Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Timing For Perfection

Hot Pockets are a popular snack, but how long do they take to cook in an air fryer?

There are several different methods for cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the number of Hot Pockets being cooked. One method is to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-13 minutes. Another method is to cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes. A third method is to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, after a 5-minute warm-up.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F

Preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving that coveted even cook and golden brown crust on your Hot Pockets. Set your air fryer to between 350°F and 360°F for around 5 minutes to ensure it's nice and hot before you begin. This temperature range is ideal for getting that crispy exterior while avoiding burning or overcooking your Hot Pockets.

Preheating your air fryer also helps to ensure the Hot Pocket filling is heated through. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the Hot Pocket evenly, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a gooey, molten cheese filling. It's a game-changer for achieving that perfect Hot Pocket without the hassle of a conventional oven or the dreaded soggy microwave sleeve.

Once preheated, you can carefully place your frozen Hot Pockets into the air fryer basket. Make sure they're in a single layer and not touching, as overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and a less-than-perfect crust. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your Hot Pockets in batches.

After placing your Hot Pockets in the air fryer, you'll want to cook them for around 11 to 15 minutes at 350-360°F. Keep an eye on them, as you don't want to overcook them. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the number of Hot Pockets you're cooking, so adjust as needed.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, remove your Hot Pockets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before enjoying. Remember, the filling will be very hot, so it's important to let them cool down a bit to avoid burning your mouth. Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked Hot Pockets with a crispy crust and gooey cheese!

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Cooking hot pockets in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy crust and a gooey, molten cheese filling. It's also much faster than cooking them in the oven.

To cook hot pockets in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the frozen hot pockets into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping and have enough room to breathe. You don't need to use the crisping sleeve or spray oil, but brushing them with butter or drizzling with olive oil can add to the crispiness and shine of the crust.

Cook the hot pockets for 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the number of hot pockets you are cooking, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check if they are cooked through—the internal temperature should be at least 165°F.

Let the hot pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. They will be very hot, and the cheese might be molten, so be careful not to burn yourself!

No need to flip

How Long to Put Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer: No Need to Flip

Hot Pockets are a convenient snack that can be cooked in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and a gooey, hot filling. The air fryer method is a great alternative to using a microwave or oven, as it produces a crispier crust in less time.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F-360°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier crust. Most air fryers only need a short preheat time of around 2-5 minutes.

Prepare the Hot Pockets: Remove the Hot Pockets from their packaging. There is no need to use the crisping sleeve that comes with the Hot Pockets, as this can make the crust too rubbery. You may wish to lightly spray the Hot Pockets with cooking spray, such as olive oil spray, for extra crispiness, but this is optional.

Place in the air fryer: Place each Hot Pocket in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cooking time: For one Hot Pocket, cook for 11-15 minutes at 350°F-360°F. For two Hot Pockets, cook for 15-18 minutes at the same temperature. There is no need to flip the Hot Pockets during cooking. The Hot Pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is hot and fully cooked.

Check for doneness: To ensure the Hot Pockets are thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should be at least 165°F.

Let them cool: Allow the Hot Pockets to rest for a minute or two after cooking, as the filling can be very hot.

Serve: Enjoy your air-fried Hot Pockets with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Use cooking spray for a crispier crust, but this is optional.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• There is no need to flip the Hot Pockets during cooking.
• Let the Hot Pockets cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Storing and Reheating:

If you have any leftover Hot Pockets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the air fryer; preheat to 350°F and air fry for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.

Let cool before eating

When cooking hot pockets in an air fryer, it is important to let them cool down before eating. This is because the hot pockets will be extremely hot, both on the inside and outside, immediately after being cooked.

The exact cooking time will depend on the number of hot pockets being cooked, the flavour, and the wattage of the microwave. For example, one ham and cheese hot pocket cooked in an air fryer at 360°F will take 13 minutes to cook. However, two ham and cheese hot pockets cooked at the same temperature will take 15 minutes. On the other hand, two pepperoni pizza hot pockets cooked at 360°F will take 15 minutes, while one pepperoni pizza hot pocket cooked at 350°F will take 10 minutes.

Regardless of the cooking time, it is always important to let the hot pockets cool down before eating. This will ensure that you don't burn your mouth and that the hot pockets are safe to eat. Waiting a few minutes will allow the hot pockets to cool down to a comfortable temperature, so you can enjoy your snack without worrying about burning your mouth.

In addition to letting the hot pockets cool, it is also important to use the correct cooking method. When cooking hot pockets in an air fryer, do not use the crisping sleeve that comes with the hot pockets. Simply place the hot pockets in the air fryer and cook for the recommended amount of time. Once they are done, let them cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying. This waiting period will allow the hot pockets to reach a safe and enjoyable temperature.

Experiment with different flavours

Hot Pockets come in a variety of flavours and fillings to cater to various tastes and preferences. Experimenting with different flavours can make your air fryer hot pockets even more enjoyable and exciting. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Varieties:

• Pepperoni Pizza: One of the most classic and popular varieties, featuring a pizza-flavoured filling with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
• Ham and Cheese: A simple and savory option filled with ham and melted cheddar cheese.
• Steak and Cheddar: A heartier option with seasoned steak strips and cheddar cheese.
• Four Cheese Pizza: A vegetarian option that usually blends mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses.

Creative Combinations:

• BBQ Beef: Barbecue-seasoned beef with cheddar cheese for a tangy and savoury flavour.
• Jalapeño and Cheese: Spicy jalapeños combined with a blend of cheeses for a zesty and flavourful kick.
• Turkey and Bacon with Cheese: A tasty trio of turkey, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
• Chicken and Broccoli with Cheese: A balanced option filled with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce.

Limited-Edition Options:

Hot Pockets also introduces new flavours and limited-edition options, so keep an eye out for unique varieties like Hickory Ham and Cheddar, Meatball and Mozzarella, Philly Steak and Cheese, and more!

Remember, you can always get creative and add your favourite toppings, dips, or seasonings to enhance the flavour of your air fryer hot pockets. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new flavour combinations!

Frequently asked questions