Hot pockets are a popular snack that many people enjoy, especially when they are on the go. They are easy to prepare, come in many different flavors, and are satisfyingly delicious. However, cooking hot pockets can be a bit tricky. Overcooking or undercooking them can result in an unpleasant taste, which is why it is essential to know how long you should cook them for to get the best results.
Preparing Hot Pockets for Cooking
Before cooking hot pockets, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that they cook correctly. First, remove the hot pockets from their packaging. It is important to note that you should not microwave hot pockets in their packaging as it can cause a fire.
If you have the time, it is recommended that you allow the hot pockets to thaw. Thawing hot pockets can help them cook more evenly, resulting in a better taste. To thaw them, leave them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it may affect the cooking time.
Once you have prepared the hot pockets, you can cook them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. The cooking times for each method are different and will be discussed in the following sections.
Cooking Hot Pockets in the Microwave
Microwaving hot pockets is the quickest and easiest way to cook them. This method is perfect for those who are in a rush or do not have access to an oven or air fryer.
To cook hot pockets in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for two to three minutes. It is essential to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging as microwaves vary in power.
After microwaving, let the hot pockets cool for two minutes before eating. This allows them to cool down and prevents them from burning your mouth. However, if you are in a rush, you can eat them right away, but be careful as they may be hot.
Microwaving hot pockets is the most convenient method, but it may result in a soggy texture. If you prefer a crispy texture, you may want to consider using an oven or air fryer.
In the next sections, we will discuss how to cook hot pockets in the oven and air fryer.
Cooking Hot Pockets in the Oven
Cooking hot pockets in the oven is a great option if you want a crispy texture. This method takes longer than microwaving, but the result is worth it. To cook hot pockets in the oven, preheat it to 350°F.
Once the oven is preheated, place the hot pockets on a baking sheet. It is essential to space them out to ensure that they cook evenly. Bake the hot pockets for 28-32 minutes, depending on the oven’s power and the number of hot pockets you are cooking.
After baking, let the hot pockets cool for two minutes before eating. This will prevent them from burning your mouth and allow them to cool down to a safe temperature.
Cooking hot pockets in the oven is a great option if you want a crispy texture. The oven’s dry heat allows the hot pockets to cook more evenly, resulting in a better taste. Additionally, you can cook multiple hot pockets at once, making it a great option if you are cooking for a group of people.
Cooking Hot Pockets in the Air Fryer
Cooking hot pockets in the air fryer is a relatively new method, but it has quickly become popular due to its convenience and crispy texture. To cook hot pockets in the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the hot pockets in the air fryer basket. It is essential to space them out to ensure that they cook evenly. Cook the hot pockets for 12-14 minutes, depending on the air fryer’s power and the number of hot pockets you are cooking.
After cooking, let the hot pockets cool for two minutes before eating. This will prevent them from burning your mouth and allow them to cool down to a safe temperature.
Cooking hot pockets in the air fryer is a great option if you want a crispy texture without using a lot of oil. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the hot pockets, resulting in a healthier option than deep-frying. Additionally, it cooks the hot pockets more evenly, resulting in a better taste.
