As a baker and home cook, I’ve always loved creating recipes that are both fun to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. One of my favorite creations in recent months has been air fryer calzones. These little pockets of joy combine a crispy, golden exterior with a warm, flavorful filling, and the best part is that they’re cooked in the air fryer, which makes the process quicker, cleaner, and healthier than traditional oven-baked calzones.

You will love this recipe because it brings together the comforting flavors of a classic calzone with the convenience of modern cooking technology. The combination of tender dough, savory chicken ham, turkey bacon, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables makes each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a snack, or even a casual dinner when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, change the type of cheese, or even add spices to give it your own personal twist. The dough can be made ahead of time or purchased pre-made for a faster version, making it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.

Another reason I adore these calzones is how affordable they are. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, including everyday staples like flour, cheese, eggs, chicken ham, turkey bacon, and a selection of vegetables. You don’t need any specialty items, which means you can make this delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Calzones:

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)

These simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully, giving you calzones that are crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. The air fryer ensures a perfect golden crust every time, while the fillings stay moist and flavorful. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Calzones

Making air fryer calzones at home is easier than you might think, and the results are always impressive. The key is to prepare your dough and fillings carefully and then assemble each calzone with attention to detail. With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, golden calzones every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of instant yeast. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Add Liquids: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in ¾ cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to form a dough.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading is essential to develop the gluten structure, which gives the calzones a chewy texture.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This ensures a soft and airy crust.
Prepare the Fillings: While the dough is rising, cook and chop ½ cup of turkey bacon and ½ cup of chicken ham. Dice ½ cup of bell peppers and slice ½ cup of mushrooms. Combine all the fillings in a bowl and add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Divide and Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Calzones: Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure the calzones stay closed during cooking.
Apply Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg and brush it lightly over the tops of each calzone. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when cooked.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Cook the Calzones: Place 2–3 calzones in the air fryer basket, depending on its size, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through if necessary, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining calzones.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. They are perfect on their own or paired with a simple marinara or garlic dipping sauce.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use pre-cooked fillings to reduce preparation time.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Customize the fillings with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for variety.

Popular with Many People

Air fryer calzones are universally loved because they combine convenience, flavor, and versatility. Kids enjoy them for their fun, handheld size, while adults appreciate the savory combination of cheese, chicken ham, and turkey bacon. They work for lunchboxes, casual dinners, or even party snacks, making them a go-to recipe in many households.

Air Fryer Calzones

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Air fryer calzones are a delicious, handheld meal that combines a crispy golden crust with a savory filling of turkey bacon, chicken ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Quick, versatile, and satisfying, they are perfect for lunches, dinners, or snacks.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well, then add warm water and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.
Knead Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Prepare Fillings: Cook turkey bacon and chop chicken ham. Dice bell peppers and slice mushrooms. Combine all fillings with mozzarella, garlic powder, and oregano.
Divide Dough: Punch down the dough and divide into 6 portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle.
Assemble Calzones: Place filling on half of each circle. Fold dough over and seal edges, crimping with a fork.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Cook Calzones: Air fry 2–3 calzones at a time for 12–15 minutes until golden brown, flipping if needed.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Ensure fillings are not watery to avoid soggy calzones.

Dough can be prepared ahead or purchased pre-made for convenience.

Customize with preferred vegetables or cheese varieties.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a lightly oiled, airtight container. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and rise slightly.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or a blend for extra flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain the gooey interior.

Q: Can I freeze the calzones?
Yes, unbaked calzones can be frozen. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.

Q: How do I prevent the calzones from getting soggy?
Make sure the filling is not too wet. Drain vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes and avoid adding excess sauce. Brushing the dough with egg wash also helps create a crispy crust.

Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Turn halfway through for even cooking.

Q: Can I customize the fillings?
Definitely. These calzones are versatile. You can add spinach, olives, zucchini, or even substitute turkey bacon and chicken ham with your preferred protein options.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store cooked calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.