I love to make fun, spooky treats for Halloween! A snake calzone is the perfect choice because it’s easy to make, ideal for the season, and crowd-pleasing as well. Just like a pizza, you can stuff a calzone with a variety of toppings, and both kids and adults will love it.
If you’re throwing a Halloween party, then this snake calzone is sure to be the center of attention! It’s adorable with just the right amount of spooky and slithery mixed in.
I’m a classic pepperoni and cheese fan, but you can stuff it with any sort of pizza toppings you like, such as sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and more!
Coil your snake up and pop it in your air fryer for a main course that’s ready in just 15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you don’t need to wait for the big oven to preheat, which is always a plus when you’re around ravenous ghouls and goblins!
If you’re looking for a pre-made option (even though it’s far less spooky), make sure to check out my Aldi Calzone Air Fryer recipe instead!
Ingredients List
13.8-ounce refrigerated pizza crust (such as Pillsbury)
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
3 ounces pepperoni (approximately 40 slices)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or more to taste)
½ tsp minced garlic (or more to taste)
Pizza sauce, any brand
2 sliced olives (black or green)
½” wide slice red bell pepper
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any refrigerated pizza crust, or make your own homemade. I prefer the tube version for this, as you don’t need to do much rolling and it’s appropriately shaped for snake making!
Any cooked pizza toppings you like can be added or substituted for the pepperoni. If you want a stromboli snake, omit the ricotta and parmesan and just do mozzarella cheese with the meat!
If you plan to bake this in a conventional oven instead (I’ll include directions for that below), then you’ll want to egg wash the outside of the snake before baking. However, the air fryer doesn’t need it, as it will brown the snake adequately without the wash
Step By Step Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, mixing well
Open the can of pizza dough, roll it out flat, then slice it in half lengthwise
Place two short ends together and press to seal the seam, so you create one long strip of pizza dough. You can use a rolling pin or just your hands to flatten the dough out a bit more if you need
Add the pepperoni and cheese filling to the center of the dough, making sure to leave about 1” at the head and tail end open, and at least ½” of space along the sides (otherwise you won’t get a good seal)
Bring the sides of the dough up around the filling, pinching the seams to seal so you create a tube
Fold the “tail” end into a triangle shape and pinch to seal
Make the head by folding the remaining dough into a ball shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just whatever you like!
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray (or you can line with perforated parchment paper)
Coil your snake calzone in the air fryer’s basket or on the rack. The seam should face downward. I start with the tail, then coil the body around (making sure the tail sticks out), and end with the head hanging over one side. You can wrap it any way that works for your specific air fryer’s size (just try not to make any one section too deep or the dough won’t cook through)
Add the sliced olives to the head, pressing them into the dough
Cut a V shape into the red pepper to create a forked tongue, then push it into the front of the head
Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until the dough is browned and cooked through
Transfer to a serving platter or plate and serve with pizza sauce for dipping!
Alternate Conventional Oven Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F
Place the snake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You may coil it, or just place it down and create an ‘S’ shape, leaving it long
Brush the snake with egg wash, then add the olive eyes and pepper tongue
Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F until golden brown
Serve hot
More Halloween Recipes to Serve With Snake Calzones
Snake calzones are a creative and playful twist on traditional calzones. They are filled with the same traditional ingredients, but are shaped like a snake, and served as a fun and unique appetizer or snack.
They can be coiled or shaped like an S, and sometimes dyed green for effect.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough for Snake Calzones?
Yes, using pre-made pizza dough is a convenient option for making snake calzones. It saves time and works well for this dish.
However, you can also make homemade dough if preferred. It will be more time consuming as it needs time to rise, and rolling and shaping the dough can be more difficult.
How Do I Shape the Pizza Dough to Resemble a Snake?
To create the snake shape, roll out the pizza dough into a long, thin strip. Then, fill it with your desired ingredients and fold it over. Twist or coil the strip to make it resemble a snake’s body.
Make sure to leave excess unfilled dough for the head and tail to be shaped accordingly.
What Are Some Recommended Fillings for Snake Calzones?
Popular fillings include a combination of cheese, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Typical choices include pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese.
Sauce should be served on the side for dipping, as inclusion inside can cause your calzone to be soggy.
Can I Cook Snake Calzones in an Air Fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is an excellent appliance for making snake calzones. It cooks them quickly and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Depending on the size and shape of your air fryer’s basket or rack, coil or shape your snake to fit accordingly.
What Temperature and Time Settings Are Ideal for Air Frying Snake Calzones?
Typically, set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook the snake calzones for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through.
The actual time needed will vary based on your specific air fryer, and the overall thickness of your snake.
How Can I Prevent the Snake Calzones from Bursting Open During Cooking?
To avoid bursting, make sure to seal the edges of the calzone well, and to face the seam downwards during cooking.
When you add the filling, make sure not to get it on the edges of the dough, as that will weaken the seal and make it more likely to leak.
Can I Make Snake Calzones Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare snake calzones in advance and store them in the refrigerator or the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve, simply air fry them for a few minutes to reheat and crisp them up.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Snake Calzones?
Snake calzones go great with a variety of dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a simple basil pesto can be wonderful choices.
