Looking for a quick, delicious, and high-protein meal? This High Protein Calzone is just what you need! It’s a low-carb, protein-packed alternative to traditional calzones, with ground chicken, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan all wrapped in a savory, golden crust. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also super tasty and perfect for anyone watching their carbs or looking for a protein boost. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious calzone at home!
Method
Start by preparing the chicken. In a mixing bowl, season the ground chicken with your favorite Italian seasonings to give it that classic Mediterranean flavor. Once the chicken is seasoned, flatten it out into a circle shape on a piece of greased parchment paper. This step will help you form the base of your calzone, and the parchment paper will make it easier to handle and shape without sticking.
Next, add the fillings. Place the pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese on one half of the flattened chicken circle. This is where the magic happens! The mozzarella will melt and create that gooey, cheesy goodness, while the pepperoni adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Once the fillings are in place, fold and seal the calzone. Carefully fold the other half of the chicken over the fillings, using the parchment paper to help you. Once folded, press the edges firmly to seal the calzone shut, ensuring that none of the cheesy filling escapes during cooking. This step is essential for keeping everything inside and ensuring the calzone cooks evenly.
Now, apply the egg wash and Parmesan. Brush the top of the folded chicken with the beaten egg, giving it a nice golden and crispy finish when baked. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top for an added cheesy kick that will make your calzone even more flavorful and irresistible.
Next, air fry the calzone. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Carefully place the calzone in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s positioned properly so it cooks evenly. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the calzone turns golden brown and crispy on the outside. Don’t forget to check halfway through and flip the calzone for an even cook.Finally, serve and enjoy. Once the calzone is cooked to perfection, take it out of the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or so. This helps the cheese set before you cut into it. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy this delicious, low-carb, high-protein treat!
Necessary Tools
- Parchment paper
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl for seasoning chicken
- Pastry brush for egg wash (optional)
- Knife for cutting pepperoni
High Protein Calzone: A Delicious and Easy Meal
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes12
minutes17
minutesIngredients
4 oz ground chicken
6 pepperoni slices
2 slices mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg, beaten
Italian seasonings (to taste)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your ground chicken with your favorite Italian seasonings. Flatten the chicken into a circle shape on a piece of greased parchment paper. The parchment paper helps with easy handling and shaping. - Add Fillings:
Place the pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese on one half of the chicken circle. This is where all the deliciousness happens – the melty cheese and savory pepperoni will make each bite of your calzone irresistible! - Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold the other half of the chicken over the fillings (using the parchment paper to help) and press down the edges to seal the calzone. This step is important to make sure none of the cheesy goodness escapes while baking. - Egg Wash and Parmesan:
Brush the top of the calzone with the beaten egg to give it a nice golden color when it bakes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of cheesy flavor. - Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the calzone in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside. Check the calzone halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the calzone is done, take it out of the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Serve it with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy this low-carb, high-protein treat!
Notes
- Be sure to press the edges of the calzone firmly to seal it properly. If not sealed well, the filling may leak out during cooking.
- Keep an eye on the calzone while it’s cooking to avoid over-baking. The crust should be golden brown, but not burnt.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer more spice, add a little extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this High Protein Calzone with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- You can also serve it with extra marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- If you want to make it even more filling, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
Fun Fact
Did you know that calzones were invented in Naples, Italy, as a way to make pizza more portable? Originally, they were filled with leftovers and eaten on the go, making them the perfect fast meal! Now, they come in many variations, and this high-protein version is a healthy twist on the classic.
Conclusion
This High Protein Calzone is a simple, delicious, and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. With its high protein content, it’s a great option for anyone looking to fuel their body with healthy ingredients while satisfying their cravings for something savory and cheesy. Give this recipe a try – it’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen!
