Hot Pocket Perfection: Air Fryer Style

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying your Hot Pockets will give them a crispy, golden brown crust and a hot, cheesy centre. They're quicker to cook than conventional oven methods and the air fryer ensures a crunchy exterior every time.

How long to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer

Hot Pockets can be cooked in an air fryer in less than half the time it takes in an oven. They come out crispier than when microwaved and are ready much faster.

Cooking instructions

To cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• 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 them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
• 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 it in the microwave for 60 seconds, then cook it 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 Pocket sit for a good 5 minutes before eating. It will still be super hot on the inside.

Storing and reheating

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 make homemade Hot Pockets in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 can crescent roll dough
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ham
• 1 egg
• Water
• Oil

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350° Fahrenheit.
• Open the crescent roll tube and unroll the pastry. Separate the four perforated rectangles, then pinch together the triangle seams in the centre of each one to create four rectangles of crescent pastry dough.
• Place ¼ cup of cheese and ¼ cup of ham down the centre of each piece.
• Stretch the edges of the dough out, so that there is no ham or cheese near the edges. Then, fold over each rectangle (long side to long side) and use a fork to press the edges together.
• Line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper and spray it with oil.
• Brush both sides of each pocket with the beaten egg/water mixture.
• Place as many pockets as will fit with space between. Two at a time is better, as they are easier to flip if they are not crowded in the basket. However, you must flip the pastries, or the bottom side won't cook properly and you will have a gooey base.
• Bake for 5 minutes, then flip them and bake for another 5 minutes.
• Be sure to leave space between your hot pockets in the air fryer. The crust will puff up slightly, and you want the hot air to touch your dough so it can get flaky and golden.
• Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on these as they’re cooking. Watch for the dough to be the perfect golden brown colour. If they start to look overcooked, remove them from the air fryer.

Tips:

• The parchment paper helps the hot pockets not to stick to the bottom of the air fryer basket. If you don’t have any, spray your basket well and try to lift them off the bottom a few times throughout the cooking process.
• You can make one big hot pocket by pressing two pieces of dough together and filling it with twice the ingredients.
• You can customise your hot pockets by using turkey and Swiss cheese, chicken and ricotta, or even pizza toppings like pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
• You can add vegetables, but it's a good idea to pre-cook them first.
• You can dip your hot pockets in almost anything! For ham and cheese hot pockets, try ranch dressing, mustard, salsa, pizza sauce, or BBQ sauce.
• You can make vegetarian hot pockets by checking your dough packaging to make sure the ingredients are vegetarian. Fill with tomato sauce and veggies like peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Make sure you remove any visible water from your vegetables before placing them inside the dough.
• If you prefer not to use the egg wash, that’s fine, but your hot pockets may have less of a golden colour.

How to reheat Hot Pockets in an air fryer

If you're looking to achieve that perfect, crispy crust on your Hot Pockets, then an air fryer is the way to go! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your Hot Pockets to golden perfection:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, but this temperature range should be suitable for most models. Preheat for around 3-5 minutes to ensure your air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, olive oil, or line it with parchment paper cut to size. This step ensures that your Hot Pockets don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Place the Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer

Remove your Hot Pockets from the packaging and place them in the air fryer basket. It's important to ensure that they are not crowded and have some space around them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the Hot Pockets

Now, it's time to reheat your Hot Pockets! Cook them in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time may vary. You're looking for a golden brown crust and a hot, melted cheese filling. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are thoroughly reheated.

Step 5: Let Them Cool and Enjoy!

Once your Hot Pockets are nice and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will be very hot, so it's important to give them some time to cool down before taking a bite. Then, enjoy your freshly reheated Hot Pockets!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space allows for even cooking and extra crispiness.
• Check your air fryer's guidelines regarding the use of parchment paper and aluminum foil. Not all air fryers accommodate these materials.
• If using parchment paper, never preheat your air fryer with it inside, as it could be dangerous. Always place the parchment paper into the basket after preheating.
• Experiment with different types and flavors of Hot Pockets to find your favorite.
• Get creative with additional toppings and sauces! Try sprinkling some extra cheese on top or adding a side of ranch or pizza sauce for dipping.

What to serve with Hot Pockets

Hot Pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, and even better, they're versatile! There are a few ways to serve them, depending on your preference.

Firstly, you can serve them as a side dish or a snack. They are a great option for lunches and snacks, especially for those with busy schedules as they are quick to prepare and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. They are also a good option for kids as they are easy to eat and can be filled with pizza toppings, which most children enjoy.

If you're serving Hot Pockets as a snack, you can cook them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or in the microwave for 60 seconds, and then the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. You can also serve them with a variety of dips such as ranch dressing, mustard, salsa, pizza sauce, or BBQ sauce.

For a more substantial meal, Hot Pockets can be served as a main course. In this case, you might want to serve them with some sides. As they often contain meat and vegetables, a simple side salad could be a good option. Alternatively, some roasted or steamed vegetables would pair well and add some extra nutrition to the meal. If you're serving the Hot Pockets for breakfast, you might want to include some fresh fruit or a smoothie to add some vitamins and sweetness to the meal.

Finally, you can get creative and experiment with different fillings and crusts to change up your Hot Pocket game. You can make them from scratch, using a variety of doughs such as pizza dough, pie crust, or yeast-based dough, and fill them with anything from pizza toppings to chicken and ricotta. You can also make vegetarian Hot Pockets by filling them with tomato sauce and vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.

How to store leftover Hot Pockets

Hot Pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, but what happens when you have leftovers? Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover Hot Pockets to keep them fresh and safe to eat:

Storing in the Fridge:

Leftover Hot Pockets can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period, typically up to 3 days. It is important to let them cool down to room temperature before placing them in the fridge to maintain the safe temperature of other stored items. Wrap the Hot Pockets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent them from drying out and to maintain their flavour.

Storing in the Freezer:

If you want to store leftover Hot Pockets for a more extended period, the freezer is the best option. First, let the Hot Pockets cool down to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Put the wrapped Hot Pockets in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover Hot Pockets, there are a few reheating options. If they are frozen, allow them to thaw first. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or in the oven at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until the Hot Pockets are warmed through.

Remember to always check that your leftover Hot Pockets have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming them. Enjoy your crispy and flaky Hot Pockets!

Frequently asked questions