Hot Pockets are one of the most beloved and convenient snacks. They’re a quick and easy lunch option, as well as a great snack for parties or anytime you need some on the go food.
But if you want to make something even tastier, why not try cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer? Cooking in an air fryer significantly reduces fat levels while delivering all the flavor of traditional frying methods making it much healthier than conventional fried foods.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer with ease so that you can enjoy a delicious treat without sacrificing your health goals!
What are Hot Pockets?
Hot Pockets are a combination of pre-cooked meats, vegetables and cheese all wrapped in a soft and crispy crust. They come in many delicious flavors including pepperoni pizza, chicken pesto, Italian style beef, Philly cheesesteak and more. The pocket is then lightly toasted to perfection on the outside while staying warm and cheesy on the inside.
Hot Pockets Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition facts for Hot Pockets vary depending on the type of pocket. A 3-ounce serving of pepperoni pizza provides 200 calories, 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat and 460 milligrams of sodium. It also contains 8 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
Why Should I Cook Hot Pockets In An Air Fryer?
Cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer is a healthier option than traditional deep frying methods because it cuts down on fat content significantly. This means that you can enjoy your favorite snack without having to worry about packing on extra calories or grease from traditional cooking techniques.
Moreover, air frying Hot Pockets is incredibly easy and time-saving. You can get your snack from frozen to cooked in just a few minutes. Plus, the air fryer adds even more crunch and flavor to the pocket than you would get from regular oven baking.
How To Prepare Hot Pockets In An Air Fryer?
Before you place your Hot Pocket in the air fryer, make sure you preheat it to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius). Then, spray a light coating of cooking oil over your pocket and place it in the basket.
Set the timer for 6-7 minutes and flip the pocket halfway through. When finished, remove from the air fryer and enjoy your delicious snack.
How to Cook Hot Pockets in an Air Fryer?
Cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer is actually quite simple. All you need is your favorite Hot Pocket type and a preheated air fryer set to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius).
Cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer is surprisingly simple and straightforward. Here are the steps:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). Make sure that the preheat cycle completes before adding the pocket.
2. Place one or two pockets into the basket of the air fryer, depending on how many people you plan on feeding.
3. Set the timer for 10 minutes and press the start button.
4. Once the timer goes off, flip over each pocket to evenly cook both sides and set the timer for an additional 6 minutes.
5. After 6 minutes, your Hot Pockets should be ready! Carefully remove them from the fryer using heat-resistant tongs or gloves and serve while they are still hot.
With a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and healthy homemade Hot Pockets in no time! Not only are air fryer Hot Pockets healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, but they also cook up quickly and easily.
For the health conscious, you can rest assured that air fried Hot Pockets have much lower fat content than those cooked with traditional methods. This means that you can enjoy your favorite snack without all of the extra calories, 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat and 460 milligrams of sodium. It also contains 8 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber – making it a more nutritious option for regular snackers.
Note: Depending on how crispy you want your Hot Pocket to be, you can adjust cooking times accordingly. For extra crispiness, increase the air fryer time by a few minutes or so until desired doneness is achieved.
How to cook Frozen Hot Pockets in Air Fryer?
Cooking frozen Hot Pockets in an air fryer is just as easy as cooking regular Hot Pockets. All you need to do is preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and place the frozen pocket directly into the basket of the fryer.
Set the timer to 12 minutes and press start. After 10 minutes, check on your Hot Pocket. If it’s not cooked through, set the timer for an additional 2 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved.
Once finished, remove the pockets from the air fryer using heat-resistant tongs and serve while they are still warm.
How long to cook Hot Pockets in Air Fryer?
The cooking time for Hot Pockets in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of pocket and how crispy you’d like your snack to be. Generally, it takes about 10 minutes to cook a single pocket or 6-7 minutes per side for two pockets. For extra crispiness, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes until desired doneness is achieved.
How long to cook Frozen Hot Pockets in Air Fryer?
Cooking time for frozen Hot Pockets in an air fryer is typically 12 minutes. Check on the pocket after 10 minutes, and if it’s not cooked through, set the timer for an additional 2 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved.
For optimal results, lightly spray cooking oil over your frozen pocket before placing it in the basket of the fryer. This will help to ensure a crispy outer layer without compromising flavor and texture.
How To Know If Hot Pockets Is Done?
The best way to tell if your Hot Pocket is done cooking is to take a peek inside. If you can see that the cheese is melted and the pocket’s contents look hot, then it’s done! You can also insert a toothpick into the side of the pocket to check for doneness – if it comes out clean, then you know it’s ready!
