Cheese is always my favorite part of this version I especially enjoy mozzarella for its melting qualities Sometimes I will grate fresh cheese right before adding it in for extra flavor My kids love making these with me and always request extra cheese in their calzone
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover calzones in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days Pop them back into the air fryer for a couple minutes to reheat and keep the crust crispy Avoid microwaving if possible as it softens the dough
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out mozzarella for a cheese blend like provolone or fontina if you want a creamier texture Leftover turkey instead of chicken works perfectly and adds its own flavor Even use a homemade Alfredo or a plant based sauce for a twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and a squeeze of lemon on the side for balance Marinara sauce for dipping also works well if you like a little tanginess Kids especially love dunking their calzones
Cultural and Historical Context
These air fryer calzones are a playful mashup of Italian American classics Drawing on stromboli and traditional calzones this recipe evolves both by using Alfredo sauce which originated in Rome but gained real popularity in the US The air fryer makes it a modern family classic
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a handful of baby spinach to the filling in spring Try sundried tomatoes and grilled zucchini in summer Roast squash or sweet potatoes and layer them in for a fall twist
Cheese is always my favorite part of this version I especially enjoy mozzarella for its melting qualities Sometimes I will grate fresh cheese right before adding it in for extra flavor My kids love making these with me and always request extra cheese in their calzone
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover calzones in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days Pop them back into the air fryer for a couple minutes to reheat and keep the crust crispy Avoid microwaving if possible as it softens the dough
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out mozzarella for a cheese blend like provolone or fontina if you want a creamier texture Leftover turkey instead of chicken works perfectly and adds its own flavor Even use a homemade Alfredo or a plant based sauce for a twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and a squeeze of lemon on the side for balance Marinara sauce for dipping also works well if you like a little tanginess Kids especially love dunking their calzones
Cultural and Historical Context
These air fryer calzones are a playful mashup of Italian American classics Drawing on stromboli and traditional calzones this recipe evolves both by using Alfredo sauce which originated in Rome but gained real popularity in the US The air fryer makes it a modern family classic
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a handful of baby spinach to the filling in spring Try sundried tomatoes and grilled zucchini in summer Roast squash or sweet potatoes and layer them in for a fall twist
