Air Fryer Pizza Pockets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pizza pockets are a fun and delicious snack that can be easily made in an air fryer. They are simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. The convenience of pizza pockets lies in their ability to be prepared in advance and cooked quickly, making them perfect for busy days or as a snack. By making your own dough, sauce, and choosing fresh toppings, you can create healthier and tastier pizza pockets while avoiding additives found in store-bought options. Air frying delivers a crispy exterior and gooey interior, making it a superior cooking method to microwaving or oven-baking. This paragraph introduces the topic of cooking pizza pockets in an air fryer, highlighting their appeal, convenience, and the benefits of homemade versions.

Pizza pocket filling ideas

Pizza pockets are a fun and easy meal to make, and you can get creative with the fillings. The traditional pizza pocket is made with a simple homemade pizza dough recipe, filled with sauce, pepperoni, sausage, and cheese. However, there are many other delicious options to fill your pizza pockets.

You can use store-bought pizza dough and your favourite pizza toppings to make pizza pockets. Try different ingredients like chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, ham, olives, spinach, bacon, alfredo sauce, and pesto. For the best melt, shred some fresh pizza mozzarella. You can also use crescent dinner rolls and fill them with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Other topping ideas include mushrooms, onions, extra cheese, black olives, green peppers, pineapple, and spinach.

If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dough, but you'll need to roll it out before cutting, which can be time-consuming. You can also use canned pizza crust, but you'll need to roll it out and cut it into rectangles or circles before filling and folding.

For a super crispy crust, cook your pizza pockets in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 to 13 minutes. You can also reheat leftover pizza pockets in the air fryer; cook at 360 degrees for about 5 minutes.

How to get a crispy crust

Pizza pockets are a fun and delicious snack that can be easily made in an air fryer. To get a crispy crust, there are several steps you can follow:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures consistent cooking and helps achieve optimal crispiness. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F, depending on your preference and the specific model of your air fryer.

Secondly, prepare your pizza pockets. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Fill each circle with your desired toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, or sauce. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pockets to burst during cooking. Fold the circles in half and crimp the edges securely with a fork or an empanada press.

Next, brush the tops of the pizza pockets with a beaten egg. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden crust. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavour and crispiness.

Now, carefully place the pizza pockets into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. Allow some space between each pocket so that hot air can circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Set the temperature of your air fryer, if you haven't already, and cook the pizza pockets. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of crispness, but on average, they should cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Finally, remove the pizza pockets from the air fryer and let them cool. They will be extremely hot, so it's important to give them enough time to cool down before serving. Enjoy your crispy, golden, and delicious pizza pockets!

Cooking times and temperatures

When cooking pizza pockets in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is around 350°F to 375°F. However, some sources suggest preheating to 400°F. It is also crucial to ensure that the pizza pockets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Allow some space between each pocket so that hot air can circulate freely, ensuring even cooking.

The cooking time for pizza pockets in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook pizza pockets in an air fryer. Some sources suggest cooking for as little as 8 to 10 minutes, while others recommend up to 15-17 minutes for frozen pizza pockets. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the pizza pockets during the first cooking session to determine the optimal cooking time for your specific air fryer model.

For a super crispy crust, it is suggested to cook the pizza pockets at 350°F. However, some sources recommend cooking at 300°F until the pockets are golden brown. It is also worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the fillings and toppings used in the pizza pockets. For instance, if using an egg wash or brush before cooking, the pockets may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired golden color.

Additionally, it is not necessary to flip the pizza pockets halfway through the cooking process, as some air fryers may automatically flip the food for even cooking. However, for certain models, flipping the pockets halfway through can help achieve an even crisp on both sides.

Once the pizza pockets are cooked, it is important to let them cool down before serving. They will be extremely hot, so giving them some time to cool will ensure a better dining experience.

How to store pizza pockets

Pizza pockets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool down before transferring them into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. They can also be reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pizza pockets can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them from frozen in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Homemade pizza pocket recipes

Pizza pockets are a fun and easy dish to make with your kids. They are simple to make and delicious. You can use store-bought biscuit dough or make your own dough from scratch. Here are some recipes for homemade pizza pockets that you can cook in an air fryer:

Cheese Pizza Pockets

For this recipe, you will need to remove the crusts from the bread and flatten the center with your thumb. Place a small amount of tomato sauce and cheese, about 1 tablespoon of each per slice. You can also add toppings such as pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms. Brush the edges of the bread with egg yolk and press them to seal the pizza pockets. Using a fork to mark them can be helpful. Preheat your air fryer to about 360°F for a few minutes. Place the mini pizza pockets in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage, Manchego, and Red Onion Pizza Pockets

This recipe uses a cauliflower crust, which is a great gluten-free option. You can use store-bought cauliflower crust or make your own by grating and roasting cauliflower. First, preheat your air fryer to 375 °F. Roll out the crust and cut it into 6 circles, about 5 inches each. Gather the scraps and roll them out again to cut 2 more circles. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, and pizza seasoning. Add your toppings of choice to each circle, such as roasted garlic chicken sausage, Manchego cheese, and red onion. Top each with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce. Dab the edges of the circles with milk and fold them in half, crimping the edges with a fork. Brush the crust with a beaten egg and cook in a single layer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheeseburger Pizza Pockets

This recipe is similar to the cheese pizza pockets but with a fun twist. You can use store-bought biscuit dough or make your own. First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Flatten the dough and add your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as ground beef, cheese, pickles, and sauce. Brush the edges with milk or egg yolk and seal the pockets. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.

Tips for Cooking Pizza Pockets in an Air Fryer:

• You don't need to preheat your air fryer, especially if you are using biscuit dough. This will allow the dough to gently rise and bake rather than fry.
• If you are using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before using it. This will make it easier to work with.
• You can add extra flavor by dipping your pizza pockets in ranch, Italian dressing, mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce.

Frequently asked questions