Air Fryer Hot Pocket Perfection: Easy, Quick, Crispy!

If you're looking for a quick, tasty snack, look no further than hot pockets cooked in an air fryer. This method is faster than cooking them in the oven and produces an even crispier crust. The air fryer's convection heat encases the flavours, creating a cheesy, mouth-watering snack.

To make hot pockets in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the hot pockets inside the air fryer without the crisper sleeve and cook for 11-15 minutes. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 4-5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your Hot Pocket will cook evenly and efficiently. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, preheating can take anywhere from 4 to 5 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil, non-stick spray, or parchment paper.

It is important to note that you should never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper or foil as it can be sucked up into the heating element due to the circulating air. Always place the parchment paper or foil into the basket after preheating.

Once preheated, you can then place your Hot Pockets into the basket and set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time.

Place the frozen hot pockets in the air fryer

When placing the frozen hot pockets in the air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are placed in a single layer, with enough room between each pocket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. The hot pockets should be placed directly in the air fryer basket without the crisper sleeve.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes before placing the frozen hot pockets inside. This ensures that the air fryer cooks at the highest temperature for the longest time, resulting in a crispier crust.

For optimal results, refer to the specific cooking instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer, as cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand and model.

Air fry for 11-15 minutes

Air frying your hot pocket is the best way to get that delicious, flaky, extra crispy crust and golden brown finish that we all know and love. It's also much faster than cooking your hot pocket in the oven.

When air frying your hot pocket, the cooking time will depend on the number of sandwiches you are preparing and the wattage of your air fryer.

For one hot pocket, set your air fryer to 360° F and cook for 13 minutes. For two hot pockets, set your air fryer to the same temperature and cook for 15 minutes. If you are cooking more than two hot pockets, you will need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

If you are using a lower wattage air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking temperature and time. For example, one source recommends cooking at 350° F for 10-15 minutes.

The key to a perfect hot pocket is to cook it just until the cheese starts to burst out. To ensure your hot pocket is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165° F.

Tips for Air Frying Hot Pockets

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough room between each hot pocket for the hot air to circulate.
• There is no need to flip your hot pockets during cooking or to use a cooking spray.
• Let your hot pockets cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. They will be very hot on the inside!
• For an extra crispy crust, cook your hot pockets in the air fryer without the crisper sleeve.

Remove from the air fryer and let cool

Once the timer goes off, remove the hot pockets from the air fryer. Be careful, as they will be extremely hot! Let them cool for at least five minutes before eating. They will still be very hot on the inside, so it's important to let them cool down a bit to avoid burning your mouth. The inside of the hot pocket can be just as hot as when cooking in the microwave, so be cautious.

While you wait for your hot pockets to cool, you can prepare some toppings or sauces to add extra flavour. Try dipping them in ranch, Italian dressing with mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce. You can even put some ketchup on the ham and cheese ones! If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a gooey finish, or add some herbs or spices to the crust. You could also drizzle with a little olive oil for a shiny finish, or sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for a crunchy texture.

If you're cooking multiple batches, it's important to let the hot pockets cool down before putting them back into the air fryer. This will ensure that the air fryer doesn't get too hot and that the hot pockets cook evenly.

Remember, the hot pockets will still be cooking slightly as they cool, so you might want to remove them from the air fryer a minute or so before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Place them inside the crisper sleeves

Once you've removed your hot pockets from the air fryer, it's time to place them inside the crisper sleeves. This is an important step, as it will help you handle the hot pockets without burning yourself. The crisper sleeve will also catch any filling that might be dripping out, so you can enjoy your snack without making a mess.

When placing the hot pockets inside the crisper sleeves, be careful as the pockets will be very hot. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle them safely. Also, keep in mind that the crisper sleeve is designed to be used only once, so don't try to reuse it.

After placing the hot pockets in the crisper sleeves, you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ranch, Italian dressing with mustard, pizza sauce, or jalapeno cheese sauce. You can even add some ketchup to the ham and cheese hot pockets!

If you're making homemade hot pockets, you might want to use some parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket before placing the hot pockets inside. This will help to catch any cheese or filling that might drip out during cooking. However, be sure to check your user manual, as not all air fryers allow the use of aluminium foil.

Remember, the hot pockets will be extremely hot, so always let them cool for at least 5 minutes before digging in. Enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

Frequently asked questions