Air fryer calzones offer a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, combining the convenience of modern cooking technology with the classic flavors of homemade calzones. Crafting your own calzone dough from scratch adds a layer of authenticity and flavor that elevates the entire culinary experience.
Creating the perfect calzone dough begins with activating dry yeast in warm water, a process that yields a frothy mixture crucial for dough rise. Combining this yeast mixture with flour, salt, and olive oil results in a soft, pliable dough that serves as the foundation for your savory creations.
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to assemble the calzones with your preferred fillings, whether it’s a savory blend of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and assorted meats or a vegetarian medley of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. Folding the dough over the fillings and sealing the edges ensures that each bite is a flavorful burst of Italian-inspired goodness.
Using the air fryer to cook the calzones yields a crispy, golden-brown exterior while locking in the juicy flavors of the fillings. With just a few minutes of cooking time, you’ll have piping hot calzones ready to enjoy, whether as a satisfying snack, a hearty lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Garnished with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese, these air fryer calzones are a culinary masterpiece that marries tradition with innovation, inviting you to savor the homemade goodness with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these delectable calzones are sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
AIR FRYER CALZONES + HOMEMADE CALZONE DOUGH RECIPE!
Air fryer calzones are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, and making your own dough adds that extra touch of homemade goodness. Here’s a recipe for both the calzones and the dough:
Homemade Calzone Dough:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Air Fryer Calzones:
Ingredients:
- Homemade calzone dough (from above)
- Your choice of fillings (e.g., marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Optional: Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, depending on how large you want your calzones.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place your desired fillings on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
- Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Place the calzones in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer calzones with your favorite dipping sauce!