Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Can You Cook Them?

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, but cooking them in the oven or microwave can lead to inconsistent results, with some parts frozen and others burning hot. Air fryers offer a solution to this problem, providing a quick and easy way to cook Hot Pockets with a crispy crust and evenly heated fillings. This article will explore the benefits of using an air fryer to cook Hot Pockets, including reduced cooking times, improved texture, and the ability to cook from frozen. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer, including temperature and timing recommendations, and suggestions for customising your Hot Pockets with different fillings.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking hot pockets in an air fryer is 350°F. However, some sources suggest cooking at 360°F for 5 minutes, and one source recommends preheating to 400°F.

The cooking time varies depending on the source, ranging from 6 to 15 minutes. Most sources recommend cooking for 10 minutes, while others suggest 11 to 13 minutes. One source recommends cooking for 13 to 15 minutes, and another suggests starting with 7 minutes and increasing the time to a maximum of 10 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the number of hot pockets being cooked. It is recommended to cook hot pockets in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack, as this will impact the cooking time and results.

When cooking hot pockets in an air fryer, it is generally not necessary to flip them halfway through the cooking process. However, some sources recommend doing so to ensure even cooking on both sides.

It is important to let the hot pockets cool slightly before serving, as the inside can be very hot. This will help prevent burning your mouth.

Pre-made vs. homemade

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, and they can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick, crispy treat. But are pre-made or homemade Hot Pockets better?

Pre-made Hot Pockets

The beauty of pre-made Hot Pockets is their convenience. They are easy to find in the freezer section of most grocery stores, and they can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. Simply cook at 350°F /170°C for around 10-13 minutes, and you have a hot, crispy snack. Pre-made Hot Pockets are perfect for those short on time or who want a quick, easy meal without the fuss of preparing and assembling the ingredients.

Homemade Hot Pockets

Homemade Hot Pockets are a great option if you want to control the ingredients and experiment with different flavours. Making your own Hot Pockets allows you to get creative and cater to personal preferences or dietary requirements. Homemade Hot Pockets can be made with pre-made pizza dough or from scratch, and filled with your choice of meat, vegetables, and cheese. They can be filled with anything from pepperoni and sausage to broccoli and black beans. They are also a fun project to do with kids, who can help assemble and fill the pockets. Homemade Hot Pockets can be made in batches and frozen, so they are a convenient, healthier alternative to store-bought Hot Pockets.

Both pre-made and homemade Hot Pockets have their advantages. Pre-made Hot Pockets are ideal for those short on time, while homemade Hot Pockets allow for customisation and can be a fun, creative project. Whichever you choose, cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, golden snack.

Filling options

Hot Pockets can be filled with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savoury. Here are some filling options for your hot pockets:

Pizza-style fillings:

• Sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasonings like garlic, basil, oregano, and parsley.
• Pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage with mozzarella cheese.
• Buffalo-style chicken.
• Chicken, broccoli, and cheddar.
• Double pepperoni pizza.

Breakfast-style fillings:

• Scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage or ham, and Colby Jack or mild cheddar cheese.
• Sausage, egg, and cheese.

Mexican-style fillings:

Cooked ground meat or chorizo, Mexican cheeses, tomato sauce or refried beans, cumin, chili powder, and garlic.

Other savoury fillings:

• Ham and cheese (using any type of cheese you have, such as cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, or Gruyere).
• Broccoli and cheese (blanch the broccoli before constructing the hot pocket).

Sweet fillings:

Any type of sweet or dessert filling.

You can also add toppings and sauces to your hot pockets before or after cooking. For example, you can sprinkle extra cheese on top for a gooey finish, or add herbs or spices to the crust for extra flavor. Drizzle with olive oil for a shiny finish, or sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for added crunch. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Reheating

To reheat Hot Pockets in an air fryer, first, remove the crisping sleeve that comes with the Hot Pocket. Then, preheat the air fryer to 350°F or 360°F for three minutes. Next, place one or two Hot Pockets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded so the hot air can circulate. Reheat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the Hot Pocket is crispy and warm throughout.

If you are reheating a freshly cooked Hot Pocket, allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. Reheat for 2-4 minutes at 350°F, or until fully heated through.

The cooking time may vary depending on the flavor and the number of Hot Pockets being cooked, so it is always good to keep an eye on them to ensure they are not burning.

Serving suggestions

When serving hot pockets, it is important to let them cool down for at least five minutes before eating. This will prevent you from burning your mouth. You can also serve them with condiments like mustard or mayo. For the pizza version, you can use extra sauce as a dip. For the ham and cheese version, a little honey mustard sauce makes for a great dippable option.

If you want to make a healthy meal out of hot pockets, you can serve them with cut veggies and ranch dressing, air fryer Brussels sprouts, or a spinach strawberry salad. You can also serve them with a side salad, chips, air fryer waffle fries, or some fruit for a more balanced meal.

If you have any hot pockets left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them.

Frequently asked questions