I typically serve with pizza sauce, but any of your favorite pizza or breadstick sauces are a great option.
Can I Get Creative with the Snake Calzone Design?
Absolutely! Feel free to have fun with the snake calzone design. Use olives for the eyes, sesame seeds for skin texture, and red pepper strips for a forked tongue.
You can also use food safe coloring to tint the snake green, black or any other color you’d like to fit your spooky offerings.
Recipe Pro Tips
The pepper “tongue” will get browned as well during cooking. I think it adds a spooky charm to it. However, if you want a bright red tongue, add the forked pepper after cooking instead
You do not need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe. I find it makes it a daunting task to get the snake in with a hot basket. My calzones were perfect after 17 minutes total in a Ninja air fryer (but others may vary slightly)
If you find it easier, you cancoil your snake first and then transfer it to the air fryer basket. A piece of parchment cut to fit the basket can make the transfer easier
Feel free to cut your pepperoni slices into quarters and mix it in with the ricotta filling if you’d like a more even mixture. I’ve also noticed that the sides of the snake stay a bit “smoother” this way because the whole slices don’t push it out
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover snake calzone portions in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to one month
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes (depending on size and thickness of portion) or until heated through
These snake calzones are just perfect for Halloween, and so easy to make thanks to your air fryer. In just 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing savory treat (to offset all that Halloween candy)!
Since they’re quick, feel free to make a few different varieties to please different palettes and pizza topping preferences! You can slice them into small segments for easy eating from a buffet, or serve an entire one up as a meal.
Make sure to provide some pizza sauce for dipping for the perfect bite!
Snake Calzone (Easy Halloween Recipe for Air Fryer or Oven)
Make a spooky yet fun snake calzone for a savory Halloween offering! This crowd pleasing snack or meal bakes in just 15 minutes in your air fryer, or 30 in a conventional oven.
13.8Ouncerefrigerated pizza crust(such as Pillsbury)
½Cupricotta cheese
½Cupshredded mozzarella cheese
¼Cupgrated parmesan cheese
3Ouncespepperoni(approximately 40 slices)
1TspItalian seasoning(or more to taste)
½Tspminced garlic(or more to taste)
Pizza sauce, any brand
2Slicesolives(black or green)
½Inchwide strip of red bell pepper(curved ends removed)
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, mixing well
½ Cup ricotta cheese, ½ Cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ Cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 Tsp Italian seasoning, ½ Tsp minced garlic
Open the can of pizza dough, roll it out flat, then slice it in half lengthwise
13.8 Ounce refrigerated pizza crust
Place two short ends together and press to seal the seam, so you create one long strip of pizza dough. You can use a rolling pin or just your hands to flatten the dough out a bit more if you need
Add the pepperoni and cheese filling to the center of the dough, making sure to leave about 1” at the head and tail end open, and at least ½” of space along the sides (otherwise you won’t get a good seal)
3 Ounces pepperoni
Bring the sides of the dough up around the filling, pinching the seams to seal so you create a tube
Fold the “tail” end into a triangle shape and pinch to seal
Make the head by folding the remaining dough into a ball shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just whatever you like! I’ve made many of these, and they all look slightly different – that’s part of the charm!
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray (or you can line with perforated parchment paper)
Nonstick cooking spray
Coil your snake calzone in the air fryer’s basket or on the rack. The seam should face downward. I start with the tail, then coil the body around (making sure the tail sticks out), and end with the head hanging over one side. You can wrap it any way that works for your specific air fryer’s size (just try not to make any one section too deep or the dough won’t cook through)
Add the sliced olives to the head, pressing them into the dough
2 Slices olives
Cut a V shape into the red pepper to create a forked tongue, then push it into the front of the head
½ Inch wide strip of red bell pepper
Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until the dough is browned and cooked through
Transfer to a serving platter or plate and serve with pizza sauce for dipping!
Pizza sauce, any brand
Notes
You can use any refrigerated pizza crust, or make your own homemade. I prefer the tube version for this, as you don’t need to do much rolling and it’s appropriately shaped for snake making!
Any cooked pizza toppings you like can be added or substituted for the pepperoni. If you want a stromboli snake, omit the ricotta and parmesan and just do mozzarella cheese with the meat!
Alternate oven directions: Egg wash snake, then bake for 30 minutes at 375°F on a parchment lined baking sheet
The pepper “tongue” will get browned as well during cooking. I think it adds a spooky charm to it. However, if you want a bright red tongue, add the forked pepper after cooking instead
You do not need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe. I find it makes it a daunting task to get the snake in with a hot basket. My calzones were perfect after 17 minutes total in a Ninja air fryer (but others may vary slightly)
If you find it easier, you cancoil your snake first and then transfer it to the air fryer basket. A piece of parchment cut to fit the basket can make the transfer easier
Feel free to cut your pepperoni slices into quarters and mix it in with the ricotta filling if you’d like a more even mixture. I’ve also noticed that the sides of the snake stay a bit “smoother” this way because the whole slices don’t push it out
Store any leftover snake calzone portions in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to one month
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes (depending on size and thickness of portion) or until heated through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, toppings or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
