These Air Fryer Calzones are everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in a golden, crispy pocket. They’re quick, gooey, and bursting with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce — all perfectly crisped in the air fryer.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or craving a game-day snack, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, with zero deep frying and minimal cleanup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Calzones
Air fryer calzones hit that perfect balance between crispy and cheesy — and they couldn’t be easier to make.
- Ready in 15 minutes — no oven required
- Perfectly crisp outside, gooey inside
- Customizable with endless fillings
- Great for family pizza nights or quick snacks
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
I still remember the first time I made these on a Friday night at home with my daughter. We’d planned pizza, but the dough had a mind of its own, so I folded it up instead — and the first bite changed everything. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and that warm pepperoni spice… we’ve been calling them “pocket pizzas” ever since.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients, but the results taste like something straight from a pizza shop.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough – homemade or store-bought works great
- ½ cup pizza sauce – your favorite marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – creamy, melty perfection
- 4 oz pepperoni – adds bold flavor and classic pizza style
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra texture
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or chicken
- Use ricotta or Parmesan for more creaminess
- Try BBQ or Alfredo sauce for a fun twist
- Brush with garlic butter for bakery-style shine
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper for a little kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make these crispy, cheesy calzones in your air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
- Prepare the dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6–7-inch circle.
- Assemble the calzones: Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Add mozzarella and pepperoni evenly over the sauce. (Don’t overfill — less is more!)
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush each calzone lightly with olive oil on both sides for golden crispiness.
- Air fry in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — air circulation is key
- Seal edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks
- Let calzones cool 2 minutes before cutting — they’ll be piping hot inside
- For an extra-crispy crust, brush again with olive oil halfway through cooking
Expert Tips for Success
Calzones are simple to make, but a few tricks will guarantee that perfect golden crust and melty interior every time.
- Use room-temperature dough for easier rolling and folding
- Add a small slit on top before air frying to release steam
- Avoid overstuffing — it’s tempting, but too much filling can cause leaks
- Flip gently halfway through for even browning
- Brush with garlic butter or egg wash for shine and flavor
- Reheat in the air fryer for crisp results — never soggy
- Try different fillings: veggie, meat lover’s, or even dessert-style
For more cheesy, air fryer comfort food, check out my Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas or Delicious Pizza Pot Pies — both capture that same pizza-night joy in a fun, easy-to-hold format.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy calzones are delicious on their own, but here’s how to make them shine even more.
- Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping
- Add a side of garlic knots or breadsticks
- Pair with a fresh Caesar or garden salad
- Make a spread with Cheesy Taco Sticks for the ultimate snack night
- Serve alongside Homemade Pepperoni Rolls for a party-friendly platter
- Add a touch of fresh basil or oregano before serving for aroma and color
Storing and Reheating
These calzones store beautifully and reheat crisp, making them perfect for meal prep.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days
- For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months (wrap individually in foil or parchment)
- Thaw overnight before reheating
How to Reheat It
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes (best method for crispiness)
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: 1 minute for quick reheating, but the crust may soften
- Brush lightly with olive oil before reheating for extra golden texture
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 480 | Fat: 21g | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 28g | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Perfect for party prep or busy nights.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely — skip the pepperoni and load up with veggies, ricotta, or mushrooms.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but a blend of mozzarella and provolone adds great stretch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Calzones prove that you don’t need a pizza oven to make something deliciously cheesy and crisp. From the golden crust to the melty center, every bite feels like a warm, homemade treat.
This is one of those recipes that fits every occasion — weeknight dinners, movie nights, or feeding a crowd. It’s quick, customizable, and endlessly satisfying.
- Don’t overfill the dough — less is more
- Brush with olive oil for golden perfection
- Serve with warm dipping sauce and smiles all around
Air Fryer Calzones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6–7‑inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto half of each dough circle, leaving a ½‑inch border around the edge.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices, distributing evenly. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half‑moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the calzone. If desired, make a small slit on top to let steam escape.
- Brush both sides of each calzone lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
- Place calzones in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove calzones from the air fryer and let cool for about 2 minutes. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use room‑temperature dough for easier rolling and folding.
- Brush with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- For extra flavor, brush with garlic butter or sprinkle Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes before serving.
