Air Fryer Pizza Pockets: How Long Do They Take?

Pizza pockets are a quick and easy snack, perfect for kids and adults alike. But how long do you need to put them in the air fryer for? Well, it depends on the brand and size of your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking your pizza pockets at around 350°F for 10-15 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking pizza pockets at 360°F or even 400°F for 11-13 minutes. So, it seems that the exact cooking time is up for debate, but generally, you'll want to cook your pizza pockets for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 350°F or above. Enjoy!

Preheat the air fryer to

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Different sources recommend different temperatures within this range, and the optimal temperature may depend on the type of air fryer you have. For example, one source recommends preheating to 350°F when using a Cosori air fryer, while another recommends 360°F.

Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your pizza pockets will help to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Most air fryers don't require a long preheat time; typically, this should take around 2-5 minutes.

One source recommends preheating to 400°F if you want to heat up your pizza pockets faster. If you're short on time, you can also cook the pizza pockets in the microwave for 60 seconds before placing them in the air fryer at its highest setting for 3-4 minutes.

Remember not to preheat your air fryer with parchment paper or foil, as this can be sucked up into the heating element due to the circulating air. Always place the parchment paper or foil into the basket after you've preheated the air fryer, just before adding the food.

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 350°F (or 375 °F if you're making pizza pockets from scratch) and placed your pizza pockets inside, it's time to cook them. This should take 10-15 minutes, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the perfect pizza pocket.

First, make sure your pizza pockets are in a single layer and not overlapping in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. This will ensure even cooking and that delicious crispy crust.

You also don't need to flip your pizza pockets over halfway through cooking—just leave them to cook for the full 10-15 minutes. While you don't need to flip them, you can spritz or brush them with cooking oil for an extra crispy crust.

After 10-15 minutes, your pizza pockets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with hot, fully cooked fillings. The internal temperature of the filling should be at least 165°F. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check.

Once your pizza pockets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The fillings will be very hot, so be careful!

Use cooking spray for extra crispiness

How to Get Extra Crispy Pizza Pockets Using Your Air Fryer

Pizza pockets are a great snack to make in your air fryer. They're quick, easy, and delicious. But what if you want to take them to the next level and make them even crispier? Here's a detailed guide on how to use cooking spray to get that perfect, crispy texture on your pizza pockets.

Choose the Right Cooking Spray

Selecting the right cooking spray is crucial for achieving the best results. Some cooking sprays can damage your air fryer and leave an unpleasant taste. Look for cooking sprays with high smoke point oils such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without burning or releasing harmful fumes, ensuring your pizza pockets come out crispy and tasty.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, don't forget to preheat your air fryer. This step is essential as it allows the cooking spray to distribute evenly and ensures your pizza pockets cook efficiently. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so set it to the desired temperature, usually around 350-400°F for pizza pockets, and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.

Apply Cooking Spray Sparingly

When applying cooking spray to your air fryer basket, remember that less is more. A thin and even layer of cooking spray is all you need to prevent sticking and promote crispiness. Overusing the cooking spray can lead to greasy food or even cause your air fryer to smoke. So, be sure to use it sparingly for the best results.

Oil Your Pizza Pockets

Instead of spraying the basket, you can also try tossing your pizza pockets themselves with a light coating of oil before placing them in the air fryer. Use a high smoke point oil like canola or sunflower oil for this purpose. This technique helps ensure even cooking and that extra crispiness you're looking for.

Experiment with Techniques

In addition to using cooking spray, there are other techniques to enhance crispiness. Try coating your pizza pockets with a light layer of breadcrumbs, panko, or cornstarch before air frying. You can also try flipping or shaking them halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips and choosing the right cooking spray, you can achieve deliciously crispy pizza pockets with your air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer, use the right oils, and experiment with different techniques to get that perfect, crispy texture. Enjoy your homemade snack!

'>Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When cooking pizza pockets in an air fryer, it's important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This means arranging the pizza pockets in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pizza pockets in batches. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking, with some pockets getting blocked from the hot air circulation and, therefore, not cooking as well as the others.

Cooking in batches may take a bit more time, but it's worth it to ensure that all your pizza pockets turn out crispy and delicious. It's also a good idea to flip the pizza pockets halfway through the cooking time, so both sides of the crust brown evenly.

Additionally, you can lightly spray the pizza pockets with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but will enhance the crispiness of the crust.

The ideal cooking time for pizza pockets in an air fryer is around 10 to 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. Start checking on your pizza pockets at the 10-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your pizza pockets halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step in ensuring an even cook and a consistent golden brown colour. While air fryers do cook food evenly, flipping your pizza pockets gives you the opportunity to ensure both sides are cooking at the same rate. This is especially important if your air fryer has heating elements only on the top, as you will need to flip your pizza pockets to ensure the underside cooks evenly.

Flipping your pizza pockets also allows you to check on the cooking progress and ensure that the crust is crisping up to your liking. If you find that one side is cooking faster than the other, you can adjust the cooking time or temperature accordingly.

When flipping your pizza pockets, use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over. This will help prevent any filling from leaking out and ensure that your pizza pockets stay intact.

It is also important to note that you should only flip your pizza pockets once during the cooking process. Constantly flipping them may result in uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal crust.

By following this simple step, you can ensure that your pizza pockets come out of the air fryer with a perfectly crispy crust and a gooey, melted cheese filling.

Frequently asked questions