Air fried hot pockets recipe close up.
Hot pockets are so much crispier and crunchy when they are made in the air fryer compared to the microwave! When you make this convenient snack using this method, it will make them taste even more enjoyable, especially when you are in a hurry.

Recipe updated: April 2nd, 2024

This is a quick and easy air fryer hot pockets recipe to enjoy for a quick snack or a quick lunch. Who doesn’t love a hot pocket occasionally? While the inside of each hot pocket is pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese, the outside of the hot pocket is a seasoned garlic buttery crust. These are simple to make, especially when you are in a hurry.

For more quick lunch ideas, these air fryer pizza rolls, air fryer potato wedges, and air fryer mini pizza bagel bites taste amazing. These air fryer recipes are quick, simple, and so good!

Crispy air fryer hot pockets on a plate.

There are all types of hot pockets with different ingredients that can be cooked with this air fryer method. We chose frozen premium pepperoni pizza hot pockets. But, if you have specific brands you prefer, go ahead and use that type of hot pocket. If the kind of hot pockets you choose is different from ours, just remember that you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.

🍴 Key Ingredients

  • 1 box of premium pepperoni pizza Hot Pockets (5 in a box) or your favorite flavor
  • Any extra toppings or dipping sauces of your choice (optional)
Ingredients for air fryer hot pockets.
Ingredients for air fryer hot pockets.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Hot Pockets

These step-by-step instructions are accompanied by detailed photos for enhanced clarity and guidance.

Step 1. Preheat the Air Fryer

If you need to preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different air fryers cook differently. We use a Cosori air fryer with a power unit of 1800 watts. Take note that the cook times and temperatures given can vary depending on the model of your air fryer. For the best results, always keep an eye on the food inside the air fryer so it doesn’t undercook or overcook.

Step 2. Place Parchment Paper on the Air Fryer Basket

Put a piece of parchment paper made especially for air fryers on the basket. If you don’t have parchment paper with holes in it, no problem, just use non-stick cooking spray.

Note: Parchment paper for air fryers has holes in the paper, which allows the heat to distribute evenly. Using the proper parchment paper with holes in it is a must for air fryers. In other words, if the parchment paper doesn’t have holes in it, don’t use it.

Step 3. Place Hot Pockets on the Basket

After you put the parchment paper (or cooking spray) on the basket, take the frozen hot pockets out of the freezer. Take them out of the box and remove the crisper sleeve. There is no need to let the hot pockets sit at room temperature. Place the frozen hot pockets on the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching each other.

Note: The crisping sleeve is used for cooking hot pockets in the microwave and is not needed for this air fryer method.

Parchment paper with holes in it and frozen hot pockets are placed on the fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fryer parchment paper and frozen hot pockets are placed on the fryer basket.

Step 4. Cook the Hot Pockets

With the air fryer preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, cook the hot pockets for 14 minutes. Flip them over at 7 minutes, which is halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispy crust, cook the hot pockets for a few more minutes. Or check on them until the edges are crispy and golden brown to your liking.

Be careful not to burn yourself from the hot air while flipping each crispy hot pocket inside the air fryer. When placing and removing the air fryer basket, the best way to not burn yourself is to use heat-resistant oven mitts and heat-resistant tongs.

Note: These hot pockets will be very hot when they are done cooking. Let them sit for a minute or two before eating.

 These frozen hot pockets were cooked in the air fryer for fourteen minutes until golden brown.
These frozen hot pockets were cooked in the air fryer for 14 minutes or until golden brown.

🌟 Recipe Variations

  • Dip these delicious hot pockets in your favorite pizza sauce.
  • Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the finished hot pockets.
Crispy air fryer hot pockets on a plate.
Crispy air fryer hot pockets on a plate.

🙋 FAQs

What do I do with Leftover Hot Pockets?

Put any leftover hot pockets in the airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then place them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave.

Crispy air fryer hot pockets on a plate.
Crispy air fryer hot pockets on a plate.

💡 Final Thoughts

These hot pockets have the best texture and are crispier when cooked in the air fryer compared to the oven or the microwave cooking method.

So the next time you are looking for a great snack or quick lunch for yourself or the kiddos, grab a box of frozen hot pockets. And there is also no need to thaw them at room temperature either. Just pop them in the air fryer for 14 minutes and then sit back and enjoy.

Close up photo for Pinterest.

🗂️ Recipe Card

Air fried hot pockets recipe close up.

Air Fryer Hot Pockets (From Frozen)

Avatar for FloFlo
Hot pockets are so much crispier and crunchy when they are made in the air fryer compared to the microwave! When you make this convenient snack using this method, it will make them taste even more enjoyable, especially when you are in a hurry.
5 from 2 votes
Cost $4
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings 5 Hot Pockets

🫕 Equipment

🧂 Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Pepperoni pizza hot pockets (or your favorite flavor)
  • Choice of toppings (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper made for the air fryer, or use non-stick cooking spray.
  • Remove the packaging from each hot pocket. Do not use the crisping sleeve. We don't need them when using the air fryer method of cooking.
  • Lay the hot pockets on the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching each other.
  • Cook the hot pockets for 14 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking process at 7 minutes. For extra crispy, cook for a few more minutes.

*️⃣ Recipe Notes

  • For an extra treat, dip the pepperoni pizza hot pockets in pizza sauce.
  • Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on the hot pockets after they are done cooking.
  • Add extra pepperoni slices.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  • Air Fryer Fish Sticks – These frozen fish sticks only take 10 minutes in the air fryer, and then it’s time to eat. They taste amazing.
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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