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These air fryer hot pockets are the easiest way to get crispy, gooey pizza pockets with perfectly melted cheese and a golden crust, every time! Skip the soggy microwave version and make frozen or homemade hot pockets right in your air fryer in minutes.
Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or an after-school treat, this simple method will be your new go-to for frozen hot pockets and pizza snacks.
“Perfect every single time!” – Jill
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Hot Pockets Recipe
Whether you’re opting for a frozen quick-fix or indulging in a homemade version, air fryer Hot Pockets satisfy your cravings with a golden-brown finish and delicious crunch in less than 15 minutes.
- Crispy Crust: No more soggy microwave edges!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes from frozen.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect after-school snack or lunchbox treat.
- Customizable: Works for frozen or homemade pizza pockets.
- Minimal Clean-Up: No greasy pans or splatter.
Table of Contents
- Quick and Easy Air Fryer Hot Pockets Recipe
- What Items Do I Need To Make Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer?
- Recipe Ingredients for Frozen Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer
- Hot Pocket Variations
- How to Cook Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer
- Tips
- Air Fryer Hot Pocket Cooking Chart
- How do I make an Air Fryer Homemade Hot Pocket?
- Recipe FAQs
- More Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Hot Pockets Recipe
What Items Do I Need To Make Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer?
- Air Fryer
- Spatula
- Nonstick cooking spray, olive oil, or parchment paper
- Aluminum foil can also be used, but check your user manual, as not all air fryers allow aluminum foil.
Recipe Ingredients for Frozen Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer
- Frozen Hot Pockets – Any variety works! Pepperoni pizza, ham and cheese, or cheeseburger.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper – Helps prevent sticking.
- Optional Dipping Sauces – Marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce.
Hot Pocket Variations
- Frozen Pizza Pockets: Use your favorite brand or flavor.
- Homemade Hot Pockets: Make your own dough, stuff with fillings like pepperoni, mozzarella, and sauce, then air fry.
- Breakfast Pockets: Fill with eggs, bacon, and cheese for a quick morning meal.
How to Cook Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer
STEP 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes.
STEP 2: Remove the hot pocket from the packaging and crisper sleeve.
STEP 3: Place the frozen hot pocket directly on the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
STEP 4: Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden crust.
STEP 5: Let cool for 1-2 minutes — they’re hot! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Avoid Overcrowding: Keep the Hot Pockets in a single layer with space around them for even cooking.
- Check Your Equipment: Follow your air fryer manufacturer’s guidelines concerning the use of parchment paper and aluminum foil.
- Safety First: If using parchment paper, never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper inside, as it can get sucked into the heating element.
Air Fryer Hot Pocket Cooking Chart
| Hot Pocket Type | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Hot Pocket | 360°F | 11–13 min | Flip halfway |
| Homemade Hot Pocket | 350°F | 8–12 min | Use thin dough |
| Thawed Hot Pocket | 350°F | 8–10 min | Reduces cook time |
How do I make an Air Fryer Homemade Hot Pocket?
To make a homemade air fryer hot pocket, you only need a few simple ingredients.
You’ll need a can of pizza dough, or you’re own homemade pizza dough, or puff pastry, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, small pepperoni slices, and egg and water to create an egg wash and help seal the pockets.
Mix the egg and water together to make the egg wash.
Use a large cookie cutter to cut the dough for the pockets. Top the dough with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperonis, and then top them with another piece of dough.
Use the end of a fork to seal the edges of the hot pocket. Brush the tops of the hot pocket with the egg wash.
Place the hot pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry pizza pockets at 350 degrees F with a cook time of 8-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and with a light crispy crust. Carefully flip the homemade hot pockets halfway through the cooking process.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe FAQs
It’s best to avoid foil. For maximum crispiness, place the hot pocket directly on the basket or parchment paper. Foil can block airflow.
Frozen: 11–13 minutes at 360°F.
Thawed: 8–10 minutes at 350°F.
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or cheese sauce all pair perfectly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
While you can use various doughs like puff pastry or crescent roll dough, traditional or homemade pizza dough generally offers the best texture and flavor.
This air fryer Hot Pockets recipe for frozen hot pockets or homemade hot pockets is a game-changer for quick and easy snacks and a delightful way to enjoy a customizable, home-cooked version of this popular treat.
Enjoy crafting your perfect Hot Pocket and savoring the crispy, tasty results straight from your air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
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Air Fryer Hot Pockets
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
From Frozen
- 2 Hot Pockets, Frozen
Homemade Hot Pocket Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough, Pillsbury pizza crust
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup pepperonis
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
From Frozen
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. Prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil, nonstick spray, or parchment paper.
- Remove the frozen hot pockets from the crisper sleeve and place them in a single layer in the basket.
- Air Fry Hot Pocket for 11-13 minutes, or until you have a golden brown crispy crust.
- Carefully remove the hot pockets from the air fryer and serve alone, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Homemade Hot Pocket Air Fryer Recipe
- Mix the egg and water together to make the egg wash.
- Use a large cookie cutter to cut the dough for the pockets. Top the dough with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperonis, and then top them with another piece of dough.
- Use the end of a fork to seal the edges of the hot pocket. Brush the tops of the hot pocket with the egg wash.
- Place the hot pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry pizza pockets at 350 degrees F with a cook time of 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and with a light crispy crust. Carefully flip the homemade hot pockets halfway through the cooking process.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
