Craving a quick, tasty meal? Look no further! Air fryer calzones are your new best friend. They’re easy to make and delightfully satisfying. In this guide, I’ll share every step, from mixing the dough to filling them with your favorite ingredients. Plus, I’ll add tips to ensure your calzones come out golden brown and crispy. Let’s dive into this tasty homemade treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Calzones
To make tasty air fryer calzones, you need a few key ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
– ½ cup spinach, chopped
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Marinara sauce for dipping
These ingredients work together to create a soft dough and a cheesy filling. The instant yeast helps the dough rise. The ricotta and mozzarella provide creaminess, while the sausage and spinach add flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Customizing Fillings
You can mix and match fillings to suit your taste. Here are some options:
– Pepperoni slices
– Mushrooms, diced
– Bell peppers, chopped
– Fresh basil leaves
– Feta cheese
– Different herbs and spices
Feel free to get creative! You can also make vegetarian calzones by skipping the meat and loading up on veggies.
Tips for Selecting High-Quality Ingredients
Choosing the best ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips:
– Flour: Look for high-protein all-purpose flour for a chewier crust.
– Cheese: Use fresh cheeses for better flavor and texture.
– Meat: If using sausage, check for high-quality, minimally processed options.
– Vegetables: Choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for the best taste.
– Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste and health benefits.
High-quality ingredients lead to better results. Always pay attention to the freshness and source of your food. Enjoy making your air fryer calzones! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Preparation of Calzone Dough
To make the dough, start with a large bowl. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix these dry ingredients well. Now, slowly pour in ¾ cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth. Next, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough become fluffy.
Making the Perfect Filling
While the dough rises, let’s make the filling. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, add ½ cup of cooked Italian sausage, crumbled, and ½ cup of chopped spinach. For flavor, mix in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything blends together. This filling is rich and tasty, perfect for your calzones.
Cooking Instructions in the Air Fryer
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 6 to 7 inches wide. Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each circle. Leave space at the edges so you can seal them well. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to close. You can crimp the edges with a fork if you like. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush each calzone with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket without touching. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. You might need to cook them in batches. Once done, let them cool a bit and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade calzones! For the full recipe, check the section above.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving a Crispy Calzone Crust
To get that perfect crispy crust, start with the right dough. Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Knead the dough well. This helps it develop gluten. Gluten creates a chewy, sturdy crust. After rolling out the dough, let it rest. This makes it easier to shape. Brush the calzones with olive oil before cooking. The oil helps the calzones brown nicely in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing Adjustments
Set your air fryer to 375°F for the best results. Cook the calzones for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Every air fryer is different. If your calzones don’t look golden brown after 12 minutes, add a few more minutes. Don’t overcrowd the basket. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Calzones
One mistake is using too much filling. It can leak out while cooking. Make sure to leave space at the edges when filling. Another mistake is not sealing the edges well. If they aren’t sealed, the filling can escape. Lastly, avoid skipping the preheating step. An air fryer needs to be hot before adding food. Follow these tips, and you’ll make delicious calzones! For the complete recipe, check out the full recipe section.
Variations
Vegetarian and Meat-filled Options
You can easily change your calzones to fit your taste. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat. Use veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini instead. You can mix these with ricotta and mozzarella for a creamy filling. If you want meat, try pepperoni, ham, or chicken. Each choice brings a new flavor and texture.
Different Cheese Combinations
Cheese is key to a great calzone. You can use mozzarella as your base, but don’t stop there. Try adding provolone or gouda for a smoky touch. For more tang, add feta or goat cheese. Mixing different cheeses gives your calzones a special flavor blend. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free mix. These flours can create a tasty dough, too. If you’re low-carb, try using a cauliflower crust. It may take extra time, but the results are worth it. These alternatives let anyone enjoy delicious calzones. Check out the Full Recipe for tips on making these variations.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftover Calzones
To keep your leftover calzones fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the calzones cool completely before sealing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
How to Reheat Calzones in the Air Fryer
Reheating calzones in the air fryer is quick and easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the calzones in the basket, leaving space between them. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check to ensure they are heated through and crispy. This method keeps them tasty and restores their crunch.
Freezing Calzones for Future Meals
Freezing calzones is a smart way to save time. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the air fryer. For the full recipe, check the details above.
FAQs
How long do you air fry calzones?
You air fry calzones for about 12-15 minutes. The exact time can vary by air fryer. Check them often to avoid burning. You want them golden brown and crispy.
Can I make air fryer calzones with store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough for air fryer calzones. This option saves time and effort. Just roll it out and fill it like you would with homemade dough. It makes the process quick and easy.
What can I dip calzones in besides marinara sauce?
You can dip calzones in many tasty options. Try ranch dressing for a creamy twist. Garlic butter gives a nice flavor too. Hot sauce adds heat, while pesto offers a fresh taste. Explore different dips to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
You learned how to make great air fryer calzones. We covered the best ingredients and how to pick them. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook calzones. You got tips to make crispy crusts and avoid common mistakes. We also explored tasty variations and smart storage methods for leftovers.
Now, you can create your own versions at home. With these tips, you’ll impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey!
