Go Back

Air Fryer Ground Chicken Calzone - Crispy, Cheesy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: 1 pound (store-bought or homemade)
  • Ground chicken: 1 pound (93% lean is ideal)
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded, low-moisture
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated
  • Marinara or pizza sauce: 1 cup, plus extra for dipping
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, plus more for brushing
  • Onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Italian seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Baby spinach: 1 heaping cup, roughly chopped
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Egg: 1 large for egg wash (or use olive oil)
  • Flour or cornmeal: For dusting

Instructions

  • Prep the dough: Take the pizza dough out of the fridge 30–45 minutes before cooking. Let it rest, covered, at room temperature so it rolls easily without snapping back.
  • Cook the chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and break it up until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
  • Add aromatics: Stir in onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Reduce moisture: Stir in the marinara (about 3/4 cup) and simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Fold in chopped spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool for 5–10 minutes.
  • Prepare the air fryer: Preheat to 370–375°F for 3–5 minutes if your model recommends it. Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil.
  • Divide and roll: Dust your surface with flour or cornmeal. Cut dough into two equal pieces for large calzones (or four for smaller ones). Roll each into a rough oval, about 1/8–1/4 inch thick.
  • Fill: Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara over half of each oval, leaving a 1-inch border. Add a generous scoop of chicken mixture, then top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Avoid overfilling.
  • Seal well: Fold dough over to form a half-moon. Press edges firmly, then crimp with a fork or fold to create a tight seal. Cut 2–3 small slits on top for steam to escape.
  • Finish the crust: Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush over the tops, or brush with olive oil. This helps browning and adds sheen.
  • Air fry: Place calzones in the basket with space between them. Cook 10–14 minutes at 370–375°F, flipping halfway if your air fryer browns unevenly. They’re done when the crust is deep golden and crisp and the filling is hot and melty.
  • Rest and serve: Let calzones sit 3–5 minutes before cutting to keep cheese from spilling out. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.