Why Everyone Loves This Crispy, Cheesy Favorite
The Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside and a gooey, flavorful interior. Each bite reveals the perfect balance of crispy crust, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni. The best part? It’s made in the air fryer, meaning you get a golden, crispy pocket without all the excess oil from traditional frying. This is the ideal snack or meal for both kids and adults, making it perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer. It’s quick, easy, and totally delicious—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- ½ cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Fork (for sealing the edges)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough or pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into equal-sized squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want your pizza pockets.
Step 3: Fill the Pockets
On one half of each dough piece:
- Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add 3–4 slices of pepperoni.
Fold the dough over to form a pocket (either a triangle or rectangle). Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. For extra flavor, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Step 5: Air Fry
Place the pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Use parchment paper if you want to make cleanup easier.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pizza pockets cool for 2–3 minutes before serving—they’ll be hot and melty on the inside!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: You can add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to your pizza pockets for extra flavor.
- Different Meats: Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, or chicken for a new twist.
- Extra Cheese: Add a layer of ricotta, provolone, or cheddar for a cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to spice things up.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover pizza pockets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore the crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry will work, but it may be flakier and puff up more than crescent dough. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pockets in advance, store them in the fridge, and air fry them when ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works just as well. You’ll need to roll it out and cut it into smaller pieces to form the pockets.
Can I freeze these pizza pockets?
Yes, freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How do I ensure the pizza pockets don’t leak?
Seal the edges well with a fork, and avoid overfilling the pockets to ensure they stay intact during cooking.
Conclusion
The Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory—all in one convenient, portable package. Made in just a few simple steps with your air fryer, these pizza pockets are a fun and satisfying way to enjoy pizza without all the mess. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a party snack, these are sure to become a favorite!
The Best Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are a deliciously easy and quick snack made with crispy, flaky dough and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer, these pizza pockets are air-fried to golden perfection with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
½ cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20–25 slices pepperoni
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Fork (for sealing the edges)
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Instructions
-
Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. -
Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough or pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into equal-sized squares or rectangles. -
Fill the Pockets
On one half of each dough piece, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, and place 3–4 slices of pepperoni. Fold the dough over and seal by pressing the edges with a fork. -
Add Toppings
Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg. Optionally, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. -
Air Fry
Place the pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. -
Cool and Serve
Let the pizza pockets cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
Notes
Add Veggies: For extra flavor, include bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in the filling.
Different Meats: Swap pepperoni for sausage, or cooked chicken for variety.
Extra Cheese: Layer ricotta, provolone, or cheddar for a cheesy twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for some heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Quick Meal, Pizza
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
