Air Fryer Pizza Pockets: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pizza pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, and they can be made even better by cooking them in an air fryer. Not only does this method create a crispier crust, but it's also faster than cooking them in the oven. Plus, you can avoid the sogginess that can sometimes occur when pizza pockets are microwaved. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked pizza pockets with a golden brown and crispy exterior and a hot and gooey interior.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza pocket-making process. It helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Most air fryers don't need to be preheated for very long – around 2-5 minutes should be sufficient. The ideal temperature range for cooking pizza pockets is 350-360°F.

Preheating your air fryer to this temperature range will give you the best results for your pizza pockets. It is important to note that different types of dough and fillings may require slight adjustments to the cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza pockets while they are cooking.

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. It is best to arrange the pizza pockets in a single layer, making sure they are not touching, to allow the hot air to circulate freely.

By preheating your air fryer to 350-360°F and following the other recommended tips, you will be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and gooey pizza pockets!

Place the pizza pockets in the air fryer basket

Now it's time to place the pizza pockets in the air fryer basket. Make sure you've preheated your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also lightly spray the exterior of the pizza pockets with cooking spray for extra crispiness, but this is optional.

It's important to place the pizza pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking, so you may need to cook them in batches. If you're cooking more than one pizza pocket, it's best to air fry them in a single layer.

Once you've placed the pizza pockets in the air fryer basket, you'll cook them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

While the pizza pockets are cooking, you can prepare any dipping sauces you'd like to serve with them, such as marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Air fry for 10-15 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, removed the Hot Pockets from their packaging, and placed them in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them.

Air fry the pizza pockets for 10-15 minutes. There is no need to flip them over halfway through. You may want to adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

The pizza pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The fillings should be hot and fully cooked. To ensure they are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should register at least 165°F (74°C).

Let the pizza pockets cool for a minute or two before serving, as the fillings can be very hot. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Remove from the air fryer and let cool

Once the pizza pockets are golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove them from the air fryer. They will be very hot on the inside, so it's important to let them cool for at least 2-5 minutes before serving. This will allow the fillings to cool slightly and prevent burns.

The pizza pockets should be allowed to cool to room temperature before storing them. This is to prevent condensation from making them soggy. Place the cooled pizza pockets in an airtight container or wrap them individually in aluminium foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, pizza pockets can be frozen. Wrap each pizza pocket in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, cook them from frozen in the air fryer.

Serve with your favourite sauces

Pizza pockets cooked in an air fryer are a great snack option, and you can serve them with your favourite sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces to elevate your pizza pockets:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice, marinara sauce is a type of tomato-based sauce that is commonly used on pizzas and pasta dishes. It has a rich, tangy flavour that pairs well with the cheese and other toppings in your pizza pockets.

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is specifically formulated to complement the flavours of a pizza. It often has a sweeter taste than marinara sauce, with a thicker consistency. Dipping your pizza pockets in pizza sauce will enhance the overall pizza experience.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy, herb-based dressing that adds a tangy and savoury note to your pizza pockets. It is a versatile sauce that goes well with various toppings, especially chicken and vegetables.

Ketchup

Ketchup, or catsup, is a sweet and tangy condiment that is a popular choice for fries, burgers, and other snacks. It can add a touch of sweetness and a bit of extra flavour to your pizza pockets, especially those with meat or cheese fillings.

Italian Dressing with Mustard

For a more robust and pungent flavour, consider dipping your pizza pockets in Italian dressing with a hint of mustard. The combination of herbs and spices in the Italian dressing, along with the sharpness of mustard, will create a unique and memorable taste experience.

Jalapeno Cheese Sauce

If you're feeling adventurous and enjoy spicy food, jalapeno cheese sauce is a fantastic option. The creamy cheese sauce is kicked up a notch with the addition of jalapenos, providing a spicy and indulgent dip for your pizza pockets.

Feel free to experiment with other sauces and condiments that you enjoy! The beauty of pizza pockets is their versatility, and you can certainly get creative with the sauces you pair them with.

Frequently asked questions