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Crispy Delights: Air Fryer Calzones

In the world of culinary delights, few dishes are as satisfying as the comforting calzone. Originating from Italy, this delicious folded pizza is a perfect blend of flavours and textures. Traditionally baked, calzones are now finding their way into modern kitchens thanks to the versatility of air fryers. With an air fryer, you can achieve that crispy exterior and gooey interior with significantly less oil than conventional frying methods. In this article, we will explore the delicious world of air fryer calzones, from their origins to recipes and cooking tips.

What is a Calzone?

A calzone is essentially a pizza that has been folded in half, creating a pocket filled with sauce, cheese, and various toppings. This delightful dish hails from Naples and is often filled with ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, salami, and vegetables. While traditionally served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, the beauty of calzones lies in their versatility—each one can be uniquely crafted to suit personal tastes.

Why Choose Air Fryer Calzones?

Using an air fryer to prepare calzones offers several advantages:

1. Healthier Cooking: Air fryers require significantly less oil compared to deep frying. This means you can enjoy your favourite treats without the guilt associated with excess fat.

2. Speed and Efficiency: Air fryers cook food quickly, ensuring that your calzones are ready in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven.

3. Crispy Texture: The circulating hot air in an air fryer creates a perfectly crisp crust while keeping the interior warm and gooey—achieving the ideal calzone texture.

4. Less Mess: With no need for large amounts of oil or complicated frying setups, air fryer calzones make for a more manageable cooking experience.

How to Make Air Fryer Calzones

Making air fryer calzones is a straightforward process that can be tailored to your preferred flavours. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100g ricotta cheese
• 100g salami or pepperoni, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup of spinach (or any vegetables of your choice)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Italian herbs (oregano, basil) to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles, roughly 6 inches in diameter.

2. Fill the Calzones: On one half of each dough circle, add a generous amount of mozzarella and ricotta. Layer in your chosen meats and vegetables, and season with herbs, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overfill, as this makes sealing more difficult.

3. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork for added security.

4. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg to achieve a golden colour. This step is key to getting that rich, appetising finish.

5. Air Fry the Calzones: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the calzones in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serving: Once cooked, let your calzones rest for a couple of minutes before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the explosion of flavour in every bite!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

• Experiment with Fillings: There are no limits to what you can stuff into your calzones! Feel free to try combinations that cater to your taste buds, such as spinach and feta, chicken and mushrooms, or even sweet calzones filled with fruit and chocolate.

• Batch Cooking: If you’re preparing a large number of calzones, consider working in batches. This ensures even cooking and allows you to enjoy fresh, hot calzones every time.

• Storage: Leftover calzones can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Conclusion

Air fryer calzones are a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved classic with a modern twist. With their crispy exterior and delightful fillings, they are sure to please everyone at your dining table. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a main course, or an indulgent treat for game day, air fryer calzones are a versatile dish that can adapt to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and embark on a culinary journey to Italy from the comfort of your own home!

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