Mouthwatering 10-Minute Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

Let me tell you about my latest air fryer obsession—pepperoni calzones that come out perfectly crispy every single time. I was skeptical at first, thinking nothing could beat my oven-baked version, but wow was I wrong! These little pockets of cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness cook in just 10 minutes with that golden-brown crunch we all love. The best part? No more waiting for the oven to preheat or dealing with a messy kitchen. My kids now beg for these air fryer pepperoni calzones every Friday night, and honestly? I’m happy to oblige because they’re that easy to whip up. Game. Changer.

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

Trust me, these calzones are about to become your new go-to for crazy-busy nights. Here’s why:

• Lightning-fast cooking: Done in just 10-12 minutes—no waiting for the oven to heat up!
• That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you that golden, crispy crust we all crave without drying out the filling.
• Almost no cleanup: One bowl for mixing, one air fryer basket—that’s it. My kind of kitchen math.
• Endlessly adaptable: Switch up fillings based on what’s in your fridge (more on that later!).
• Kid-approved: My picky eaters go nuts for these—especially when they get to dunk them in marinara.

Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy oven calzones again.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

Here’s what you’ll need to make these ridiculously easy calzones—I bet most of this is already in your kitchen! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, but trust me, they come together in the most magical way.

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (the refrigerated kind works perfectly—no shame in shortcuts!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (the good, melty stuff—not the pre-shredded kind with anti-caking agents if you can help it)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for creaminess, but low-fat works in a pinch)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (I use the mini ones for better distribution, but regular work too)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you’re fancy)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (don’t skip this—it makes all the difference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (just for brushing—you could use melted butter if you’re feeling extra)

That’s it! Seven simple ingredients for the most satisfying crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside calzones you’ve ever made.

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How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making these crispy pockets of joy! I promise it’s easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up like a pro. Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First things first—dust your counter with a bit of flour (trust me, this prevents sticking disasters). Roll out that pizza dough into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t stress about perfection—mine always look a little lopsided, and they still taste amazing! If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5 minutes—it’ll relax.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Now for the good stuff! In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. I like to get my hands in there—squishing everything together ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Pro tip: If your ricotta seems watery, drain it in a fine mesh strainer for a few minutes first.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Spread your filling on one half of the dough circle, leaving about an inch border. Fold the other half over like a taco and crimp the edges with a fork—really seal it well so no cheese escapes! Brush the top with olive oil (this gives that gorgeous golden color). Pop it in your preheated air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. Let it cool for 2 minutes before cutting—I know it’s hard to wait, but molten cheese burns are no joke!

If quick and cheesy air fryer meals are your thing, you’ll also love our Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. They’re just as fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight cravings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

After making these calzones more times than I can count (my family’s obsessed!), here are my hard-earned secrets for perfection:

• Seal like your dinner depends on it: Really press those edges together—I use a fork first, then pinch with my fingers for extra security against cheese escapes.
• Don’t skip the oil brush: That golden crust comes from the olive oil—get into all the nooks and crannies!
• Check early: All air fryers run differently—peek at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Let them rest: Those 2 minutes of cooling time let the cheese set so it doesn’t ooze everywhere when you cut in.

Follow these, and you’ll get restaurant-quality calzones every single time!

Variations for Air Fryer Calzones

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up—I’ve probably made a dozen different versions by now! Here are some of my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative (or just cleaning out the fridge):

• Veggie-loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers—just pat them dry first so they don’t make the dough soggy.
• Meat lovers: Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or even chopped ham—my husband’s favorite.
• Cheese galore: Try provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan in the mix for extra flavor.
• Breakfast style: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar—perfect for weekend brunch!

The possibilities are endless—just keep the total filling amount about the same so your calzone doesn’t burst. Happy experimenting!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones

Oh, the dipping possibilities! My family always fights over the marinara sauce—I warm it with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A simple Caesar salad makes it feel like a real meal, or go full Italian with garlic bread and roasted veggies. Honestly? They’re pretty amazing all by themselves too!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These calzones keep surprisingly well—if you have leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to revive that perfect crispiness. No microwave sogginess here!

Nutritional Information

Each pepperoni calzone comes in at about 450 calories, packed with 20g of protein to keep you satisfied. Of course, these numbers can change if you tweak the recipe—add more cheese (no judgment here!) or swap in different fillings. Just remember, this is estimate based on the ingredients listed above, and your exact nutrition may vary slightly depending on brands and portions.

These pepperoni calzones are a game-changing snack — pin the recipe on Pinterest so you can bring the pizza-parlor vibes home anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these air fryer pepperoni calzones ALL the time—here are the answers to the most common questions:

Ready to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzones?

Now that you’ve got all my best tips, it’s time to get cooking! I can’t wait for you to experience that first crispy, cheesy bite. Tag me on Instagram when you make them—I love seeing your creations (and hearing which filling variations you try!). Happy air frying!