Cody Casey
Hot Pockets are a convenient snack, but cooking them in the microwave can result in a soggy texture. Using an air fryer is a faster and more effective method that delivers a crispy crust and evenly heated fillings. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures a crunchy exterior and prevents the cheese from bursting out. You can cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer straight from the freezer, and they will be ready in about 15 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F for 3-5 minutes, and then cook the Hot Pockets for 10-15 minutes. Let the Hot Pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
How do you cook hot pockets in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350°F-360°F (170°C) |
| Preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 350°F-360°F (170°C) |
| Cooking time | 10-18 minutes |
| Flip halfway through | Yes/No |
| Cooking surface | Parchment paper/Air fryer basket |
| Internal temperature | 165°F |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days |
| Reheating | Air fry at 360°F for about 5 minutes |
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Preheat settings
Preheating your air fryer is a good idea to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating is 350°F–360°F (170°C) for 3–5 minutes. This is the temperature at which the Hot Pocket will cook as well.
If you are cooking more than one Hot Pocket, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each Hot Pocket enough room to breathe for the best results. For two to three Hot Pockets, sources suggest cooking for 10–13 minutes, and for one Hot Pocket, 6–11 minutes. However, one source suggests that the cooking time for one Hot Pocket is 16 minutes, and for two, 18 minutes.
If you are short on time, one source suggests cooking the Hot Pocket in the microwave for 60 seconds and then cooking it in the air fryer at its highest setting for 3–4 minutes.
If you are cooking homemade Hot Pockets, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F/170°C for about 5 minutes. Arrange 2–3 Hot Pockets on the air fryer basket, allowing plenty of room between them so that they crisp up. Air fry for about 4 minutes on the first side. Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and flip with tongs. Continue to air fry for another 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crisped to your liking.
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Placement in the air fryer
When placing hot pockets in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are not overcrowded. Give each hot pocket enough room to breathe for the best results. Place the hot pockets, top side up, in a single layer, not touching, into the air fryer basket. You can place two to three pockets in at a time. If you are cooking homemade hot pockets, be sure not to over-stuff them, or the filling may leak out during cooking.
If you are cooking frozen hot pockets, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply increase the cooking time. If you are cooking homemade hot pockets, you can cook them straight from the freezer, but it is recommended to freeze them for 2-3 hours until solid before doing so.
It is also important to note that you should not use the cardboard sleeve, or "susceptor", that comes with the hot pockets when cooking them in the air fryer. This is because air fryers already do an excellent job of evenly distributing heat, so the sleeve is not necessary.
Finally, while it is not necessary to use cooking spray or non-stick spray on the tops of the hot pockets, you may wish to do so if you prefer a crispier finish.
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Timing
The cooking time for Hot Pockets in an air fryer varies depending on the amount you're cooking, the flavour, and the type of air fryer you're using. However, the general consensus is that they will cook in less time than a conventional oven, with most sources stating that they cook in 10 to 15 minutes.
For one Hot Pocket, one source suggests cooking for 16 minutes, while another suggests 11 to 13 minutes. For two Hot Pockets, one source suggests cooking for 18 minutes, while another suggests 13 to 15 minutes. It's important to note that cook times may vary depending on the flavour of the Hot Pocket, with one source stating that Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets can be cooked in 16 to 18 minutes.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for three to five minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking Hot Pockets is 350°F to 360°F (170°C). It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to give each Hot Pocket enough room to breathe.
When cooking from frozen, it is not necessary to thaw the Hot Pockets beforehand. Simply increase the cooking time accordingly. One source suggests cooking frozen Hot Pockets for six minutes per side at 350°F (170°C) until golden and crisped to your liking. Another source suggests cooking frozen Hot Pockets for about four minutes on the first side, then flipping and cooking for an additional two to three minutes.
It's important to note that overcooking Hot Pockets can cause the filling to burst out, so it's best to keep an eye on them during the cooking process. The Hot Pockets are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Leftover Hot Pockets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for a quick future snack. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F to 360°F for five to ten minutes, or until crispy and warmed throughout.
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Cooling
Once your Hot Pockets are cooked, it's important to let them cool slightly before serving. The insides of the pockets are very hot, and you don't want to burn your mouth! The recommended cooling time varies from source to source, with some suggesting 5 minutes, and others saying to wait until they are just warm.
If you have any leftover Hot Pockets, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for a future snack. There's no need to thaw frozen Hot Pockets before reheating; simply cook them a little longer in the air fryer.
To reheat, place the Hot Pockets in a preheated air fryer set to 350–360°F for 5–10 minutes, or until they're crispy and warmed throughout. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 60 seconds, and then finish them in the air fryer at its highest setting for 3–4 minutes.
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Flavour and filling
Hot Pockets are a versatile snack, perfect for any time of day. You can fill them with anything you like, from sweet to savoury. The possibilities are endless!
For a classic Hot Pocket, you can't go wrong with the tried-and-true combination of ham and cheese. Simply add some ham and shredded cheese to your dough, and you're good to go. If you want to get a little fancier, you can use a fork to crimp the edges and brush with an egg wash before cooking.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a pizza-inspired Hot Pocket. Add some pizza sauce, pepperoni slices, and cheese to your dough. You can even get creative with the type of cheese you use—mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or gruyere. Feeling extra hungry? Throw in some sausage or Italian seasonings like garlic, basil, oregano, and parsley.
For a vegetarian option, try a broccoli and cheese Hot Pocket. Just be sure to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the dough, along with your favourite type of cheese.
For a Mexican twist, why not try a taco-inspired Hot Pocket? Fill it with cooked ground meat or chorizo, Mexican cheese, tomato sauce or refried beans, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
If you're craving something sweet, you can make a dessert-style Hot Pocket. Fill it with your favourite sweet treats, such as chocolate, Nutella, or even fruit preserves.
No matter which filling you choose, the key is to avoid over-stuffing your Hot Pockets. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don't leak during the cooking process.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 11 to 18 minutes to cook hot pockets in an air fryer. However, some people suggest cooking them for as little as 10 minutes or as long as 20 minutes.
You should cook hot pockets at 350°F or 360°F.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F. Place the hot pockets in the air fryer basket, leaving enough room between them so that they crisp up. No need to spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 11 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisped to your liking.
Yes, you can cook hot pockets in an air fryer straight from frozen. You don't need to thaw them first, just cook them a little longer.
Yes, you can reheat hot pockets in an air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F or 360°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until crispy and warm throughout.
