1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or use cooked ground beef, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
¼ cup finely chopped spinach or kale (optional for added nutrition)
¼ cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup diced onions
2 tablespoons tomato sauce or pizza sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Seasonings:
A pinch of dried oregano or basil for an Italian twist
Red pepper flakes for some heat
A drizzle of olive oil to brush over the pockets before air frying
Ingredient Highlights
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, which gives the hot pockets their soft yet crispy texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
Shredded Cheese: Cheese provides that perfect melty filling and helps bind other ingredients together.
Vegetables and Protein: Customizable for a variety of flavor combinations. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough for Air Fryer Hot Pockets
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the olive oil and water. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the dough comes together. Add a little more water if the dough is too dry, or a bit more flour if it’s too sticky.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
Prepare the Filling for Air Fryer Hot Pockets
Cook the Protein: If you’re using chicken, beef, or turkey, cook and shred the meat (or use leftover cooked meat). For a vegetarian version, crumble tofu or cook vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms, spinach, and onions.
Combine the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the protein, cheese, chopped vegetables, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add any other seasonings or herbs you like.
Assemble the Air Fryer Hot Pockets
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle or several smaller rectangles, depending on the size of hot pockets you want to make.
Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the filling onto one side of each rectangle, leaving some space at the edges.
Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges firmly together to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay sealed during cooking.
Air Fry the Hot Pockets
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Brush with Milk: Lightly brush the top of each hot pocket with milk or olive oil to help them brown nicely in the air fryer.
Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the hot pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook: Air fry the hot pockets for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy
Cool and Serve: Once the hot pockets are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a garlic aioli.