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Crispy Air Fryer Football Calzones: Best Game Day Snack

crispy air fryer football calzones - featured image
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Recreate the nostalgic taste of a classic sports bar calzone with this crispy, air-fried football-shaped snack. Featuring a golden-brown garlic butter crust and a molten center of pepperoni and mozzarella, these are perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ball (14-16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Pepperoni slices, cut into small pieces
  • Marinara sauce (thick consistency)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Cooking oil spray

Instructions

  1. Take refrigerated pizza dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to create garlic butter.
  3. Divide dough into two equal halves. On a lightly floured surface, stretch each half into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Place one half of the oval on your work surface. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese down the center, add pepperoni pieces and a small spoonful of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  5. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling. Press edges firmly to seal, crimp with a fork if desired, and trim excess dough.
  6. Gently pinch the two pointed ends of the oval to create a football shape, ensuring the seal is tight.
  7. Brush the top of each calzone generously with garlic butter and lightly spray with cooking oil.
  8. Place calzones in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Ensure the marinara sauce is thick to prevent soggy dough. Do not overload with filling to avoid leaks. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. For best results, use low-moisture mozzarella and squeeze excess water from any fresh vegetables if using variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer calzones, football snacks, game day food, crispy calzones, pepperoni calzone, easy appetizer, air fryer recipes

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/crispy-air-fryer-football-calzones-best-game-day-snack/