Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Can You Reheat Them?

Hot Pockets are a popular snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. Cooking them in an air fryer is faster than baking them in an oven and prevents the cheese from turning into lava while other sections remain frozen, as can happen with a microwave. Air frying Hot Pockets gives them a crispy, golden brown crust and a gooey, hot filling.

How long to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer. In fact, cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to get an even crispier crust than you would with a microwave or oven.

How to Cook Hot Pockets in an Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the Hot Pocket sandwiches in the air fryer without the crisper sleeve. Air fry for 11-13 minutes. There is no need to flip them over halfway through. Remove the Hot Pockets from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 5 minutes. They will still be very hot on the inside. Finally, place them inside the crisper sleeves and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Pockets:

• Preheat your air fryer so it cooks at the highest temperature for the longest time.
• If you’re short on time, cook the Hot Pockets in the microwave for 60 seconds, then cook them in the air fryer at its highest setting for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Only cook as many Hot Pockets as can fit in a single layer to allow for even cooking and extra crispiness.
• Let the Hot Pockets sit for about 5 minutes before eating. They will still be hot on the inside.
• Add some extra flavor by dipping them in ranch, Italian dressing with mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce.

Hot Pockets only need about 11 to 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Cook them at 350°F for a nice crispy crust.

Storing Leftover Hot Pockets:

Store any leftover Hot Pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by air frying on 360°F for about 5 minutes.

How to get a super crispy crust

To get a super crispy crust on your Hot Pockets, follow these steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F. Preheating ensures that your Hot Pockets will cook evenly, especially if they are frozen.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Pockets

Place your Hot Pockets into the air fryer basket, leaving the crisper sleeve out. You won't need it. Make sure you have the crisper sleeves nearby as they can be useful when handling hot Hot Pockets. Place the Hot Pockets top side up and ensure they are not touching. There is no need to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray as the Hot Pockets will not stick.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the Hot Pockets for 11-15 minutes. You do not need to flip them over halfway through. If you are cooking two Hot Pockets, place them separately in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Let Them Cool

Once you take the Hot Pockets out of the air fryer, leave them to cool for at least five minutes. The filling gets very hot, just like when you microwave a Hot Pocket, so be careful not to burn your mouth.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Place the Hot Pockets into the crisper sleeves and enjoy the super crispy crust!

Reheating Hot pockets in the air fryer

If you have leftover hot pockets, you can reheat them in the air fryer. You can also heat up thawed hot pockets in the air fryer. Simply put them into the air fryer and air fry for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until fully heated through.

If you want to reheat more than one hot pocket, place them in a single layer, not touching, in the air fryer basket. There is no need to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, as the hot pockets will not stick.

Reheat for 11-13 minutes, or until you have a golden brown crispy crust. You can also reheat at 360°F for about 5 minutes.

Let the hot pockets cool for a minute before slicing or biting into them.

Tips

• Preheating your air fryer is a good idea to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each hot pocket enough room to breathe for the best results.
• Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure your hot pocket is fully cooked. It should be at least 165°F.
• Let your hot pockets cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth.

What to serve with Hot Pockets

Hot Pockets are a convenient snack, lunch, or dinner option, and can be cooked in an air fryer or microwave. They are an American brand of microwavable turnovers, usually containing cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are a popular option for kids and those wanting a quick, tasty bite to eat.

Hot Pockets are often served as a snack, but what can you serve with them to bulk out a meal? Here are some ideas for what to serve with Hot Pockets:

• Salad: A fresh, crispy salad is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal. Try a simple garden salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion, or get creative with different vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
• Fries: For an indulgent treat, serve your Hot Pocket with a side of crispy, golden fries. You could even cook them in your air fryer!
• Hash Browns: If you're serving Hot Pockets for breakfast, hash browns are a great side dish. They're crispy, tasty, and pair well with the savory fillings in the pockets.
• Vegetables: Roast some vegetables in the oven for a healthy side dish. Carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and cauliflower all roast well and will add some extra vitamins and minerals to your meal.
• Soup: For a cozy, comforting meal, serve your Hot Pocket with a bowl of soup. This is a great option for colder weather. Try a classic tomato soup, a hearty vegetable soup, or a creamy potato soup.
• Dips: If you want to stick to the snack theme, serve your Hot Pockets with some dips! Try ranch, Italian dressing, mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce. These will add extra flavor and moisture to your Hot Pocket experience.

There are plenty of ways to bulk out your Hot Pocket meal and make it more interesting and nutritious. Get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your favorite combinations!

How to store leftover Hot Pockets

Storing leftover Hot Pockets correctly is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain their quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover Hot Pockets:

Before Cooking:

• Store unopened Hot Pockets in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below until you're ready to cook them.
• Keep them in the coldest part of the freezer to prevent thawing, as thawing and refreezing can compromise food safety and quality.

After Cooking:

• Allow the Hot Pockets to cool down: It's important to let them reach room temperature before storing them in the fridge.
• Wrap them individually: Use aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent the Hot Pockets from drying out and to maintain freshness.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped Hot Pockets in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odours or drying out.
• Refrigerate: Keep the leftover Hot Pockets in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34-40°F (1-4°C).
• Consume within 3-4 days: Leftover Hot Pockets should be eaten within three to four days to ensure food safety and maintain their taste and texture.
• Do not reheat and refreeze: Reheating and then refreezing leftover Hot Pockets can compromise their quality and safety.

Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer, as these may vary depending on the type of Hot Pocket. By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover Hot Pockets safely and maintain their taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions