Last night, I found an old calzone in the fridge. I was tired and hungry. So I tossed it into the microwave. Big mistake. The crust turned soft, and the inside stayed cold. That meal I had loved now felt ruined. A few days later, I tried again—this time using my air fryer. The difference was huge. The crust came out crispy, and the cheese melted just right. It tasted almost fresh. Since then, I’ve learned how to reheat calzone in air fryer the right way. It’s simple, fast, and keeps the flavour alive. Let me show you how.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Calzone
An air fryer uses hot air to cook food from all sides. It’s like a mini oven, but faster. The air moves in a circle, heating each part evenly. That’s why crusts turn crisp and centres stay warm.
Microwaves heat fast, but not well. They leave cold spots and soggy edges. Ovens can do better, but take more time and energy. The air fryer sits right in the middle—fast, clean, and tasty.
You get a crisp bite, not a rubbery one. The cheese melts smoothly. No wet crust. No dry filling.
Even the Best Air Fryers Under $50 can do the job. I’ve tested cheap and high-end models. Both gave great results with the right steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (350°F / 175°C)
Turn on and set it to 350 degrees. Let it run for 2–3 minutes. This step helps the crust start crisping right away. Skipping it can lead to soft spots.
Expert Tip: Some air fryers preheat fast. Others take a bit longer. I always give mine a quick test by hovering my hand above the basket to feel the heat.
Step 2: Let the Calzone Sit for a Few Minutes
Take the calzone out of the fridge. Place it on a plate. Leave it there for 5 minutes. This warms it slightly, so it heats better inside the fryer.
Expert Tip: A cold centre takes longer to heat and can stay chilly. Letting it rest avoids that problem.
Step 3: Place the Calzone in the Basket
Open the basket and lay the calzone flat. Leave space around the edges. Don’t stack anything on top. Air needs room to move.
Expert Tip: I use parchment paper under mine to catch drips. It also keeps cheese from sticking to the grate.
Step 4: Heat for 6–8 Minutes
Set the timer for 6 minutes. Check the crust at the halfway mark. Flip the calzone for even browning. Add 1–2 more minutes if it feels soft.
Expert Tip: Thick calzones may need up to 9 minutes. Thin ones usually finish in 6. Always check by touch—firm means ready.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Eating
Take the calzone out and let it rest for 2 minutes. The heat settles. The cheese sets. The crust gets that final crunch.
Expert Tip: I cut mine in half after resting. The middle should be hot, and the cheese should stretch just right.
My Favorite Tips for Crispy, Even Results
Want that perfect crunch every time? These simple tricks help your calzone reheat just right. I use them often, and they work like magic.
Flip for Even Browning
Halfway through cooking, turn the calzone over. This helps both sides crisp evenly. It also keeps the bottom from getting too dark.
Spray a Bit of Oil
A light mist of oil on top brings out a golden crust. Don’t soak it—just one quick spray is enough. Too much makes it greasy.
Foil for the Tip
Some calzones have thinner edges. These can burn fast. Wrap the tip in foil before cooking. It protects the soft part while the rest crisps up.
Give It Space
Never crowd the basket. Air needs room to move. If I reheat two calzones, I do them one at a time.
These tricks don’t just work for calzones. I use the same tips for reheating fish and chips in air fryer. The results are always crispy, hot, and satisfying
Reheating Frozen Calzones in Air Fryer
Got a frozen calzone? Don’t worry—you don’t need to thaw it. Just grab and get started.
Set the heat to 330°F (165°C). This lower temp keeps the outside from burning before the inside heats up. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even results.
Check at the 12-minute mark. If it’s still soft, add 1–2 more minutes.
The crust will turn crisp. The cheese will melt. It tastes fresh, not frozen.
Store-bought frozen calzones are often smaller and cook faster. Homemade ones may be thicker and need more time. I always test with a quick poke—firm outside, warm inside means it’s done.
This method works every time. No thaw. No guesswork. Just crispy, gooey goodness straight from the freezer.
Best Budget Air Fryers for Reheating
You don’t need a fancy air fryer to reheat calzones. In fact, some of the Best Air Fryers Under $50 do a great job. I’ve used both high-end and budget models. For leftovers, the cheaper ones work just fine.
Here are a few good picks I’ve tried or seen work well:
- Dash Compact – small, simple, great for snacks
- Chefman 2-Quart – quiet, easy to clean
- Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic – quick heat, budget-friendly
What matters most is even airflow and simple controls. You want the hot air to move well, so the food crisps all over.
Bonus tip: Look for models with a wide basket. It gives your calzone more space, which helps it heat better. A clear timer dial or digital screen is also helpful.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Want your calzone to taste great the next day? It starts with how you store it.
Let the calzone cool first. Then wrap it in foil. This keeps the crust from drying out. After that, place it in an airtight container. It locks in flavor and keeps smells out.
In the fridge, calzones stay good for up to 3 days. In the freezer, they last about 2 months. I always label and date mine. That way, there’s no guessing later.
Proper storage makes reheating easier. No soggy crust. No strange smells. Just simple, tasty leftovers—ready to go.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We all mess up sometimes. I’ve made every mistake on this list. The good news? You only make them once.
Too Much Heat, Too Fast
High heat sounds fast, but it backfires. The crust burns while the middle stays cold. Stick to medium heat for the best balance.
Skipping the Preheat
Cold baskets lead to uneven results. Always preheat for a few minutes. It helps the calzone start crisping right away.
Heating Too Long
Extra time won’t fix a cold center—it just dries things out. Check early. Add time in small steps if needed.
Stacking Food
Don’t pile calzones or snacks together. Hot air needs space. A packed basket makes things soggy, not crispy.
Final Thoughts
Leftover calzones don’t have to be boring. With a few simple steps, you can bring back the crunch, the melt, and the flavor you love.
The air fryer makes it easy. It’s quick. It’s clean. It works even for beginners. No stress. No soggy mess.
So don’t toss that extra calzone. Save it. Reheat it right. Give it the care it deserves.
Now you know how to reheat —and make it taste amazing every time.
