How to Bake the Perfect Calzone: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

A calzone is a type of pizza that is folded in half and sealed with dough. The dough is usually made from flour, water, and yeast. The filling can be anything from cheese and tomato sauce to meat and vegetables.
Recipe
A sliced calzone with a crispy, golden-brown crust rests on parchment paper. Stuffed with melted cheese and vegetables, it tempts the senses. Beside it, a small ceramic cup of tomato sauce awaits with a wooden spoon gently dipped in, while a sprinkle of herbs adds the final touch.

About this recipe

A calzone is a type of pizza that is folded in half and sealed with dough. The dough is usually made from flour, water, and yeast. The filling can be anything from cheese and tomato sauce to meat and vegetables.

Calzones are typically baked in an oven but can also be fried or air-fried. This is the best air fryer calzone recipe that, on top of all, happens to be vegan. These calzones will not only be delicious but also fun to make, healthy-ish, and you can always make them with your favorite ingredients. This is a great recipe to make with your family; it’s like making a personal pizza for each member of your family. 

A bowl filled with flour sits on a marble surface alongside a smaller bowl with yeast and another with salt, ready to craft the perfect calzone. A wooden spoon with salt rests on the third bowl, while a beige and red-striped cloth is casually placed near the bowls.

Ingredients for the calzone dough recipe

Hands holding a white bowl containing perfectly risen dough destined for delicious calzones on a marbled countertop. The smooth, slightly domed dough suggests it's ready for baking. A thin string bracelet adorns one wrist, adding a personal touch to the scene.

How to make the dough

  • With your hands, add the flour to a large bowl, along with the salt and yeast. Mix with a wooden spoon and add the water. Mix until there is no water left. It’s going to make a sticky dough. Place it on a floured surface and start kneading until a smooth dough is formed. This will take about 10 minutes.
  • Use the stand mixer. Add all the ingredients to the mixer bowl using the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until everything is integrated. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides down using a spatula. Turn on the mixer a little faster and knead for 5-7 minutes until a soft dough forms.
  • In the Oven. Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Put the bowl in your oven or microwave and, if available, press the Proof Function. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
  • On the Counter. If you are not using the oven, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for about two hours or until it doubles in size.
  • In your Instant Pot, lightly oil the inner pot to prevent sticking. Place the dough inside and close the lid. Select the Yogurt Function and set it to Low. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Ingredients for the filling

  • Tomato sauce, or your favorite store-bought pizza sauce or marinara sauce.
  • Cheese, vegan cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
  • Spices, a dash of oregano, and fresh basil. You could also use a spice blend.
  • For a veggie calzone, mushrooms, spinach, red bell peppers, roasted garlic, onions, or other vegetables.
  • If you wish, you can add vegan Italian sausage or vegan pepperoni.
Three balls of dough, perfect for calzones, rest on a rectangular, light-colored baking tray placed on a marbled surface. The dough balls are evenly spaced, displaying a smooth and slightly floured texture, ready for baking.
A top view of calzone ingredients on a marble surface: a bowl of tomato sauce, a plate with shredded cheese, a small dish of dried herbs, an empty dark saucer, and two fresh basil leaves. The items are arranged in a slightly scattered manner.

How to make the air fryer calzone

  1. Flour the surface you will work on.
  2. Roll the dough to form an 8″ circle. Spoon the tomato sauce in the middle, and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese (I use vegan). Add a pinch of dried oregano and one or two torn fresh basil leaves. Add veggies if you wish.
  3. Carefully fold the dough in half and start folding inward the edges. Be sure to seal the edges all around. Brush the top with olive oil if you wish.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well. Can I use a regular air fryer? Yes, preheat your air fryer. Place the calzones on a piece of parchment paper on top of the air fryer basket. Cook at 325°F for 8 minutes, then turn around and cook for 4 more minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
A golden-brown calzone, perfectly baked and cut in half to unveil its savory filling, rests on crumpled parchment paper. It's accompanied by a bowl of rich marinara sauce and a wooden spoon with sauce. Nearby, a small plate with herbs and scattered fresh basil leaves complete this delicious scene.

Frequently asked questions

Is pizza dough and calzone dough the same? Yes, they are. I use the same dough for pizzas and in my famous recipe for sheet-pan pizza.

Can you freeze calzones? Yes, freeze before baking. As soon as you seal the edges of your calzone, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to use. There is no need to thaw before baking.

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A golden-brown calzone, sliced open, reveals melted cheese and vegetables. It rests on crumpled white parchment paper beside a small ceramic bowl brimming with tomato sauce and a wooden spoon. A few basil leaves are artfully scattered around, adding a fresh touch to the savory scene.

Calzone

Alejandra Graf
A calzone is a type of pizza that is folded in half and sealed with dough. The dough is usually made from flour, water, and yeast. The filling can be anything from cheese and tomato sauce to meat and vegetables.
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Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Proofing time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 pieces
Calories 557 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 3½ cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 325 ml water
  • extra flour to knead

Tomato sauce

  • 1 28- oz can whole San Marzano tomato
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1 cup grated vegan cheese
  • fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

Mix and Knead the Dough

  • Combine the dough ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.

Proof the Dough. Choose your preferred method:

    In the Oven:

    • Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl.
    • Use the oven’s Proof Function, if available, and set the timer for 20 minutes.

    On the Counter:

    • Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.
    • Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

    In an Instant Pot:

    • Lightly oil the Instant Pot insert and place the dough inside.
    • Set the Yogurt Function on Low and let it proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

    Prepare the Calzone

    • Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into an 8-inch circle.
    • Spoon tomato sauce onto one half of the circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
    • Add grated mozzarella (vegan or regular), a pinch of dried oregano, and a few torn fresh basil leaves.
    • Include your favorite vegetables, if desired.
    • Seal the Calzone
    • Fold the dough in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
    • Press the edges together firmly, then crimp or seal with a fork to ensure the filling doesn’t escape.
    • Optionally, brush the top with olive oil for a golden finish.

    Cook the Calzone. Choose your cooking method:

      In the Oven:

      • Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place the calzone on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
      • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

      In an Air Fryer:

      • Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the calzone in the basket and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1servingCalories: 557kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 14gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1743mgPotassium: 513mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 7mg
      Keyword airfryer calzone, calzone, vegan calzone

      information

      Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

      Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
      Alejandra Graf
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