Finally, make sure that the outside of your Hot Pocket has reached a nice golden brown color. This will ensure that it has been cooked through properly and won’t be soggy or doughy.
How to Store Hot Pockets?
If you’re not planning on eating your Hot Pocket right away, you can store it in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before serving, simply pop it into a preheated air fryer set to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius) and cook until hot and crispy.
Alternatively, you can also freeze your Hot Pocket for up to six months. To reheat from frozen, place the pocket in the basket of a preheated air fryer set to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius). Cook for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
How to Reheat Hot Pockets in an Air Fryer?
If you’re looking to enjoy a leftover Hot Pocket, the easiest way to reheat it is in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius) and place the pocket in the basket.
Cook for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. To check for doneness, carefully insert a toothpick into the side of the pocket – if it comes out clean, then you know it’s ready!
What to Serve with Hot Pockets?
Hot Pockets are a great snack or light meal on their own, but if you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, there are plenty of side dishes that go great with them. Here are some ideas:
– Fries
– Potato wedges
– Salad
– Veggies and dip
– Soup
– Chips and salsa
– Fruit salad
– Mashed potatoes
No matter what you serve your Hot Pocket with, be sure to enjoy it while it’s still hot! Enjoy!
Common Mistakes To Avoid When cook Hot Pockets in Air Fryer?
1. Not preheating the air fryer – Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer before adding your pockets. This will ensure that they cook evenly and won’t end up soggy or doughy.
2. Not flipping the pocket over – Make sure to flip each pocket after 10 minutes of cooking in order to get an even crispiness on both sides.
3. Setting the temperature too high – Hot Pockets cook best at 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius). Setting it higher could cause them to burn on the outside while still being cold in the middle.
4. Overcooking – Take a peek inside to make sure that the cheese has melted and the contents look hot before removing your Hot Pocket from the air fryer. This will ensure that it’s cooked through without getting burnt or dry.
5. Not using an air fryer basket – If you don’t have a basket for your air fryer, use some aluminum foil with holes punched in it to create a makeshift one. This will prevent the Hot Pocket from sticking to the bottom of the fryer and make cleanup easier.
FAQs:
Can I cook Hot Pockets in the oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375–400 degrees Fahrenheit (190–204 degrees Celsius) and place the pockets on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
How do I know if my Hot Pocket is done cooking?
The best way to tell if your Hot Pocket is done cooking is to take a peek inside. If you can see that the cheese is melted and the pocket’s contents look hot, then it’s done! You can also insert a toothpick into the side of the pocket to check for doneness – if it comes out clean, it’s ready to eat!
Can I freeze Hot Pockets?
Yes, you can. Simply place the pockets in an airtight container or plastic bag and freeze for up to six months. To reheat, simply put them into a preheated air fryer set to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius) and cook until hot and crispy. Enjoy!
How long to air fry hot pockets?
Hot Pockets can be air fried for 8-10 minutes at 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius). Always check for doneness before removing the pocket from the air fryer – if you can see that the cheese is melted and the pocket’s contents look hot, then it’s done! You can also insert a toothpick into the side of the pocket to check for doneness if it comes out clean, it’s ready to eat!
How to cook two hot pockets in an air fryer?
If you’re cooking two Hot Pockets at once in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius). Place both pockets in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. To check for doneness, carefully insert a toothpick into the side of each pocket – if it comes out clean, then you know they’re ready!
How do I crisp up my hot pockets?
To crisp up your Hot Pocket, place ½ cup of bread crumbs on a plate. Roll the unwrapped Hot Pocket in them until all sides are evenly coated. Place it back in an air fryer preheated to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius) and cook for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I make my own Hot Pockets?
Yes, you can! Making your own homemade Hot Pockets is easier than you might think. To get started, preheat your oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius). Cut some pizza dough into rectangles, fill each rectangle with your favorite ingredients, then fold in half and press down the edges to seal them. Brush the tops of each pocket with egg wash and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer to reheat your Hot Pockets is a fast and easy way to enjoy them anytime. Just remember to preheat the air fryer, flip the pocket after 10 minutes of cooking, set the temperature to 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit (176–204 degrees Celsius), and check for doneness before removing from the basket. Serve with your favorite side dish or on its own for a quick snack or light meal.
William Lariviere is a chef and restaurateur with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He is the owner and operator of Swartzsdeli.com, an online restaurant that specializes in gourmet sandwiches and salads, grill & smoke. He likes to share experience, food, recipes cooking knowledge as well as reviews about restaurant and kitchen products.
William’s goal is to provide his customers with healthy, delicious food that is also affordable and develop Swartzsdeli.com into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine to a new level to help reach a wide range of housewives and readers.