High-Protein Keto Calzone: A Tasty Dinner Delight! Recipe
This High-Protein Keto Calzone offers a delicious and satisfying dinner option crafted with ground chicken, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni, perfectly seasoned with Italian spices. Air-fried to a crispy golden finish, this low-carb calzone keeps you in ketosis while delivering rich flavor and protein-packed goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 oz ground chicken
- Italian seasonings, to taste
Fillings
- 6–10 pepperoni slices
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten
Optional Add-Ins
- Keto-friendly marinara sauce
- Sliced mushrooms
- Spinach leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the calzone evenly and crisply.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with Italian seasonings and any optional add-ins like spinach or mushrooms. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the meat.
- Shape Dough: Lay a piece of parchment paper on your work surface and form the chicken mixture into a circle about 1/2 inch thick, which will act as the calzone ‘dough’.
- Add Fillings: On one half of this chicken circle, layer the mozzarella cheese slices and pepperoni, adding the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the chicken circle over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing firmly together to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Brush with Egg: Brush the beaten egg over the top of the calzone. This step provides a beautiful golden color and a slight glaze once cooked.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Carefully transfer the calzone on the parchment paper into the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and the outer layer is crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the calzone from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute to set the structure, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with keto-friendly marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the flavors even more.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) before serving to guarantee safety.
- You can customize ingredients with your favorite keto-friendly veggies and spices for added nutrition and taste.
- Brushing with beaten egg gives the calzone a glossy, golden crust but can be skipped if avoiding eggs.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transferring easier.
- Letting the calzone rest briefly after air frying helps it hold together better when cut.
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