Calzone Cooking Made Easy: How Long to Cook in an Air Fryer
Calzones are delicious and convenient Italian turnovers filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. Traditionally baked in an oven, many people are now turning to air fryers as a quick and easy way to cook their calzones. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. But how long should you cook your calzone in an air fryer? In this article, we will explore the optimal cooking time and temperature for calzones in an air fryer, as well as share some helpful tips to ensure your calzones turn out perfectly every time.
Cooking Time and Temperature for Calzones in an Air Fryer
When it comes to cooking calzones in an air fryer, the recommended cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of your calzone, as well as the specific brand and model of your air fryer. However, as a general guideline, you can set your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C) and cook your calzone for approximately 12-15 minutes.
Preparing and Assembling Your Calzone
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s briefly discuss how to prepare and assemble your calzone. Start by rolling out your pizza dough into a circle or oval shape, about ¼ inch thick. Next, spoon your desired filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Common calzone fillings include a combination of cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs. Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling and carefully seal the edges by pressing down with a fork. Lastly, brush the top of the calzone with olive oil or egg wash to promote browning and create a shiny finish.
Cooking Your Calzone in an Air Fryer
To cook your calzone in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, carefully place the calzone into the air fryer basket or on the tray, making sure to leave enough space for air circulation. Cooking multiple calzones at once may require you to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Monitoring and Flipping
During the cooking process, it is crucial to monitor your calzone to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn. After about 10 minutes of cooking, take a peek at your calzone to check its progress. If it is browning too quickly or unevenly, you can rotate the calzone or flip it over to promote even cooking. It’s recommended to use tongs or a spatula when flipping the calzone to avoid any accidents or injuries.
Testing for Doneness
To determine if your calzone is cooked to perfection, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for a cooked calzone should be between 160°F (71°C) and 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can also insert a toothpick into the center of the calzone and check if it comes out clean. If the toothpick is slightly sticky or has uncooked dough clinging to it, your calzone may need a few more minutes of cooking.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Calzones in an Air Fryer
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your calzones turn out delicious and perfectly cooked every time you use an air fryer:
1. Customize Your Fillings
One of the great things about calzones is how versatile they are. Feel free to experiment with different fillings according to your preferences and dietary restrictions. From classic combinations like pepperoni and cheese to vegetarian options with spinach and feta, the possibilities are endless.
2. Don’t Overstuff
While it may be tempting to stuff your calzone with an abundance of ingredients, try not to overstuff it. Overfilling can lead to a messy cooking process with filling spilling out or unevenly cooked calzones. Remember to leave some space around the edges to prevent any leakage.
3. Ensure Proper Sealing
When sealing your calzone, make sure to press the edges firmly together to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking. If you find that your dough isn’t sealing properly, you can wet your fingers with water and run them along the edges to help create a better seal.
4. Experiment with Seasonings
Enhance the flavors of your calzones by adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a little crushed red pepper flakes can bring an extra kick to your calzone filling.
5. Let it Rest
After removing your calzone from the air fryer, allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This resting period allows the filling to cool slightly and set, making it easier to handle and preventing any potential burns from hot cheese or filling.
In conclusion, cooking calzones in an air fryer provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy these delicious Italian turnovers. By following the recommended cooking time and temperature guidelines, as well as these helpful tips, you can create mouthwatering calzones with a perfectly crispy exterior and a flavorful, perfectly cooked interior. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a satisfying homemade calzone in no time!