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Hot Pockets in Air Fryer

Name: Hot Pockets in Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 package frozen Hot Pockets (any type)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 15, 2020

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Cooking frozen Hot Pockets in Air Fryer has never been easier! Ready in less than 20 minutes, air fryer Hot Pockets come out crispy and perfectly cooked on the outside, while staying nice and gooey on the inside. Use this guide for any flavored Hot Pockets!

three hot pockets made in air fryer on a white plate with a box in the background

Air Fryer Hot Pocket Guide

I’ve loved Hot Pockets for years! These handheld microwaveable snacks feature a pastry shell filled with various savory fillings, such as meat, cheese, and vegetables. They’re designed for quick and convenient preparation, so you know I had to try them out in my air fryer!

Whether you’re looking for an easy after-school snack for your kids, or want to serve a few for a light lunch or dinner, my air fryer hot pocket guide is here to help!

I love making Hot Pockets in the air fryer because they always come out so much crispier than when I use my microwave. No need to worry about soggy results here! And perhaps best of all, they come out perfectly cooked every time in just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Need some more Air Fryer Frozen Foods? Don’t miss my recipes for QUICK AND EASY FROZEN FOODS FOR THE AIR FRYER, FROZEN HOT DOGS IN AIR FRYER, AIR FRYER STOUFFER’S FROZEN MEATLOAF and AIR FRYER FROZEN BURRITOS!

three air fryer hot pockets on a white plate with a box of hot pockets in the background

Why You’ll Love Making a Hot Pocket in Air Fryer

Hot and crispy on the outside, ooey and gooey on the inside
Faster than in the oven
Less leakage compared to microwaving
Easy cleanup
Perfect for snack time
Kid-friendly

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hot Pockets

You only need 1 ingredient for this recipe… a package of Hot Pockets! I’m also providing some information on some optional ingredients that you may want to use as well. But, if you don’t have them, that’s totally fine!

overhead: a box of ham and cheddar flavored hot pockets on a white marble counter

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

Frozen Hot Pockets: You’ll find them in the frozen food aisle at your local grocery store! There are a ton of flavors to choose from (I provide a list below), so go for your favorite. Mine is ham and cheddar cheese, as shown in the photos.
Cooking Spray (Optional): You can use a cooking spray, like olive oil spray, to lightly coat the Hot Pockets for extra crispiness, but it’s optional.
For Serving (Optional) Dipping Sauces: If you like to dip your Hot Pockets, consider having your favorite sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup on hand.

What kind of Hot Pockets are there?

Hot Pockets come in a variety of flavors and fillings to cater to various tastes and preferences:

Pepperoni Pizza: One of the classic and most popular varieties, featuring a pizza-flavored filling with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
Ham and Cheese: Filled with ham and melty cheddar cheese, offering a simple and savory option.
Steak and Cheddar: Contains seasoned steak strips and cheddar cheese, providing a heartier option.
Chicken Pot Pie: Inspired by the classic comfort food, this Hot Pocket contains chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
Four Cheese Pizza: A vegetarian option with a blend of four cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
Meatball and Mozzarella: Filled with meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and a tomato sauce, just like a classic meatball sub.
Philly Steak and Cheese: Inspired by the Philly cheesesteak, this Hot Pocket contains seasoned beef, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese.
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese: A breakfast option with sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese, suitable for a morning meal.
BBQ Beef: Featuring barbecue-seasoned beef and cheddar cheese for a tangy and savory flavor.
Jalapeño and Cheese: Spicy jalapeños and a combination of cheeses create a zesty and flavorful option.
Turkey and Bacon with Cheese: This variety includes a tasty combination of turkey, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Chicken and Broccoli with Cheese: Filled with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, offering a balanced option.
Hickory Ham and Cheddar: A variation with hickory-smoked ham and cheddar cheese for a smoky and savory taste.

Hot Pockets always introduces new flavors and limited-edition options too!

three air fryer hot pockets on a white plate with a box of hot pockets and a white and red checkered cloth

How to Make Hot Pockets in Air Fryer

Hot Pockets are a classic and easy snack, but you can take them to the next level with your air fryer. Below, I will walk you through step-by-step instructions for making perfect Hot Pockets home.

overhead: two frozen hot pockets in an air fryer basket before cooking on a white marble counter

Step 1: Recipe prep

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes.

Remove the Hot Pockets from their packaging. If you’d like, lightly spray them with cooking spray. Remember that this is optional, but will make the crust a lot crispier.

Step 2: Add to air fryer basket

Place each Hot Pocket in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch or overlap — depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 3: Air fry

Cook the Hot Pockets at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4: Check for doneness & serve

Your air fryer Hot Pockets are done when golden brown and crispy on the outside. The fillings should be hot and fully cooked. If you want to double-check they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the filling. It should be at least 165 degrees F.

Serve your air fryer hot pocket recipe with your favorite dipping sauces — marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup are popular choices — and enjoy!

How long to air fry hot pockets?

Mine took about 10-15 minutes. That said, cooking times may vary slightly based on the brand and size of your air fryer, so start checking on your Hot Pockets in air fryer at around the 10-minute mark.

hot pockets on a white plate with one cut in half so the ham and cheese filling is visible

Air Fryer Hot Pocket Pro Tips

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before you add the Hot Pockets helps ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Most air fryers don’t require a long preheat time — mine is typically around 2-3 minutes.
Use Cooking Spray: While the cooking spray is optional, it can go a long way toward enhancing the crust’s crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange Hot Pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking. Cooking in batches is always better!
Flip Them Halfway Through: This helps both sides of the crust brown evenly.
Let Them Rest: Allow the Hot Pockets to rest for a minute or two after cooking. The fillings can be very hot, and a short rest helps prevent burns.
Experiment with Seasonings: To add flavor, consider sprinkling some seasonings or herbs on the Hot Pockets before air frying. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning can be great options.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

I recommend reheating them right in the air fryer! Preheat to 350 degrees F and air fry for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.

closeup: hot pockets made in air fryer on a white plate with one cut open so the ham and cheese filling is visible

Hot Pocket in Air Fryer FAQs

Can I air fry any flavor of Hot Pockets?

Yes! As mentioned, you can use this guide with any flavored Hot Pocket — the temperature and other cooking instructions are exactly the same.

Do I need to thaw Hot Pockets before air frying them?

No, you can air fry Hot Pockets directly from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them.

How long to air fry Hot Pockets?

Mine took about 10-15 minutes, and I made sure to preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes before I added the Hot Pockets. As a reminder, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on them. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

Can I cook multiple Hot Pockets at once in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook more than one Hot Pocket at a time. However, it’s best to air fry in a single layer! You may have to work in batches, which is totally fine.

How can I tell if the Hot Pockets are done?

The Hot Pockets are done when golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remember, you can always use a meat thermometer to double-check the internal temp is at least 165 degrees F if you’re not sure.

Can I reheat leftover Hot Pockets in the air fryer?

Absolutely! I almost exclusively use my air fryer to reheat Hot Pockets. Preheat it to 350 degrees F for a few minutes, then air fry until warmed through.

Can I add extra ingredients or toppings to Hot Pockets before air frying?

Yes, you can customize your Hot Pockets by adding toppings before air frying. Popular additions include cheese or herbs for added flavor.

Are air fried Hot Pockets healthier than microwaved or oven-baked ones?

You don’t have to use any excess oil in any of these methods, so the overall nutritional content is about the same.

hot pockets on a white plate with one cut open so the ham and cheese filling is showing

More Frozen Food in the Air Fryer

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