I’m a huge fan of quick and easy snacks, and Hot Pockets are one of my favorites. They’re delicious and perfect for busy days.
But nothing ruins a Hot Pocket faster than undercooking it or overcooking it. Finding the ideal cooking method and time eliminates those disappointments.
This blog explains the best ways to cook Hot Pockets and how to cook them in the microwave.
How Long Do You Cook Hot Pockets In The Microwave
Hot pockets should be cooked in the microwave at 1100-watt for one sandwich for 1 minute and 50 seconds (110 seconds). For a lower wattage, microwave cook for 3 minutes and 15 seconds. After cooking, let the sandwich sit for about 2 minutes.
Time and temperatures for cooking Hot Pockets with different methods
Below are some specific times for other methods of cooking hot pockets
| Method | Temperature | Time | Note |
| Microwave | High (1100W) | 1 min 50 seconds (1 pocket); 3 min 15 sec (2 pockets) | – Use the crisping sleeve Let sit for 2 minutes after cooking to complete heating. – Add an extra minute for each pocket for lower wattage or compact microwaves. |
| Air Fryer | 360 degrees fahreinheit | 15 min (1 pocket); 16 min (2 pockets) | Do not use the crisping sleeve. – Place Hot Pockets in the basket without touching each other. – Preheating the air fryer is recommended for even cooking. |
| Oven | 350 degrees Fahrenheit | 28 min | – Do not use the crisping sleeve. – Place on a baking sheet. – Cooking times may vary; ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Toaster oven | 350 degrees Fahrenheit | 12-15 min | – Similar to the oven, no crisping sleeve. – Due to the smaller size, cooking time is reduced |
TIPS
- Microwave: The times listed are for an 1100-watt oven. Adjust the times slightly for ovens with different wattages.
- Air Fryer: Times are based on standard Hot Pocket varieties. Check the specific product for variations.
- Oven & Toaster Oven: Ensure the Hot Pockets are placed on aluminum foil for easier handling and to prevent sticking.
How to cook hot pockets in the microwave
I am going to discuss how to cook hot pockets in the microwave with sleeves and without
Microwave (with Sleeve)
The sleeve prevents the crust from getting too rubbery, and the filling is gooey and satisfying. The process is quick and easy.
Cooking Instructions
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and insert it into the crisping sleeve.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook on HIGH (1100-watt oven) for 2 minutes (3 minutes for lower-wattage microwaves).
- Let it sit for 2 minutes to complete cooking.
Microwave (without Sleeve)
Without the crisping sleeve, the crust becomes rubbery, and the texture is less than ideal.
Cooking Instructions
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and discard the crisping sleeve.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook on HIGH (1100-watt oven) for 2 minutes (3 minutes for lower-wattage microwaves).
- Let it sit for 2 minutes to complete cooking.
Other methods you can employ to cook hot pocket
1. Deep Fryer
Cooking the hot pockets using a deep fryer is among the best methods. The crust is golden and crispy with this method, and the filling is flavorful. The downside is that it requires more effort and equipment.
Cooking Instructions
- Fill a deep fryer with enough oil to cover the Hot Pocket (3-4 inches). Use canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
- Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Pat the Hot Pocket with paper towels to remove any condensation.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Air Fryer
The crust is golden and crispy with this method, and the filling is perfectly gooey. It’s faster than the oven and yields excellent results.
Cooking Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 360°F.
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and remove the crisping sleeve.
- Cook for 16 minutes for one Hot Pocket or 18 minutes for two.
- Remove and let cool slightly.
3. Conventional Oven
With this method, the crust and filling hold up better over time, making it ideal for larger batches or parties. The crust and filling hold better at room temperature.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and place it on a baking sheet (do not use the crisping sleeve).
- Bake for 28 minutes, flipping once if desired.
- Carefully remove and let cool slightly.
4. Toaster Oven
The crust is crispy, and the filling is evenly melted. However, it doesn’t hold up well at room temperature.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and place it directly on the rack (do not use the crisping sleeve).
- Bake for 22-28 minutes (time may vary by toaster oven), flipping once if desired.
- Carefully remove and let cool slightly.
How healthy are Hot Pockets?
While convenient, hot pockets are not generally considered healthy due to their high content of processed ingredients, sodium, fats, and sugars.
A Hot Pocket contains enriched flour, various slices of cheese, meats like pepperoni, oils, seasonings, and numerous additives, including preservatives, stabilizers, and dough conditioners.
Nutritionally, they range from 300 to 600 calories per serving, with 12 to 25 grams of fat, 35 to 50 grams of carbs, and high sodium levels (800-1200 mg). If consumed regularly, these can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
While they offer moderate protein (10-15 grams) and might be fortified with some vitamins and minerals, the overall nutritional profile lacks fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients compared to less processed foods.
