Ella Walter
Hot Pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to get a perfect, crispy, crunchy, and flaky result. The air fryer is a magic machine that can cook frozen Hot Pockets to perfection, with an even cook and a golden crust, without the soggy middles and overcooked ends that can come from microwaving them. The air fryer is also a great way to reheat Hot Pockets, keeping them crispy.
How to cook frozen hot pockets in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350-375°F |
| Preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Cook temperature | 350-375°F |
| Cook time | 7-18 minutes |
| Number of hot pockets | 1-2 |
| Cook time for 1 hot pocket | 16 minutes |
| Cook time for 2 hot pockets | 18 minutes |
| Reheat time | A couple of minutes |
| Reheat temperature | 350°F |
| Reheat (alternative method) | Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator |
| Filling | Chicken, beef, pepperoni, ham, cheese, sauce |
| Dough | Rhodes frozen dough, crescent roll dough, biscuit rolls, pizza dough, pie crust, puffed pastry, whole-grain pizza dough, fathead dough |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your hot pocket cooks evenly and doesn't end up soggy. Depending on the source, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for three to five minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking hot pockets is a topic of debate, with suggestions ranging from 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
When cooking hot pockets, it is important to remember that all air fryers are slightly different, so it is always good to start with the lowest suggested time and temperature and adjust from there. It is also important to note that hot pockets will cook unevenly if the basket is overcrowded. It is best to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
If you are making your own hot pockets, it is recommended that you use a chilled dough, as this is easier to work with and less likely to stick to your hands or work surface. You can also use parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking. When assembling your hot pocket, remember to leave the ends flat and not folded over, as this will ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can simply toss in your frozen hot pockets and follow the cooking instructions provided on the packaging.
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Cook time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for frozen hot pockets in an air fryer depend on the flavour and the number of hot pockets being cooked. The temperature should be set between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time should be between 7 and 18 minutes.
For example, the Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza flavour cooks two hot pockets in 18 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one hot pocket of the same flavour cooks in 16 minutes.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for three to five minutes at the same temperature before cooking. Additionally, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a lower temperature and cooking time, checking halfway through, and adjusting as needed.
For reheating leftover hot pockets, place them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until they crisp up again.
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Filling and toppings
Hot pockets are a convenient and tasty snack, and even better when cooked in an air fryer! You can buy them pre-made and frozen, or make them yourself. The benefit of making them at home is that you can fill them with anything you like.
- Cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
- Chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
- Ham and cheese.
- Beef and cheese.
- Chicken and vegetables.
- Boneless BBQ ribs.
- Mashed potatoes with cooked ground meat.
- Bean and chorizo.
- Vegan meatballs and mozzarella.
- Cuban sandwich-style.
If you are using frozen hot pockets, preheat your air fryer for three minutes, then cook for around 10 minutes. If you are making them yourself, you can use frozen dough, just remember to defrost it first. Then, add your fillings, fold the sides over, and seal. You can then cook these in the air fryer for around seven minutes.
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$2.96
Reheating and storing
As mentioned earlier, the air fryer is the best way to get perfect, crispy, crunchy, and flaky hot pockets. But it is also a great way to reheat your hot pockets. If you have any leftover hot pockets, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When you are ready to eat, simply pop them back into the air fryer. Since they are no longer frozen, they will only need a couple of minutes to heat up. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the hot pockets for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and warm throughout.
You can also reheat frozen hot pockets in the air fryer. Remove the plastic wrapper and crisper sleeves, and place them into the air fryer basket upside down. Preheat your air fryer for three minutes, and then cook the hot pockets for 12 to 14 minutes at 370 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Check with an internal thermometer to ensure the filling is hot.
Avoid reheating hot pockets in the microwave, as they will turn soggy and unevenly cooked.
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Homemade alternatives
If you're looking for a homemade alternative to frozen hot pockets, you can easily make your own from scratch and cook them in an air fryer. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Bean and Chorizo Hand Pies
For a smoky and robust-tasting hot pocket, try making bean and chorizo hand pies. Mash beans and mix with chorizo, cheese, scallions, corn, chipotles, cilantro, and any other beans of your choice. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg with water, and then add this to your pie crust mix. Prepare the dough according to the package instructions. Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut out 6-inch rounds. Place the filling on one side, leaving a 1/2-inch border, and fold the dough over, sealing the edges. These can be cooked in an air fryer for about 7 minutes.
Pizza Hot Pockets
For a simple and kid-friendly option, try making pizza hot pockets. Use Rhodes frozen dough for the crust, or make your own dough from scratch. Defrost the dough and roll it out. For the filling, use pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. You can also add other ingredients like beef strips or olives. Seal the edges of the dough and cook in the air fryer for about 7-10 minutes.
Chicken, Beef, or Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
If you're feeling adventurous, try making hot pockets with chicken, beef, or pepperoni pizza fillings. You can use store-bought dough or make your own. Defrost frozen rolls, squish them together into a ball, and roll the dough out flat. Add your desired filling, such as chicken, beef, or pepperoni, along with cheese and pizza sauce. Fold and seal the edges. Cook in the air fryer for about 7-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
Create a classic combination with ham and cheese hot pockets. Use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. Roll out the dough and fill it with sliced ham and cheese. Seal the edges and cook in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. You can also add a slice of cheese on top for a gooey finish.
Remember, when making homemade hot pockets, it's important to ensure the dough is sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking out. Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on your hot pockets to avoid overcooking. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and flavors to find your favorite homemade hot pocket creations!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the flavor and amount of hot pockets you are cooking. Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets, for example, take 16-18 minutes to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frozen hot pockets should be cooked at temperatures between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
You'll know your hot pocket is done when the crust is a nice golden brown.
To prevent sogginess, preheat your air fryer for three minutes and don't overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding slows the airflow and will result in uneven cooking.
You can fill your hot pockets with chopped chicken, BBQ sauce, alfredo sauce, shredded cheese, steak, or any other desired fillings.
