Cody Casey
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen calzones, yielding a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior in under 15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and whether you are using homemade or store-bought pizza dough. To cook frozen calzones in an air fryer, first coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the frozen calzones inside, ensuring they are spaced about 1/2 inch apart. Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes or 375°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350-375°F |
| Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Oil | Cooking spray |
| Dough | Pizza dough |
| Filling | Sauce, cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, meat |
| Texture | Crispy, flaky, gooey |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the air fryer
To prepare your air fryer for cooking, you should first review the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before cooking to let it off-gas and release any chemical smells.
Before placing food in the basket, it is recommended to lightly coat it with an oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also spritz or brush your proteins or vegetables with a light coat of oil and your desired seasonings before placing them in the basket. If you are reheating food, you can skip the oil.
When cooking, always keep the grate in the basket to allow hot air to circulate and prevent food from sitting in excess oil. You will need to remove the basket or tray and shuffle the food around every few minutes to ensure even browning.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your calzone depend on whether you are cooking or reheating it, as well as the power of your air fryer. If you are using an air fryer to cook a calzone from scratch, it should take somewhere between 9 and 20 minutes. If you are reheating a frozen, pre-cooked calzone, it will take less time, somewhere between 3 and 10 minutes.
If you are cooking a calzone from scratch, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on whether you are using homemade or store-bought pizza dough. If you are making the dough from scratch, you should add an hour to the prep time. If you are using refrigerated pizza dough, you should let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. All meats used must be cooked before baking in the air fryer, and watery vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini should be sauteed and drained of excess water first.
Once you have your dough and fillings ready, you can assemble your calzone by spreading pizza sauce over half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Then, top the sauce with cheese and your desired fillings, and carefully fold the dough in half, sealing the edges with a fork. Some recipes recommend brushing the top of the dough with melted butter and sprinkling Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
When you are ready to cook, spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, or line it with a piece of parchment paper. Carefully place your calzone inside the air fryer, making sure to leave space between multiple calzones, and cook at a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, but it should take somewhere between 9 and 20 minutes for your calzone to turn golden brown.
If you are reheating a frozen, pre-cooked calzone, the process is similar. First, coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the calzones into the tray. Cook at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Filling options
Calzones are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and the best part is that you can fill them with just about anything! The filling options for calzones are truly endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Fillings
If you're a fan of the classics, you can't go wrong with fillings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. These ingredients are typical pizza toppings, so they work perfectly in a calzone as well. You can also add cured meats like ham, prosciutto, or salami for an extra savoury kick. Don't forget the cheese! A classic calzone usually includes ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone, but you can add any type of cheese you like.
Vegetarian Options
For a meatless option, you can fill your calzone with vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, squash, or roasted peppers. You can also add some vegetarian cheese, pesto, or ricotta for extra flavour and creaminess.
Creative Combinations
Feeling adventurous? Try some unique combinations like barbecue chicken, buffalo chicken with hot sauce, or bacon mushroom. You can even make a lasagna calzone by filling the dough with layers of meat, cheese, and tomato sauce. If you're feeling fancy, brush the tops of the calzones with garlic butter before baking.
Dessert Calzones
Who says calzones have to be savoury? You can also make sweet versions by filling the dough with chocolate, Nutella, marshmallows, or fruit preserves. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or top with a sweet glaze for an extra special treat.
Remember, when filling your calzones, be sure to leave enough space to seal the edges and prevent leakage. Pre-cook any wet fillings to ensure they're not too runny when you bake the calzones. Now that you have some filling ideas, go ahead and experiment with your favourite combinations!
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How to assemble the calzone
To assemble a calzone, you will need pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings. You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough, rolling it out into a circle about 1/4-inch thick.
First, spread your desired sauce over half of the dough, leaving some space around the edges. You can use pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or get creative with another sauce of your choice. Next, add your cheese and toppings. Classic calzone toppings include pepperoni, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, sausage, and onion, but you can add anything you would put on a pizza. Just be sure to leave room around the edges so you can seal the calzone.
Once you have added your fillings, it's time to fold the dough. Carefully fold the unfilled half of the dough over the fillings, covering them completely. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp and seal the edges, ensuring that the calzone is closed tightly so the fillings don't leak out during cooking. Finally, brush the top of the calzone with olive oil or an egg wash to help achieve a golden crust. You can also sprinkle the top with Italian seasoning or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Now that your calzone is assembled, you can cook it in your air fryer or oven. If you plan to freeze your calzone for later, be sure to cut a few slits in the top to create steam vents before freezing.
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How to store leftovers
Storing and reheating your leftover calzone is a great way to enjoy this delicious dish again without the effort of cooking from scratch. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your leftovers:
Storing Leftovers:
Firstly, let the cooked calzone cool down to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make your leftovers soggy. Once cooled, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap. This creates a barrier to help maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Then, place the wrapped calzones in an airtight container or a freezer bag. If using a container, ensure it is suitable for freezer storage. Label the container or bag with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
There are several methods to reheat your calzone, each with its pros and cons. Here are some options:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300-400°F. Remove the plastic wrap and place the calzone on a piece of aluminum foil. Heat for 8-10 minutes or until fully warmed through. This method delivers a crispy crust and evenly heated interior.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for around 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Gas Grill: Preheat the grill to a high temperature (450-500°F) and then turn down to medium-low (400-425°F). Place the calzone on a piece of aluminum foil on the top rack to avoid direct flame. Reheat for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: If short on time, the microwave is an option, but it may result in a softer crust. Place the leftover calzone on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50% power for 45-60 seconds, and then in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Now you can enjoy your crispy and delicious calzone leftovers!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 7-15 minutes to cook a frozen calzone in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the air fryer model.
Cook frozen calzones at 350°F or 375°F. If you are making fresh calzones, you can cook them at 370˚F.
Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the frozen calzone in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-15 minutes.
