Chicken Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer calzones offer a quick, delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Crispy on the outside and stuffed with cheesy, savory fillings, they’re perfect for a satisfying meal or snack. Using the air fryer means less oil and a faster cook time without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the calzones.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle or circle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the dough into equal-sized portions (usually 4–6 depending on dough size). Place a generous spoonful of filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edge.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to seal.
6. Step 6: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each calzone for a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the calzones inside in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
8. Step 8: Air fry for 10–12 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Step 9: Carefully remove the calzones and let them cool for a few minutes before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, skip the meats and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance flavor.
• If your air fryer is small, cook calzones in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave briefly if pressed for time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the calzones before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze assembled calzones before air frying. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just ensure to drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from becoming too wet.

Chicken Air Fryer Calzones Recipe

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4.5 from 52 reviews

This Chicken Air Fryer Calzones recipe offers a delightful twist on classic calzones, using air frying for a quicker, crispier finish. Filled with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, cooked chicken, fresh greens, and seasonings, these handheld pockets are perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner served with marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 calzones 1x
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Dough

• 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Meats and Vegetables

• 1 cup cooked meats (pepperoni, sausage, or chicken), diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, chopped

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Miscellaneous

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface into individual circles large enough to hold your filling, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
2. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, diced cooked meats, chopped spinach or arugula, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.
3. Fill the calzones: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges to seal.
4. Seal the calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press and crimp the edges firmly to ensure they are sealed and the filling won’t spill out during cooking.
5. Apply egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops and edges of each calzone. This helps achieve a golden, shiny crust.
6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Cook the calzones: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
8. Serve: Remove the calzones carefully from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Make sure the calzones are sealed tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during air frying.
• You can substitute chicken with pepperoni or sausage for variation.
• If you prefer a crisper crust, increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Leftover calzones can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

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