Can you microwave a hot pocket without the sleeve?
Yes, you can microwave a Hot Pocket without the sleeve. The company recently updated its packaging to remove the crisping sleeve, meaning you can now cook Hot Pockets directly on a microwave-safe plate without the sleeve.
This change is intended to reduce waste. After this upgrade, you can unwrap the Hot Pocket and place it on a microwave-safe plate to cook.
Can you microwave a hot pocket in the plastic?
No, you should not microwave a Hot Pocket in its plastic packaging as most plastic wrappers are not designed to be microwaved and can release harmful chemicals into your food when heated.
Before heating, remove the plastic wrapping before microwaving a Hot Pocket and transfer them to a microwave-safe plate.
Check for the “microwave safe” label and only use plastic containers or wraps labeled as “microwave safe” to heat food in the microwave.
Can you fry a hot pocket?
You can fry a hot pocket by deep frying it in hot oil or pan-frying. Frying a hot pocket helps achieve a crispier, more decadent texture than the microwave method.
When frying, if the pastry on a hot pocket is not cooked properly, it can easily become soggy, so ensure the oil is hot enough to create a crisp crust quickly.
Before frying, you can lightly microwave the hot pocket to help cook the filling more evenly.
Because the outside cooks faster than the inside, keep a close eye on the hot pocket while frying to avoid burning the crust.
How do you know if your Hot Pockets are fully cooked?
1. Check the package instructions.
Different Hot Pocket flavors might have slightly different cooking times, so always refer to the package for accurate guidelines.
2. Use the crisping sleeve.
This helps achieve a crispy crust on your Hot Pocket.
3. Color
A golden brown crust is a good indicator of a cooked Hot Pocket.
4. Check the Temperature
If you have an instant-read thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it reaches a safe temperature.
How do you make Hot Pockets crispy in the microwave?
Always use the included crisping sleeve to make a Hot Pocket crispy in the microwave.
The sleeve is designed to absorb microwave radiation and create heat that crisps the outer layer of the Hot Pocket.
When microwaving hot pockets, remember to;
- Unwrap the Hot Pocket and insert it into the crisping sleeve before microwaving.
- Check the cooking time on the package based on your microwave wattage.
- Microwave only one Hot Pocket at a time for best results.
- After microwaving, let the Hot Pocket sit for a couple of minutes to allow the filling to cook fully and the crust to set.
How long does it take to cook 2 pizza pockets in the microwave?
It takes 105 seconds to 135 seconds to microwave two pizza pockets. The exact time depends on your microwave’s wattage and the pizza pocket brand.
A step-by-step guide to cooking 2 pizza pockets
- Remove the packaging.
- Place the pizza pockets on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high power.
- Cook until the pizza pockets are piping hot.
- Let the pizza pockets stand for a few minutes before eating.
Cooking times
| Type of Pizza pocket | Number of pockets | Microwave wattage | Cooking time |
| McCain’s Pizza Pockets | 2 | 1 min 45 sec – 2 min 15 sec | |
| Goodfella’s Triple Cheese Pizza Pockets | 1 | 800W | 2 minutes |
| Goodfella’s Triple Cheese Pizza Pockets | 1 | 700W | 2 minutes 30 seconds |
| Goodfella’s Triple Cheese Pizza Pockets | 2 | 800W | 4 minutes |
| Goodfella’s Triple Cheese Pizza Pockets | 2 | 700W | 5 minutes |
| Goodfella’s Pepperoni Pizza Pockets | 1 | 2 minutes | |
| Goodfella’s Pepperoni Pizza Pockets | 2 | 4 minutes |
How long can a hot pocket last?
A Hot Pocket can last Up to 14 months from manufacture if stored properly at 0 degrees or below. They can still be safe to eat beyond this date, but quality, taste, and texture might start to degrade after 3 to 4 months past the ‘best by’ date.
Once cooked, Hot Pockets should be consumed within 3-4 days if kept in the refrigerator. Uncooked Hot Pockets should not be stored in the fridge; they are meant to be frozen until ready to cook.
Due to their meat and dairy content, Hot Pockets should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Can you eat a Hot Pocket left out overnight?
No, you should not eat a Hot Pocket left out overnight. Cooked Hot Pockets, like other perishable foods containing meat and dairy, fall within the danger zone for bacterial growth when left at room temperature.
This zone is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C to 60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. After being left out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), there’s a significant risk of foodborne illness from pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens.
To avoid potential health risks, it’s best to discard any Hot Pocket that has been at room temperature for this duration.
Conclusion
Hot pockets should be cooked in the microwave at 1100-watt for one sandwich for 1 minute and 50 seconds (110 seconds). For a lower wattage, microwave cook for 3 minutes and 15 seconds. After cooking, let the sandwich sit for about 2 minutes.