Hot pockets are a popular snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These tasty treats are easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most convenient methods of cooking hot pockets is in an air fryer. The air fryer helps to cook the hot pockets evenly and quickly, leaving them crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

If you’re wondering how long to cook frozen hot pockets in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cook frozen hot pockets in an air fryer, including tips on preparing your hot pocket, setting up your air fryer, cooking your hot pocket, and checking for doneness.

Before you start cooking your frozen hot pocket in an air fryer, it’s important to prepare it properly. Here are some steps you should follow:

Remove from Packaging

The first step is to remove the hot pocket from its packaging. Be careful not to tear the pastry or the plastic wrap, as this could cause the filling to spill out during cooking.

Check for any Damages

Inspect the hot pocket for any damages, such as tears or holes. If you find any damages, discard the hot pocket and use a new one.

Let it Thaw for a Few Minutes

Let the hot pocket thaw for a few minutes at room temperature. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Prick the Surface with a Fork to Release Excess Steam

Prick the surface of the hot pocket with a fork. This will help to release any excess steam that may build up during cooking. If you skip this step, the hot pocket may burst during cooking, causing a mess in your air fryer.

Setting Up the Air Fryer

Once you’ve prepared your frozen hot pocket, it’s time to set up your air fryer. Here are the steps you should follow:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F. This will help to ensure that your hot pocket cooks evenly and quickly.

Adjust the Temperature

After preheating your air fryer, adjust the temperature to 380°F. This is the optimal temperature for cooking hot pockets in an air fryer.

Set the Cooking Time

Set the cooking time for 12 minutes. This is the recommended cooking time for most brands of frozen hot pockets. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your hot pocket.

Cooking the Frozen Hot Pocket

Now that you’ve prepared your hot pocket and set up your air fryer, it’s time to start cooking. Here are the steps you should follow:

Place the Hot Pocket in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the hot pocket in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the hot pocket is not touching the sides of the basket, as this could cause it to cook unevenly.

Cook for the First Few Minutes

Cook the hot pocket for the first 6 minutes. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides.

Flip the Hot Pocket

After 6 minutes, flip the hot pocket over using a pair of tongs. This will help to ensure that both sides of the hot pocket cook evenly.

Cook for the Remaining Time

Cook the hot pocket for the remaining 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure that it doesn’t burn. If you notice that the hot pocket is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature of the air fryer by 10-15 degrees.

Once the hot pocket is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy hot pocket!