- Air Fryer Calzones

$When making air fryer calzones, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 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 (plus more for brushing) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled - ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Marinara sauce for dipping Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives the calzone its structure. Instant yeast makes it rise and become fluffy. Salt brings out flavor, while sugar helps with browning. Warm water activates the yeast. Olive oil adds richness and helps the dough stay soft. For the filling, ricotta and mozzarella create a creamy texture. Cooked Italian sausage adds savory flavor. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Garlic powder and oregano enhance the taste, making it aromatic. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. This recipe allows for creativity. You can mix and match ingredients based on your taste. Check the full recipe for detailed amounts and steps. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 1. Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. This mix will create a great base for your calzone. 2. Next, add the wet ingredients. Pour in ¾ cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. 3. Now, knead the dough. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After that, shape it into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover it. Let it rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes until it doubles in size. 1. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. 2. Next, add ½ cup of cooked Italian sausage and ½ cup of chopped spinach. Don’t forget to sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. 1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a circle about 6-7 inches wide on a floured surface. 2. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough circle. Leave about ½ inch around the edges for sealing. 3. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal. For a secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This step ensures even cooking. 2. Lightly brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. 3. Air fry the calzones for 12-15 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches based on your air fryer size. 4. Once cooked, remove the calzones and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy with marinara sauce for dipping! To get the best texture, kneading is key. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. This helps build gluten, making the dough stretchy. A smooth, elastic dough is what you want. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while kneading. To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Place calzones in a single layer. Give them space to expand. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around. Seasoning makes a big difference in taste. Add herbs like basil or thyme to the filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Don't be afraid to experiment! You can also swap cheeses. Try using provolone or feta instead of ricotta. This gives a new twist to the flavor. Feel free to mix in more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. If your dough does not rise, check the yeast. Ensure it is fresh and active. Warm water should be around 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast. If calzones leak during cooking, make sure to seal them well. Pinch the edges tightly. Using a fork to crimp edges helps secure the filling. If they still leak, try not to overfill them next time. Remember, cooking is all about learning. Each try gets you closer to the perfect calzone! {{image_4}} You can easily make air fryer calzones vegetarian. Start by substituting meat with your favorite vegetables. Try using bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add great taste and texture. Next, explore different cheese varieties. Instead of ricotta or mozzarella, you can use feta, goat cheese, or even vegan cheese. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to your calzones. Want to spice things up? Add spices for a Mediterranean twist. Consider using oregano, basil, or crushed red pepper. These spices boost flavor and create an exciting taste experience. Don't forget about sauce pairings! While marinara is classic, you can try pesto or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Each sauce gives a different taste to your calzones. For those needing gluten-free options, try using gluten-free dough. You can find mixes at stores or make your own. This option ensures everyone can enjoy delicious calzones. If you need dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and skip the ricotta. Silken tofu also works well as a creamy base. This swap keeps your calzones tasty and suitable for all diets. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your air fryer calzones fresh, follow these simple steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftover calzones in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down first to avoid steam buildup inside the container. - Freezing Calzones: If you want to save them longer, freeze the calzones. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, just take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, here are some ways to reheat them: - Air Fryer Reheating Techniques: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the calzones in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. - Oven or Microwave Alternatives: You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F and place the calzones on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat them for about 30-60 seconds, but this may make them a bit soft. Use these tips to enjoy your air fryer calzones again and again! It takes about 45 minutes in total. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Dough rising time: 30 minutes - Cooking time: 12-15 minutes You can speed things up by preparing the filling while the dough rises. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Store it in the fridge. Use a sealed bag or container. It can stay fresh for about 2 days. When ready, take it out and let it warm up before shaping. You can get creative with calzones! Here are some ideas: - Pepperoni and mozzarella - Veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers - Different cheeses like feta or goat cheese - Pesto and chicken Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. Check for a golden-brown color on the outside. The texture should be crispy. You can also poke a calzone. If it feels firm, it’s likely done. Yes, you can use store-bought dough. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: - Saves time - Easy to use Cons: - May not taste as fresh - Texture might differ from homemade Try to find high-quality dough for the best results. You can find the Full Recipe for air fryer calzones [here](#). Enjoy making this delicious dish! Making air fryer calzones is simple and fun. We covered all the key steps, from gathering ingredients to air frying. You learned about the dough prep, filling choices, and how to assemble them. I also shared tips for perfect texture and flavor, along with variations to suit your tastes. Remember, experimenting with fillings can lead to new favorites. Store your leftovers wisely and reheat them for a tasty treat later. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun creating delicious calzones in your air fryer!$

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Calzones with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick meal or snack, these calzones are stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach for an irresistible flavor. Just whip up the dough, fill, fold, and let your air fryer work its magic! Click through to explore this simple recipe and impress your family and friends with these tasty, golden treats.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

¾ cup warm water (approximately 110°F)

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

½ cup fresh spinach, chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.

Gradually pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm area for approximately 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the calzone filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled Italian sausage, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface into a circle roughly 6-7 inches in diameter.

Spoon a generous amount of the prepared filling onto one half of each dough circle, ensuring to leave about ½ inch around the edges to allow for sealing.

Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Use your fingers to pinch the edges together to seal. For an extra secure seal, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded or touching.

Air fry the calzones for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Once they are cooked, remove the calzones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the flavor experience!

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the calzones on a wooden board with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center for an inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color!