dividing the dough into equal portions. This will depend on the size of the calzone you want to make. I usually divide mine into four equal pieces.
2. Roll out the dough: Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. You want to make sure it’s not too thick, as it will need to cook evenly in the air fryer.
3. Add the filling: Spoon your desired filling onto one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges. Be sure not to overstuff it, as it may burst during cooking. Spread the filling evenly to ensure that every bite is flavorful.
4. Fold and seal: Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling. Use your fingers or a fork to press and seal the edges together. Make sure to seal it tightly, so that the filling doesn’t leak out while cooking.
5. Repeat the process: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining portions of dough and filling until all the calzones are assembled.

Now that your calzones are assembled, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your calzones, as well as the temperature of your air fryer. But as a general guideline, I’ll let you in on a tip: Cook your calzones in the air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Remember, the best way to determine if your calzones are cooked to perfection is by checking the doneness of the crust. If it’s golden brown and crispy, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade calzones.

Cooking Time and Temperature

When it comes to cooking calzone in an air fryer, getting the cooking time and temperature right is crucial. This will ensure that your calzone comes out perfectly cooked, with a golden, crispy crust and a moist and flavorful interior.

The cooking time for calzone in an air fryer typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes. However, it’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your calzone, as well as the brand and model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your calzone while it’s cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

As for the temperature, 375°F is the recommended setting for cooking calzone in an air fryer. This temperature allows the calzone to cook evenly and ensures that the crust gets that beautiful golden brown color. Again, remember to adjust the temperature if needed, based on your air fryer’s performance and your personal preference.

It’s worth mentioning that cooking times and temperatures may also vary depending on the type of filling you use. For example, if your calzone is filled with ingredients that need to be cooked through, such as raw meat or fish, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure that everything is cooked properly.

The cooking time for calzone in an air fryer typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 375°F. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your calzone while it’s cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed. Remember, cooking times may vary based on the size, thickness, and filling of your calzone, as well as the brand and model of your air fryer. So, trust your instincts and use your best judgment to achieve that perfect, delicious calzone every time.

Checking for Doneness

Once you’ve cooked your calzones in the air fryer, it’s important to check for doneness before serving. The cooking time can vary depending on factors such as the size and thickness of the calzones, the filling, and the brand and model of the air fryer. To ensure that your calzones are cooked to perfection, follow these simple steps:

1. Visual cues: Take a peek inside the air fryer basket to assess the color and texture of the calzones. The crust should be golden brown and crispy, while the filling should be piping hot and cooked through. Look for an even browning on all sides of the calzones.
2. Touch test: Gently press the top of a calzone with your finger. It should feel firm and spring back slightly, indicating that the dough is fully cooked. If it feels soft or doughy, it may need more time in the air fryer.
3. Internal temperature: Using an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the center of a calzone to check the internal temperature. The temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the filling is heated through and safe to eat.
4. Slice and inspect: Remove a calzone from the air fryer and carefully slice it open. The interior should be moist, with no signs of raw or undercooked dough. The filling should be hot and well-distributed, with any cheese melted and bubbly.

Remember, cooking times may vary, so it’s important to adjust accordingly. If your calzones are not yet fully cooked, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes and check again. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can result in dry calzones.

By following these steps and using your best judgment, you’ll be able to determine when your calzones are perfectly cooked. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each batch you make in the air fryer, you’ll gain a better understanding of the ideal cooking time for your preferred calzone size, thickness, and filling.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Calzone in an Air Fryer

Having mastered the art of cooking calzone in an air fryer, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way to ensure that the end result is perfectly cooked every time. Here are some of my top tips for achieving that golden, crispy crust and a moist, flavorful interior:

1. Preheat your air fryer: Just like when cooking any other dish in an air fryer, it’s important to preheat it before adding the calzone. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
2. Use the right temperature: For most calzone, I recommend setting the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect balance between achieving a crispy crust and cooking the filling through.
3. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: To allow for proper air circulation, make sure to leave enough space between each calzone when placing them in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy crust.
4. Flip halfway through cooking: To ensure that both sides of the calzone get evenly cooked, I recommend flipping them halfway through the cooking process. This helps to achieve a uniformly golden exterior.
5. Check for doneness: There are a few ways to check if your calzone is cooked perfectly. You can use visual cues, such as a golden brown crust, or perform a touch test to ensure the dough is cooked through and not doughy. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for around 160°F (71°C). Lastly, slicing open the calzone and inspecting the filling can also give you a good indication of doneness.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking calzone in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. By following the step-by-step guide in this article, I have provided you with all the necessary information to make delicious calzone using an air fryer.

Using an air fryer offers several benefits, including healthier cooking options and easy cleanup. The versatility of fillings allows you to get creative and make a variety of delicious calzone.

To ensure perfectly cooked calzone, it is important to shape and cook them correctly. Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on your preferences and the specific factors of your calzone. Use visual cues, touch tests, internal temperature, and inspecting the filling to check for doneness.

By preheating the air fryer, using the right temperature, avoiding overcrowding, flipping halfway through cooking, and checking for doneness using the recommended methods, you can achieve perfectly cooked calzone every time.

So, why not give it a try? With an air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy and flavorful calzone you love, without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. Happy cooking!