Marianne Martinez
Hot Pockets are a popular snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy crust. While cooking times may vary depending on the flavour and the number of Hot Pockets being cooked, the general method is to preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 3-5 minutes, and then cook the Hot Pockets for 11-16 minutes. Some recipes recommend cooking at 350°F for 10 minutes, and then checking and adding a few minutes if needed. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F to ensure the snack is cooked through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 360°F |
| Preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Basket preparation | Lightly coat with olive oil or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper |
| Hot Pocket placement | Top side up, not touching, in a single layer |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Cooking time | 11-16 minutes |
| Internal temperature | At least 165°F |
| Post-cooking | Let cool slightly before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your Hot Pockets cook evenly and don't end up soggy. It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for at least three minutes, although some sources recommend five minutes to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for the best results.
If you're short on time, you can use a combination of the microwave and air fryer to cook your Hot Pockets in just five minutes. Simply cook the Hot Pocket in the microwave for 60 seconds, and then put it in the air fryer at its highest setting for 3-4 minutes.
While preheating your air fryer, you can prepare the basket by lining it with parchment paper cut to size. You can also lightly coat the basket with olive oil or a non-stick spray if needed. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers allow the use of parchment paper or aluminum foil, so be sure to check your user manual.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place your Hot Pockets inside without the crisper sleeve. Ensure they are not touching to allow for even air circulation and a crispy golden crust.
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Cook time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for Hot Pockets in an air fryer depend on the quantity being cooked, the type of Hot Pocket, and the desired texture.
For one Hot Pocket, it is recommended to cook it for 11 to 16 minutes at 350-360°F. The cooking time can be reduced to 8 to 10 minutes if the Hot Pocket is reheated. For two Hot Pockets, it is recommended to cook for 18 minutes at 360°F.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of Hot Pocket and the desired texture. For example, the Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pocket can be cooked in 16-18 minutes. Additionally, some sources suggest cooking Hot Pockets for as little as 6-8 minutes at 350°F, or until they are golden brown with a light crispy crust.
To ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before cooking. The Hot Pockets should be placed in a single layer, not touching each other, in the air fryer basket. There is no need to use cooking spray or the crisping sleeve that comes with the Hot Pockets.
It is important to let the Hot Pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving, as the inside can be extremely hot.
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How to check if it's cooked
To check if your Hot Pocket is cooked, you should look for a golden brown exterior. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to ensure the filling is heated through. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this. If you start to see the cheesy inside bursting out, you'll know it's done!
Different air fryers may cook at different speeds, so it's important to keep an eye on your Hot Pocket the first time you cook it. You can start checking it at around 7 minutes, and it's likely to be done somewhere between 10 and 16 minutes. If you're reheating a Hot Pocket that's been stored in the fridge, it may only need 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.
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Reheating hot pockets
If you have leftover hot pockets, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the hot pockets in a preheated air fryer set to 360°F for about five minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 60 seconds and then finish them off in the air fryer at its highest setting for three to four minutes.
When reheating hot pockets in the air fryer, ensure that they are placed in a single layer with space around them for even cooking. You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper cut to size or lightly coat it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
The cooking time for reheating hot pockets in the air fryer may vary depending on the flavor and the number of hot pockets you are cooking. As such, it is recommended to check the box for instructions. Generally, the cook time for reheating is shorter than the initial cooking time.
It is important to note that hot pockets are extremely hot on the inside after being cooked or reheated in the air fryer. Therefore, it is advised to let them cool for at least five minutes before consuming.
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Homemade hot pockets
Hot Pockets are a tasty treat, but they are even better when made at home. You can fill them with whatever you like and know exactly what is in them. Plus, they are super easy to make and can be frozen for a quick future snack. Here is a recipe for homemade hot pockets that you can make in your air fryer.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for when kneading)
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Butter
- Milk
For the filling:
- Any "wet" (condiment) ingredient such as horseradish, salad dressing, or herbed tomato sauce
- Any kind of sliced or shredded meat
- Any kind of shredded cheese
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the salt, baking powder, and flour. Cut the butter in, then add the milk and stir with a spoon.
- Knead for 5 minutes, adding in more flour until the dough doesn't stick to the sides of the bowl. Do not add more than 1 cup of flour in total.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Cut the dough into squares, each measuring about 5 by 6 inches.
- Fill each square with your desired filling and pinch the edges to seal the dough. You can fill them with anything you like, such as leftover meat and cheese.
- Place the pockets onto parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Brush the hot pockets with milk and garnish with dry herbs such as oregano, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the hot pockets, top side up, into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. There is no need to spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Cook for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Let the hot pockets cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- If you want to use yeast-based dough, you can use the yogurt function on your Instant Pot to quickly raise the dough.
- If you are short on time, you can use store-bought frozen bread dough.
- If you have any leftover hot pockets, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave when you are ready to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook a hot pocket in an air fryer for 11 to 16 minutes at 350-360°F. However, some sources suggest cooking it for as little as 7 minutes or as long as 18 minutes, depending on the number of hot pockets you are cooking.
First, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the hot pockets, top side up, in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. No cooking spray is needed. Then, cook for 11-16 minutes until golden brown. Let the hot pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
The recommended temperature for cooking hot pockets in an air fryer is 350-360°F.
