Olivia Carter
Calzones are a delicious and satisfying Italian dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. Traditionally, calzones are baked in the oven, but using an air fryer is a quicker and more convenient method that yields equally delicious results. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making a mouthwatering calzone using an air fryer.
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your calzone. You will need pizza dough, your favorite fillings such as cheese, vegetables, and meat, as well as olive oil for brushing. The beauty of making calzones is that you can customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic combination like mozzarella cheese and pepperoni or a vegetarian option with spinach and feta cheese, the choice is yours.
Next, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. While the air fryer is heating up, divide your pizza dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle or oval shape, similar to a mini pizza crust. Place your desired fillings on one half of the dough, leaving some space around the edges to allow for sealing.
Once your fillings are in place, fold the empty half of the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp and seal the edges, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking. Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil, which will help achieve a crispy golden crust.
Now it’s time to cook your calzone in the air fryer. Place the calzone in the basket of the air fryer, making sure there is enough space around it for air circulation. Cook the calzone for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your calzone, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once your calzone is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Calzones are best enjoyed warm, and they make a fantastic meal or snack for any time of the day. Serve your air fryer calzones with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic butter, for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, making a calzone in an air fryer is a simple and convenient method that produces delicious results. With endless filling options and a crispy crust, your homemade calzone is sure to impress your family and friends. So, get your air fryer ready, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a tasty calzone made with love and air-fryer magic!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making your calzone in an air fryer, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. Pizza Dough
You can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from the store. If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works just fine.
2. Pizza Sauce
A good calzone requires a delicious pizza sauce. You can either make your own sauce or use store-bought sauce. If you decide to make your own, some common ingredients include tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs such as oregano and basil.
3. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a must-have ingredient in a calzone. Make sure you have enough cheese to fill your calzone and provide that gooey, cheesy goodness.
4. Fillings
Calzones are versatile, and you can use a variety of fillings depending on your preferences. Some popular options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives. Choose your favorite ingredients and have them ready to go.
5. Olive Oil
A little bit of olive oil is needed to brush the calzones before air frying. This step helps to achieve a crispy and golden crust.
Once you have gathered all of these ingredients, you will be ready to start making your delicious calzone in an air fryer. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully for a perfect result!
Prepare the Dough
To make the calzone dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3/4 cup of warm water
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix them together until well combined.
Next, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and warm water. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
If the dough is too dry, add a splash of water. If it’s too sticky, add a little bit more flour. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Tips:
- Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- You can also customize the dough by adding herbs like dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the filling for your calzone!
Fill and Fold the Calzone
Once the dough has risen and is ready to use, divide it into equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out into a circle, making sure it is thin but not too thin. Place your desired fillings on one side of the circle, leaving a border around the edges.
Some popular fillings for calzones include mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, cooked sausage or chicken, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations!
Once you have added your fillings, carefully fold the other half of the dough over the fillings. Use your fingers to press down and seal the edges, forming a half-moon shape. Make sure to press out any air pockets to prevent the calzone from bursting while cooking.
To give the calzone a nice finishing touch, use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only adds a decorative touch, but also helps to seal the calzone and prevent any filling from leaking out.
Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough and fillings until you have made all of your calzones.
Once your calzones are filled and folded, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the instructions provided with your specific air fryer model to determine the cooking time and temperature for your calzones.
Enjoy your homemade calzones, straight from the air fryer!
Cook in the Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to cook your calzone is a game-changer. Not only does it result in a crispy crust, but it also ensures that the filling is perfectly cooked and piping hot. Here are the steps to cook a calzone in an air fryer:
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10-inch (25 cm) circle.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce on one-half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings evenly over the cheese.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings, creating a half-moon shape.
- Seal the edges of the calzone by pressing them together and then folding them over.
- Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, if desired.
- Place the calzone in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
- Remove the calzone from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Using an air fryer to cook a calzone is a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy this delicious Italian dish. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time!
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 15g | 12g | 35g | 2g |
FAQ
What is a calzone?
A calzone is a type of Italian turnover that is made by folding pizza dough over a filling of cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Can I make a calzone in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make a calzone in an air fryer. The air fryer will give the calzone a crispy crust without the need for deep frying.
How do I make a calzone in an air fryer?
To make a calzone in an air fryer, start by rolling out pizza dough. Then, add your desired filling, such as cheese, meat, and vegetables. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and seal the edges. Place the calzone in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
