Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket

Crispy on the outside with a cheesy, melty center, these Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are my ultimate solution for when everyone wants a quick snack and I do not want a mountain of dishes. My kids beg for them after school, and the promise of pizza in minutes never fails to bring everyone to the kitchen.

One night I whipped these up while helping with homework and ever since they have become the go-to emergency dinner when the day gets away from us.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough: brings the fluffy golden shell opt for a brand that bakes up tender
• Marinara or pizza sauce: delivers tangy rich flavor look for one with no added sugar for best taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly giving you those classic pizza strings buy pre-shredded for ease or shred block mozzarella for superior melt
• Pepperoni slices: add hearty savory bite try to use uncured for a cleaner taste or turkey pepperoni for a lighter version
• Egg: provides a shiny golden finish when used as an egg wash choose a large fresh egg for best results
• Italian seasoning (optional): for herby flavor a blend with real basil and oregano is best
• Grated Parmesan (optional): brings salty cheesy depth grate fresh or choose a quality pre-grated tub

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Air Fryer:

Let the machine preheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes this step ensures every pocket crisps evenly

Shape and Fill the Dough:

Unroll your dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into even squares or rectangles Lay out the pieces side by side for easy assembly

Add the Fillings:

Spoon a little marinara into the center of each square layer on mozzarella and pepperoni Stack the pepperoni slightly so every bite gets plenty

Seal the Pockets:

Fold each dough piece in half to fully enclose the fillings Use a fork to firmly press and seal the edges all the way around to prevent leaks

Finish with Toppings:

Use a pastry brush to gently wash the tops with beaten egg then sprinkle on Italian herbs and Parmesan if using these give extra flavor and crunch

Arrange and Cook:

Place pockets seam side up in the air fryer basket Leave a bit of space between each one to ensure hot air circulates

Air Fry to Perfection:

Cook for eight to ten minutes until the tops are deep golden and you can see cheese bubbles inside If unsure check at the eight minute mark

Let Cool and Serve:

Wait two minutes before serving so the cheese is gooey but does not burn anyone’s mouth

Pin

My favorite moments are letting my youngest sprinkle on the cheese and seeing those cheesy smiles with the first bite When I let the kids choose their own toppings it becomes a pizza party every single time

Storage Tips

Leftover pizza pockets cool quickly store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the air fryer for three minutes at a slightly lower temperature to bring back the crunch For freezer storage wrap each cooled pocket in foil then bag and freeze for up to two months let them thaw before air frying to avoid a cold center

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of crescent dough pizza dough works just fine Puff pastry delivers a flakier crust If you want a veggie option try black olives peppers or even cooked mushrooms instead of pepperoni For dairy-free use your favorite vegan mozzarella

Serving Suggestions

Pile them onto a platter with a side of warm marinara for dipping or tuck a few into a lunchbox They pair perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies For a fun twist let each family member build their pocket with custom fillings

A Little Pizza Pocket History

Inspired by classic Italian calzones and American pizza rolls these pockets take all the fun of pizza night and condense it into a no-mess hand pie Air frying keeps the kitchen cool and delivers that satisfying crisp that kids and adults love

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of dough works best for these pockets?

Both refrigerated crescent roll dough and pizza dough produce golden, flaky results. Crescent dough yields a lighter, flakier exterior, while pizza dough is a bit chewier and heartier.

→ Can I use other fillings besides pepperoni and cheese?

Absolutely—try cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or other top pizza toppings for added flavor variety.

→ How do I keep the pockets from opening while air frying?

Firmly seal the edges using a fork to crimp and press them closed. Brushing the top with an egg wash also helps hold the seam together while cooking.

→ Do I need to use parchment paper in the air fryer?

Parchment paper can make cleanup easier but is not required. If using, ensure it doesn't block airflow for proper crispness.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore a crispy exterior without over-drying the filling.

→ Is it possible to freeze these pockets?

Yes, after air frying, let pockets cool completely. Freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the air fryer until heated through.