Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Safe?

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, but can you put them in the air fryer? The answer is yes! Cooking frozen Hot Pockets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside nice and gooey. It's faster than using an oven and results in less leakage than microwaving.

To cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to around 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the Hot Pockets from their packaging and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Your Hot Pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is hot and fully cooked.

How long to cook a hot pocket in an air fryer

Air fryer hot pockets are a quick and easy snack or lunch option. They are also a great way to get a crispy crust without the added calories or trans fats of a deep fryer.

To cook hot pockets in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350–360 °F. Place the hot pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the hot pockets are golden brown and crispy. There is no need to flip them over halfway through.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to start checking on your hot pockets after about 10 minutes.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Pockets

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Use cooking spray for extra crispiness (optional).
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Arrange the hot pockets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Let the hot pockets rest for a minute or two after cooking, as the fillings can be very hot.
• Experiment with seasonings to add extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating

You can store any leftover hot pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, simply place them back into the air fryer and cook at 350 °F for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through.

What temperature to cook a hot pocket in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Pockets

Remove the Hot Pockets from their packaging and crisper sleeve. If you want to add extra crispiness to the crust, you can lightly spray the exterior of the Hot Pockets with cooking spray, such as olive oil spray. However, this step is optional.

Step 3: Place the Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer

Place each Hot Pocket in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Hot Pockets

Cook the Hot Pockets at 350°F or 360°F for 10-15 minutes, or until you have a golden brown, crispy crust. There is no need to flip them over halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your air fryer Hot Pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the fillings are hot and fully cooked. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Remove from the Air Fryer and Serve

Carefully remove the Hot Pockets from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a minute or two as the fillings can be very hot. Serve your air-fried Hot Pockets alone or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Cooking Hot Pockets in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Use cooking spray to enhance the crispiness of the crust.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the Hot Pockets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Let the Hot Pockets rest for a minute or two after cooking to prevent burns from the hot fillings.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning, to add extra flavour.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days and reheat in the air fryer.

How to make a homemade hot pocket for the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Mini pepperoni slices
• 1 egg
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the pizza dough by dividing it into equal portions, depending on how many hot pockets you want to make.
• Roll each portion into a square or round shape, about 4-5 inches in size.
• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce in the middle of each dough portion.
• Add shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices on top of the sauce.
• Carefully fold the dough over to create a pocket and use a fork to seal the edges shut.
• Place the hot pockets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Lightly spray the hot pockets with cooking spray (optional) for extra crispiness.
• Air fry the hot pockets at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the hot pockets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the hot pockets from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Tips:

• To add extra flavour, sprinkle some seasonings or herbs on the hot pockets before air frying.
• For a crispy crust, preheat your air fryer and use cooking spray.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the hot pockets in batches if needed.
• Always let the hot pockets rest for a few minutes after cooking to prevent burns, as the fillings can be very hot.

How to reheat a hot pocket in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F and preheat for 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Pocket

Remove the Hot Pocket from its packaging and crisper sleeve. You can lightly spray the exterior with cooking spray for a crispier crust, but this is optional.

Step 3: Place the Hot Pocket in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the Hot Pocket in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it doesn't touch or overlap with the sides of the basket or other Hot Pockets. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry the Hot Pocket

Air fry the Hot Pocket at 350°F (175°C) or 360°F for 11-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. There is no need to flip the Hot Pocket halfway through.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your Hot Pocket is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling—it should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the Hot Pocket from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be very hot. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces if desired.

Tips:

• Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispier crust.
• Cooking spray is optional but will enhance the crispiness of the crust.
• Arrange Hot Pockets in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch or overlap, to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
• Let the Hot Pocket rest for a minute or two after cooking to prevent burns from the hot filling.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.

What to serve with a hot pocket cooked in an air fryer

Hot Pockets are a versatile food, great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served as a snack, or as part of a larger meal.

If you're serving them for breakfast, consider pairing them with some fresh fruit, or a smoothie, to balance out the meal.

For lunch, you could serve them with a side salad, or some crudites and dip. If you're serving multiple Hot Pockets, you could offer a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or ketchup.

For dinner, you could serve Hot Pockets with a side of roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. If you're looking for a heartier meal, you could pair them with a bowl of soup, or a side of fries.

Finally, don't forget to offer something to drink! Depending on the time of day and the occasion, this could be a glass of milk, a cup of tea or coffee, or a soft drink.

Frequently asked questions