Pizza pockets are a delicious and easy snack or meal that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. And what’s even better is that you can make these tasty treats in your air fryer! Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years because they allow you to enjoy crispy and crunchy foods without all the excess oil and grease. So if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pizza pockets, then this recipe is for you!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these mouthwatering pizza pockets. You’ll need the following:
For the dough:
– 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 cup of warm water
For the filling:
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of pizza sauce
– ½ cup of your favorite toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Prepare the Dough
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the dough for your pizza pockets. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Once the yeast is ready, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Then, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
When you’re done kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Assemble and Cook
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to assemble your pizza pockets and cook them in the air fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Then, using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles will depend on how big you want your pizza pockets to be.
Next, spoon a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto one side of each circle. Top it with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Be careful not to overfill the dough or it may burst while cooking.
Once you’ve added the filling, fold the other side of the dough over the top to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down and seal the edges of the pizza pocket. Repeat this process with the remaining dough circles and filling.
Now it’s time to cook your pizza pockets in the air fryer. Place the pockets in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your pizza pockets are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Be cautious as the filling may be hot.
Serve your delicious pizza pockets on a plate with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal.
These homemade pizza pockets are not only incredibly tasty but also healthier than the store-bought frozen version. By using your air fryer, you can achieve that satisfying crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Feel free to get creative with the filling by trying different combinations of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors!
So the next time you’re craving a savory snack or a quick dinner idea, why not give these homemade pizza pockets a try? With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a delicious and easy meal ready in no time. Enjoy!