Air Fryer Calzone: Quick & Easy Cooking Time Guide

Cooking a calzone in an air fryer can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy this Italian favorite. However, it's important to know the right cooking time to ensure the calzone is cooked through and crispy. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of how long to cook a calzone that has been refrigerated, offering tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect result every time.

Preheat: Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure your calzone cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of crispiness. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a minimum of 5 minutes. This initial heating process is crucial as it creates a hot and stable environment, enabling the calzone to cook thoroughly without drying out. During this time, the air fryer's fan circulates hot air, ensuring that every corner of the calzone is exposed to the heat, resulting in a perfectly cooked and golden-brown exterior.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your calzone by taking it out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature. This step is important because a frozen calzone might not cook evenly, and the preheating process will help ensure a more consistent result. Once the air fryer is ready, you can proceed with the cooking process, confident that your calzone will be cooked to perfection.

The preheating time of 5 minutes is a general guideline, but it's essential to consider the specific model and size of your air fryer. Some air fryers may require a slightly longer or shorter preheating time, so always refer to the user manual for model-specific instructions. This attention to detail will contribute to the overall success of your calzone-making endeavor.

During the preheating process, you can also consider adding a light coating of cooking spray or oil to the air fryer basket. This simple step can help prevent the calzone from sticking to the basket, making it easier to remove and ensuring a cleaner cooking experience. A small amount of oil or spray can make a significant difference in the ease of cooking and the overall presentation of your dish.

Remember, preheating is a critical step in air frying, as it sets the stage for a successful cooking process. By taking the time to properly preheat, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, crispy calzone that's cooked to perfection every time.

Place: Calzone on air fryer rack, cook for 10-12 minutes

To cook a refrigerated calzone in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure it's done to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that:

Preparation: Start by taking your refrigerated calzone out of the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking. While the calzone is resting, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Placement: Place the calzone on an air fryer rack or a perforated baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the calzone, ensuring a crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. Make sure the calzone is centered on the rack to promote even cooking.

Cooking Time: The key to cooking a refrigerated calzone in an air fryer is precision. Cook it for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it after the 10-minute mark, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the calzone. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color on the crust and ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Checking Doneness: After the 10-minute mark, check the calzone's progress. Insert a toothpick or a skewer into the thickest part of the calzone. If the toothpick comes out clean, the calzone is cooked. If there's any resistance, it might need a few more minutes. Remember, you want the cheese to be melted and the crust to be crispy.

Serving Suggestion: Once cooked, carefully remove the calzone from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Calzones are best served warm, so feel free to enjoy it as is or with your favorite dipping sauce. This method of cooking in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a restaurant-style calzone at home, and it's a great alternative to traditional baking in an oven.

Flip: Calzone halfway through cooking for even browning

When cooking a refrigerated calzone in an air fryer, flipping it halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step to ensure even browning and a perfectly cooked meal. This technique is especially important because air fryers can cook food quickly, and without proper attention, the calzone might end up with a burnt exterior and a raw interior.

Here's a detailed guide on how to flip your calzone for optimal results:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the temperature recommended in your recipe, typically around 375°F to 400°F. This initial step ensures that the cooking environment is ready and will help distribute heat evenly.
• Place the Calzone: Carefully place the calzone in the air fryer basket. Ensure it is positioned in the center to allow for even cooking. You might want to use a cooking spray or oil on the basket to prevent sticking, especially if your calzone is quite large.
• Cook Time: After placing the calzone, set a timer for the remaining cooking time as per your recipe. For a refrigerated calzone, this could range from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on its size and your air fryer's power. Remember, the initial cooking time is crucial for the dough to set and the cheese to melt.
• Flip with Care: At the halfway point of the cooking time, carefully flip the calzone using a pair of tongs or a spatula. This step requires a gentle touch to avoid tearing the dough. Gently lift the calzone and turn it over, ensuring that the previously uncooked side is now exposed to the heat.
• Continue Cooking: After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time specified in your recipe. This additional step allows for even browning on both sides, ensuring a golden-brown crust and a perfectly melted cheese filling. Keep an eye on the calzone, as air fryers can vary in power, and you want to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you'll master the art of cooking refrigerated calzones in an air fryer, achieving a delicious, evenly browned result every time. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a few adjustments, you'll soon become an expert in creating mouth-watering calzones.

Check: Internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety

When cooking a refrigerated calzone in an air fryer, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) is crucial for food safety. This temperature is the minimum recommended by health authorities to eliminate potential harmful bacteria that may be present in the dough and fillings. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Preparation and Placement: Start by placing the calzone in the air fryer basket. Ensure it is not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking. You can use an oven mitt or a heat-resistant glove to handle the basket, as the air fryer can get very hot. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), for about 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the calzone cooks evenly.

Cooking Time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your calzone, as well as the power of your air fryer. As a general guideline, start by cooking the calzone for 8-10 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the calzone, making sure it doesn't touch the edges or any raw dough. This step is critical to ensure the calzone is cooked thoroughly.

Monitoring and Adjusting: Continue cooking the calzone in the air fryer for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The exact time will depend on the air fryer's power and the calzone's size. For larger or thicker calzones, you might need a bit more time. Always monitor the cooking process to avoid overcooking, as it can lead to a dry and tough texture.

Safety Tip: It's important to remember that the air fryer's cooking time may vary, so always keep an eye on your calzone. The internal temperature should be checked regularly to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. Once the calzone is cooked to the right temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and enjoyable calzone.

By following these steps and monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure that your refrigerated calzone is cooked safely and delicious. Remember, proper cooking techniques and food safety practices are essential to enjoying a tasty meal.

Rest: Let calzone rest 5 minutes before serving

After carefully cooking your calzone in the air fryer, it's important to allow it to rest before serving. This step is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring the perfect texture and flavor. When you take the calzone out of the air fryer, it will be hot and may appear slightly soft. However, as it cools, the internal temperature drops, and the dough begins to set, which is why resting is essential.

During the resting period, the calzone's temperature stabilizes, and the steam escapes, allowing the filling to set and the crust to become crisp and golden. This process ensures that the calzone holds its shape and doesn't become soggy. It's a simple yet effective technique to enhance the overall quality of your dish.

To rest your calzone, place it on a wire rack or a clean plate to allow air to circulate and cool down evenly. This step is especially important if you've added any wet ingredients like tomato sauce or cheese, as it prevents them from making the crust soggy. Resting for 5 minutes is generally sufficient, but you can adjust the time based on your preference for crispiness.

While the calzone rests, you can prepare any additional toppings or sides to serve alongside it. This way, you can ensure that everything is ready at the same time, creating a well-presented meal. Remember, the resting period is not just about the calzone; it's also an opportunity to gather your serving utensils and create an appealing presentation.

In summary, resting your calzone for 5 minutes after cooking in the air fryer is a simple yet vital step to achieve a delicious and satisfying dish. It allows the calzone to cool, sets the filling, and ensures a crispy crust. By following this technique, you'll be able to enjoy a perfectly cooked calzone that is both tasty and visually appealing.

Frequently asked questions