Wondering about the hot pocket cook time is the reason why you are here? Whether you’re using a microwave, air fryer, or conventional oven, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for the ideal cooking time, how to make and some tips for crispy hot pockets at home.
Hot Pocket Cook Time
For a quick fix, you can microwave Hot Pockets for 2-4 minutes. The air fryer does the trick in 13-18 minutes. If you prefer using the oven, the conventional oven takes about 24-29 minutes, while the convection oven only needs 15 minutes for half a pound. Lastly, the toaster oven (at 350 degrees Fahrenheit) takes 20-25 minutes.
Hot pocket cook time, according to the brand’s website. Compiled by EdithsBistro.com:
Hot Pockets | Cooked by microwave | Cooked by air fryer | Conventional oven |
---|---|---|---|
Chicken bacon ranch- crispy buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 13-15 minutes | 28 minutes |
Four cheese pizza- garlic buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 15 minutes | 26 minutes |
Four meat & four cheese pizza- garlic buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 15 minutes | 26 minutes |
Ham & cheddar- crispy buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 16-18 minutes | 26 minutes |
Ham & cheese- croissant crust | 2-4 minutes | 16-18 minutes | 26 minutes |
Meatballs & mozzarella- garlic buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 16-18 minutes | 27 minutes |
Pepperoni pizza- crispy crust | 2-4 minutes | 16-18 minutes | 26 minutes |
Pepperoni pizza- garlic buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 16-18 minutes | 27 minutes |
Philly steak & cheese- seasoned crust | 2-4 minutes | 15-16 minutes | 29 minutes |
Steak & cheddar- crispy buttery crust | 2-4 minutes | 15 minutes | 24 minutes |
Popular Hot Pocket Cook Time
Hot pocket cook time ham and cheese
For a quick option, you can use the microwave, which takes 2-4 minutes. The air fryer takes about 16-18 minutes. If you’re using a conventional oven, the cook time is around 28 minutes.
There’re some notes for those who use microwaves. The time is for HIGH mode.
1100 Watt oven | 1 sandwich: 2 minutes 2 sandwiches: 3 minutes and 30 seconds |
Lower wattage or compact microwave | 1 sandwich: 3 minutes (cook one at a time) |
Hot pocket cook time pepperoni
The air fryer is a fantastic option, taking just 16-18 minutes to cook to perfect hot pocket. The microwave will have your hot pocket ready in 2-4 minutes. And if you enjoy the traditional oven-baked taste, the conventional oven will do the job in 26 minutes if it is Pepperoni pizza- crispy crust. Pepperoni pizza-garlic buttery crust takes 27 minutes by this method.
There’re some notes for those who use microwaves. The time is for HIGH mode.
1100 Watt oven | 1 sandwich: 1 minute, 50 seconds 2 sandwiches: 3 minutes, 30 seconds |
Lower wattage or compact microwave | 1 sandwich: 2 minutes, 50 seconds (cook one at a time) |
Hot pocket cooking time Philly cheese steak
The microwave will quickly heat yours in 2-4 minutes. The air fryer is a great choice, taking 15-16 minutes to achieve that perfect texture. The conventional, as always, is the slowest method, with 29 minutes of waiting.
There’re some notes for those who use microwaves. The time is for HIGH mode.

1100 Watt oven | 1 sandwich: 1 minute, 50 seconds 2 sandwiches: 3 minutes, 30 seconds |
Lower wattage or compact microwave | 1 sandwich: 2 minutes, 50 seconds (cook one at a time) |
What Happens If Hot Pockets Overcooked?
Overcooking hot pockets can lead to exploding. When you overcome the hot pocket cook time, it becomes hard and dry, and the filling can burn. As a result, the pressure inside the pocket increases, causing it to split open and explode. This is especially true when using the microwave, as the inside cooks faster than the outside, creating an uneven heat distribution and causing the pocket to expand and burst.
Following the cooking times and methods for your Hot Pockets is essential to avoid exploding. If using the microwave, you can try cooking on 50% power for half the recommended time, then flipping it over and cooking it on high for the other half. Alternatively, you can pierce the pocket several times with a fork before cooking to release the pressure and prevent explosions.

How To Make Hot Pockets At Home?
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of store-bought pie crust
- 1/2 cup of your favorite sauce such as pizza sauce, marinara, or barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped cooked meat optional – you can use ham, chicken, pepperoni, or any meat you like
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Lay out the pie crust and cut it into four equal squares.
- Spoon the sauce onto each square, spreading it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped cooked meat (if using) over the sauce.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a triangle and press to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns a lovely golden brown and becomes flaky.
Tips For Making Hot Pockets
- Preheat the oven before baking to ensure even cooking to make hot pockets crispy.
- Allow the hot pocket to cool for 1-2 minutes before eating to avoid burns from the hot filling.
- If reheating a frozen hot pocket, puncture it with a fork before cooking to release steam and avoid explosions.
- For reheating, use a toaster oven on low heat to crisp the dough.
FAQs
Hot pocket toaster oven instructions
To cook a hot pocket in a toaster oven, preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot pocket on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Hot pocket cook time in 700 watt microwave
In a 700-watt microwave, the cooking time is usually around 3 minutes for one hot pocket and 5-6 minutes for two. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so following the instructions to cook hot pocket in the microwave is essential. You should adjust the time accordingly to achieve the desired results, too.
What is the best temperature to cook hot pockets?
The best temperature to cook hot pockets is 350°F (175°C) in a conventional oven.
References:
- Hot Pockets cook time – https://www.goodnes.com/hot-pockets/cook-time/
- Hot Pockets – https://www.goodnes.com/hot-pockets/
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