Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Can You Do It?

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, but the traditional cooking methods of using a microwave or regular oven can often result in a soggy texture and uneven cooking. However, cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer offers a quick, convenient, and delicious alternative.

Air frying a Hot Pocket only takes around 10-15 minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted interior. The key to success is preheating the air fryer, ensuring adequate spacing between the Hot Pockets, and cooking them until they reach a golden brown colour.

Additionally, the air fryer method eliminates the need for a crisping sleeve, and the risk of an unevenly cooked Hot Pocket is significantly reduced. This cooking technique is suitable for all flavours of Hot Pockets, including pepperoni pizza, ham and cheese, and BBQ chicken.

So, if you're looking for a quick snack or an easy lunch, cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer is a great option to consider.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature range to preheat your air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range is suitable for all types of Hot Pockets, including Regular, Big & Bold, and Breakfast varieties.

Preheating your air fryer is not mandatory, but it can help reduce the overall cooking time and achieve a crispier crust. It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for about 5 minutes before placing the Hot Pockets inside.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the frozen Hot Pockets inside without the crisping sleeve. Make sure to leave some space between each Hot Pocket to allow for even cooking and optimal air circulation.

The preheating step is essential in ensuring that your Hot Pockets cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you can be sure that your Hot Pockets will turn out crispy, crunchy, and perfectly cooked.

Place hot pockets in the air fryer basket

Place the hot pockets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer. The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of hot pocket and your air fryer, but generally, you should cook them for around 10-15 minutes at 350-375°F.

When placing the hot pockets in the air fryer basket, ensure that they are frozen and that they are placed top-side up. You do not need to use cooking spray or oil as the hot pockets will not stick. However, if you want to add extra flavour, you can brush them with butter or olive oil and add seasonings like garlic powder.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of hot pockets you are cooking. Be sure to leave enough space between the hot pockets so that they cook evenly.

Additionally, you should preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Most instructions recommend preheating to 350-375°F for about 5 minutes.

Finally, let the hot pockets cool slightly before serving. The inside of the hot pocket can be very hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.

No need to spray the air fryer basket

If you're making Hot Pockets in an air fryer, you don't need to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. The hot pockets will not stick. However, if you want to make the hot pockets extra crispy, you can spray the tops of them with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

When cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer, it's important to place them in a single layer with space between them. This ensures even cooking and extra crispiness. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of air fryer, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer.

It's also important to note that you should not use the crisping sleeve that comes with Hot Pockets when cooking them in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen Hot Pockets directly into the air fryer basket and cook until golden brown and crispy.

Some people also recommend preheating the air fryer before cooking Hot Pockets to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it's a good idea to let the Hot Pockets cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth, as the filling can get very hot.

Cook for 10-15 minutes

When cooking hot pockets in an air fryer, it's important to ensure they cook for long enough to get that desired crispy crust. Depending on the number of hot pockets you're cooking, the type of crust, and the wattage of your air fryer, cooking times may vary.

For one hot pocket, it's recommended to cook for 11-13 minutes at 350-360°F. For two hot pockets, you should cook for 15-18 minutes at the same temperature. However, if you're cooking two hot pockets, it's important to ensure they are not overlapping in the air fryer, as this will affect how evenly they cook.

If you're cooking homemade hot pockets, the cooking time will differ slightly. For a light, crispy crust, you should cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F. Don't forget to flip your hot pockets halfway through the cooking process!

It's also important to note that you should never preheat an air fryer with parchment paper or foil, as it can be sucked up into the heating element. Always place the parchment paper or foil into the basket after preheating.

Let cool before serving

When cooking hot pockets in an air fryer, it is important to let them cool down before serving. This is because the inside of the hot pocket will be extremely hot, and you don't want to burn yourself. Depending on the recipe, you should let the hot pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will give the hot pockets time to cool down slightly and will help prevent any burns.

Additionally, letting the hot pockets cool before serving can improve the taste and texture. If you eat a hot pocket straight out of the air fryer, it may be too hot to taste the flavours properly. Waiting a few minutes will also give the cheese and sauce a chance to thicken up again after being melted by the heat. This can lead to a more enjoyable, less messy eating experience.

Another benefit of letting hot pockets cool before serving is that it gives you time to prepare any dipping sauces or sides. Many people like to serve hot pockets with a side of ranch, Italian dressing, mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce. By letting the hot pockets cool slightly, you can take the time to prepare these accompaniments, which can enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of the dish.

Finally, letting hot pockets cool can help prevent any issues with the pastry. If you eat a hot pocket straight out of the air fryer, the pastry may be too crispy or flaky and could fall apart. By letting it cool slightly, the pastry can settle and become more stable, providing a better eating experience.

In conclusion, letting hot pockets cool before serving is an important step for both safety and taste reasons. It ensures that the hot pockets are at a comfortable temperature for eating, and it gives the fillings and pastry time to settle, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions