Air Fryer Mini Calzones – Crispy, Cheesy & Fast.

Mini calzones are one of those recipes that feel like they were designed for busy days—quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and friendly enough for both weeknight dinners and casual snacks. The air fryer makes them especially appealing: no waiting for the oven to preheat, no dealing with a big sheet pan, and no risk of soggy bottoms. Just small, golden pockets with crisp edges, melty cheese, and a satisfying, hand-held bite.

This recipe grew out of my habit of turning leftover pizza ingredients into small “fold-overs” for lunch. Once I tried the air fryer version, I didn’t bother going back. They cook evenly, stay soft in the center, and develop that perfect lightly blistered crust you usually only get from a hot oven. Each batch is ready in under 10 minutes, and you can fill them with anything from classic cheese and marinara to vegetables, pesto, or even breakfast fillings.

Whether you’re prepping a quick meal for yourself, feeding kids who love interactive food, or stocking your freezer with easy snacks, these air fryer mini calzones check all the boxes. They’re fun, fast, and surprisingly satisfying for their size.

Ingredients

Dough

1 lb store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)
Flour for dusting

Calzone Fillings

1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup ricotta (optional, but adds creaminess)
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Fillings & Add-Ins

Mini pepperoni
Cooked sausage or chicken
Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach or kale (cooked and squeezed dry)
Roasted red peppers
Pesto
Olives, chopped
Caramelized onions

For Brushing

1 egg, beaten (egg wash), or
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: grated parmesan for sprinkling

Instructions

Prep the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and divide the pizza dough into 10–12 small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll into small circles about 4–5 inches wide. Keep them slightly thicker in the center so the filling stays contained.

Fill the Calzones

Mix the mozzarella, ricotta (if using), herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This keeps the cheese mixture cohesive and prevents overly runny centers.

Spoon a small amount of marinara onto each dough circle, leaving a clean border around the edges. Add a tablespoon or two of the cheese mixture on top. Avoid overfilling—air fryer calzones puff up quickly and can burst if packed too tightly.

Seal

Fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then crimp with a fork. A tight seal helps keep the cheese inside and prevents leaks during cooking.

Air Fry

Lightly brush each calzone with egg wash or olive oil. This helps them become golden and crisp.

Place the mini calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so the air can circulate. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.

Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer heats unevenly. They should be golden, slightly puffed, and crisp along the edges.

Cool

Let the calzones rest for a couple of minutes before serving; the cheese inside will be extremely hot.

Flavor & Texture Notes

These mini calzones hit a great balance of textures: crisp on the outside, soft and chewy toward the center, and filled with warm, stretchy cheese. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while the optional ricotta adds a subtle creaminess without making them soggy.

The herbs and garlic powder give the filling a pizza-like aroma, and the warm marinara ties everything together. If you add pepperoni or sausage, you’ll get a savory, comforting bite. Vegetable add-ins bring brightness—especially spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers—and pair well with the cheesy base.

The air fryer gives the dough a slight blistering effect similar to a high-heat oven, and the edges stay crisp without becoming tough. Each calzone feels like a compact, flavorful pocket that’s satisfying without being heavy.

Tips & Variations

Make Them Extra Crispy

Brush the tops lightly with olive oil before air frying. You can also sprinkle parmesan or garlic powder over the surface for added flavor.

Sauce On the Side

If you worry about soggy filling, skip the marinara inside and instead serve the calzones with warm sauce for dipping.

Breakfast-Style Calzones

Fill with:

Scrambled eggs
Cheddar cheese
Cooked bacon or ham
A spoonful of salsa or sautéed veggies

Veggie-Forward Version

Use ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, roasted peppers, olives, and a drizzle of pesto. These come out bright, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Meat Lovers

Add pepperoni, cooked sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free pizza dough that you trust. Most GF doughs are softer, so flouring your hands well helps with shaping.

Frozen Meal Prep

Assemble the calzones and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen at 360°F for 10–12 minutes.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigeration

Store cooled mini calzones in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked or cooked mini calzones for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen without thawing.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the dough circles and filling in advance. Keep everything covered in the fridge, then assemble just before cooking for fresher results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with small bowls of marinara, pesto, or garlic butter for dipping.
Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Add them to a game-day snack spread alongside wings, veggies, and chips.
Serve as a fun appetizer for gatherings—kids love them, and adults tend to grab more than one.

For a heartier meal, pair the calzones with a warm bowl of tomato basil soup.

FAQ

Can I make these with crescent roll dough?

Yes. Crescent dough works well and is softer than pizza dough. Reduce the air fry time by 1–2 minutes.

Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables?

Yes, for watery vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté and drain them to prevent soggy filling.

Why did my calzones burst open?

They may have been overfilled or not sealed firmly enough. Press the edges well and avoid stretching the dough too thin.

Can I cook these in a conventional oven?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.

What protein works best if I want a lighter filling?

Shredded chicken breast, lean turkey, or low-moisture mozzarella are great options.

Conclusion

Air fryer mini calzones are one of those simple, satisfying recipes that fit into almost any routine. They’re quick, customizable, and consistently delicious whether you stick with classic cheese or load them up with your favorite fillings. Once you make a batch, you might find yourself keeping pizza dough in the fridge just for this purpose. Enjoy them fresh, freeze a few for later, and have a dependable, crispy, cheesy snack ready whenever you need it.