There’s something special about a dish that combines fun, flavor, and simplicity all in one. Air Fryer Mini Calzones are exactly that—a bite-sized version of everyone’s favorite comfort food. These crispy, golden pockets are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight snack, a party appetizer, or a way to use up leftover pizza dough, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Plus, thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you’ll get that perfect crispiness without the mess of deep frying.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mini Calzones

• Quick and Easy: No fancy skills or equipment needed. Just roll, fill, fold, and air fry!
• Kid-Friendly: These mini calzones are perfect for little hands, and kids will love helping you make them.
• Healthier Alternative: Using the air fryer cuts down on excess oil while still giving you that crispy, golden crust.
• Customizable: Swap out fillings or make them vegetarian with your favorite toppings.
• Party Perfect: These bite-sized calzones are ideal for game nights, gatherings, or movie marathons.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful mini calzones:

• All-purpose flour (for rolling out the dough)
• 1 pound pizza dough (let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 8 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 6 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni or mini pepperoni (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Dough

• Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
• Roll out the pizza dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
• Use a 3-inch round cutter (or the rim of a large glass) to cut out 8 to 10 rounds of dough.
• Transfer the dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gather the leftover dough scraps, reroll them, and repeat the cutting process until you have about 16 rounds.

2. Add the Fillings

• On each dough round, place 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce, 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 teaspoon of chopped pepperoni.
• Be careful not to overfill the rounds, as this can make them difficult to seal.

3. Seal the Mini Calzones

• Fold each dough round in half to form a crescent shape.
• Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra-secure seal and a decorative touch.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Heat your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating ensures the calzones cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.

5. Air Fry in Batches

• Arrange 4 mini calzones in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
• Air fry for 8 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
• Repeat with the remaining calzones until all are cooked.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the mini calzones cool for a minute before serving.
• Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Mini Calzone (Approx.)
Calories	120
Protein	6g
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	14g
Sodium	250mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mini Calzones

1. Use Fresh Pizza Dough

For the best results, let your pizza dough sit at room temperature for at least an hour. This makes it easier to roll out and handle.

2. Don’t Overfill

While it’s tempting to add extra cheese or sauce, overfilling can make it harder to seal the calzones and may cause them to burst open while cooking.

3. Experiment with Fillings

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas for alternative fillings:

• Vegetarian: Spinach, ricotta, and mushrooms
• Hawaiian: Ham and pineapple
• Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing
• Four Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and ricotta

4. Brush with Olive Oil

For extra crispiness and a golden color, lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil before air frying.

5. Make Ahead and Freeze

You can prepare the calzones ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, air fry them straight from the freezer (just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time).

FAQs About Air Fryer Mini Calzones

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes to restore their crispiness.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive or celiac-friendly diets.

5. How do I prevent the calzones from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before adding the calzones.

6. What dipping sauces pair well with these mini calzones?

In addition to pizza sauce, try serving them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a creamy pesto dip.

Why Air Fryer Mini Calzones Are a Game-Changer

Air Fryer Mini Calzones aren’t just a fun twist on a classic Italian dish—they’re also incredibly versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a snack for your kids, or meal-prepping for the week, these calzones deliver on flavor and convenience. Plus, the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying.

Call to Action

Are you ready to make your new favorite snack? Grab your pizza dough, fire up your air fryer, and try this Air Fryer Mini Calzones recipe today! Don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends—they’ll be begging for the recipe!

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