Air Fryer Pizza Pockets: A Quick, Easy Treat

Pizza pockets are a convenient snack option, and they can be made even crispier by using an air fryer. This method is faster than using a microwave or an oven and produces a gooey texture on the inside and a golden crust on the outside. You can make pizza pockets from scratch or use store-bought options, such as Hot Pockets, and customise them with your favourite fillings and toppings.

Pizza pockets in an air fryer vs. an oven

Pizza pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, perfect for those looking for a quick bite to eat. They can be made in an air fryer or an oven, but which method is best? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Air Fryer Pizza Pockets:

The air fryer is a popular choice for cooking pizza pockets, as it can deliver a crispy crust in less than half the time of a conventional oven. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking, and the higher temperature of 400°F (compared to 350°F in an oven) results in a golden brown exterior. It is important to preheat the air fryer for consistent results and avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispiness. For those short on time, an initial 60-second microwave blast can reduce the air frying time to just 3-4 minutes.

Oven-Baked Pizza Pockets:

Baking pizza pockets in the oven yields a flaky exterior and a gooey, delicious interior. The oven temperature is set lower than the air fryer at 350°F, and the cooking time is typically around 17-20 minutes. This method is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional cooking approach and are not in a hurry.

Reheating Pizza Pockets:

Leftover pizza pockets can be reheated in either the air fryer or the oven. For the air fryer, preheat to 350°F and heat the pockets for 3-4 minutes if refrigerated or 10-12 minutes if frozen. In the oven, reheat at 400°F for 5-10 minutes.

In conclusion, both the air fryer and the oven have their advantages. If time is of the essence and you crave that extra crispiness, the air fryer is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more classic cooking method and don't mind the longer cooking time, the oven is a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal preferences and time constraints.

How to make pizza pockets in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (you can use a pre-made option like Pillsbury pizza dough or make your own)
• Pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Your choice of fillings (e.g., pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, vegetables, cooked chicken, etc.)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Italian seasoning or other seasonings of your choice (optional)
• Egg (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Melted butter or olive oil (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin (if making your own dough)
• Mixing bowl (if making your own dough)
• Fork
• Knife
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• If making your own pizza dough, mix the flour and Greek yoghurt in a bowl until it forms a dough. Dust a surface with flour and knead the dough a few times until everything is mixed well.
• Roll out your pizza dough and cut it into squares. The number of squares will depend on the size of your pizza dough and how big you want your pizza pockets to be.
• Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on half of each square, leaving a slight space around the edges.
• Add your desired fillings on top of the sauce. Popular options include pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, vegetables, and cooked chicken.
• Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of cheese on top of your fillings.
• Fold the dough over, covering the sauce and cheese. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pocket.
• (Optional) Make an egg wash by whisking together an egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of the pizza pockets.
• (Optional) Make a small slit in the top of each pocket and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and more cheese.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Place the pizza pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the pizza pockets at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
• Your pizza pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the fillings are hot and fully cooked. To check if they are cooked thoroughly, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the filling is at least 165°F (74°C).
• Carefully remove the pizza pockets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
• (Optional) Brush the pizza pockets with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavour.
• Serve your pizza pockets with your favourite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Tips:

• If you want a crispier crust, lightly spray the pizza pockets with cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• To add more flavour, sprinkle some seasonings or herbs on the pizza pockets before air frying. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning are great options.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pizza pockets in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Always let the pizza pockets rest for a minute or two after cooking, as the fillings can be very hot.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey pizza pockets!

Pizza pocket air fryer pro tips

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pizza pockets helps ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Most air fryers don't require a long preheat time—usually around 2-5 minutes.

Use Cooking Spray

While the use of cooking spray is optional, it can significantly enhance the crispiness of the crust. You can use a cooking spray, like olive oil spray, to lightly coat the pizza pockets before placing them in the air fryer.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Arrange 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 it's best to cook in batches if you're making a large number of pizza pockets.

Flip Them Halfway Through

Flipping the pizza pockets halfway through the cooking process helps ensure that both sides of the crust brown evenly. This will give you a consistent texture and colour on the outside of your pizza pockets.

Let Them Rest

Allow the pizza pockets to rest for a minute or two after cooking. The fillings can be extremely hot, and a short rest helps prevent burns when you take a bite.

Experiment with Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your pizza pockets, consider sprinkling some seasonings or herbs on them before air frying. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning can elevate the taste of your pizza pockets.

Storing and reheating pizza pockets

Pizza pockets are a great option for a quick and convenient meal, and can be easily stored and reheated. Here are some detailed instructions on storing and reheating pizza pockets:

Storing Pizza Pockets:

It is recommended to store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, freezing is an option. Wrap each pizza pocket individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza pockets can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Pizza Pockets:

There are several ways to reheat pizza pockets, depending on your preferred method and desired level of crispiness. Here are some options:

• Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the leftover pizza pockets inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 3-5 minutes if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes if frozen. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the pizza pockets on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes at 350°F if refrigerated, or 20 minutes at 350°F if frozen.
• Microwave: Place the pizza pockets in the microwave and reheat for 2-3 minutes if refrigerated, or 3-4 minutes if frozen.

Regardless of the reheating method, it is important to ensure that the pizza pockets are heated evenly and thoroughly. Always allow some time for the pizza pockets to cool down before consuming, as they can be extremely hot straight out of the reheating appliance.

Pizza pocket fillings

Pizza pockets are a fun and versatile food that can be made with a variety of fillings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for pizza pocket fillings to get you started:

Meat Options:

• Ham: Go for a classic with a comforting and savoury taste.
• Pepperoni: The traditional pizza topping adds a spicy kick.
• Bacon: For a smoky flavour, try bacon with your favourite cheese.
• Salami: Vito Lacopelli's Neapolitan Calzone includes this alongside ricotta and two other types of cheese.
• Italian Sausage: This meat option can be used in place of pepperoni.
• Chicken: For a gourmet twist, coat your chicken in pesto and add mozzarella.

Vegetarian Options:

• Spinach: Combine with ricotta for a vegetarian option, and add mozzarella and seasonings.
• Mushrooms: Sauté and add a creamy parmesan garlic sauce and mozzarella.
• Broccoli: Pair with cheese for a nutritious and tasty option.
• Olives: Try this with chicken chunks and chilli, as seen in Naima's Pizza Pockets.
• Bell Peppers: Also known as capsicum, these can be used in a variety of vegetarian and vegan pizza pockets.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are a colourful and bite-sized option.
• Onions: Caramelised onions add a sweet flavour and pair well with BBQ beef.

Cheese Options:

• Mozzarella: This classic pizza cheese is a must-have for melting, stretchy goodness.
• Cheddar: A good meltable cheddar is perfect for a comforting and classic combination with ham.
• Ricotta: This soft cheese is a great option for vegetarians, pairing well with spinach.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan can be sprinkled on top or used in a sauce.
• Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture and goes well with Italian turkey sausage and arugula.

Other Fillings:

• Pizza Sauce: Use a cooked sauce to hold the fillings together better.
• BBQ Sauce: Try this with beef and caramelised onions for a hearty meal.
• Egg: This can be used as part of the filling or as an egg wash to help seal the edges and add a glossy sheen.
• Spices and Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, and basil are popular choices.

Feel free to mix and match these fillings to create your own unique combinations!

Frequently asked questions