Dinner

High-Protein Keto Chicken Pepperoni Calzone in the Air Fryer Recipe

ByHugo Harnd March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Introduction

This high-protein keto calzone is a flavorful and satisfying dinner that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Made with ground chicken and melted cheese, it offers a delicious alternative to traditional dough-based calzones. Quick to prepare and cooked in an air fryer, it’s an easy meal for busy weeknights.

Three golden-brown, crispy calzones with a slightly bubbly and toasted crust sprinkled with chopped green herbs are placed on a wooden board. One calzone is cut open, showing a rich filling of melted creamy white cheese, cooked ground beef, and small pieces of red bell peppers inside. A white bowl filled with chunky red tomato sauce, garnished with green herbs, sits beside the calzones on the wooden board. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 oz ground chicken
6-10 pepperoni slices
2 slices mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Italian seasonings (to taste)
Optional add-ins: keto-friendly marinara sauce, sliced mushrooms, spinach leaves, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian seasonings, and any optional add-ins you choose. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 3: Lay a piece of parchment paper on your work surface and shape the chicken mixture into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 4: Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices and pepperoni on one half of the chicken circle.
Step 5: Fold the other half of the chicken mixture over the toppings to form a calzone shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
Step 6: Brush the beaten egg over the top of the calzone to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
Step 7: Place the calzone carefully into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the outside is crispy.
Step 8: Remove the calzone from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
Step 9: Serve with keto-friendly marinara sauce on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

Try adding fresh basil or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition.
Use garlic powder and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Make extra filling to create mini calzones for appetizers or snacks.

Storage

Store any leftover calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.