Quick Answer
Yes, you can fry a hot pocket. Hot pockets are already fully cooked so frying them simply heats them up and provides a crispy outer texture. To fry a hot pocket, you’ll need a skillet with about 1/4 inch of oil heated to medium-high heat. Cut diagonal slits in the hot pocket to allow steam to escape then lower it into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Frying gives the hot pocket a crispy outer shell while keeping the inside warm and melty.
What is a Hot Pocket?
A Hot Pocket is a type of sandwich filled with meats, cheeses, and other ingredients that is enclosed in a sealed crust. It is manufactured by the Nestlé company under the brand name Hot Pockets. Some common fillings for Hot Pockets include pepperoni pizza, ham and cheese, meatballs and mozzarella, and Philly steak and cheese.
The crust of a Hot Pocket is made from dough that is stuffed with the filling then folded and sealed to enclose it fully. This allows the Hot Pocket to be heated up for a quick snack or meal. The folding process gives the Hot Pocket its recognizable half-moon shape.
Hot Pockets were first introduced in the early 1980s and were designed to be a portable and convenient meal that could be heated up in the microwave. Their popularity has grown over the years, likely due to their ease of preparation and the variety of fillings available.
Can You Fry a Hot Pocket?
Yes, you can absolutely fry a Hot Pocket! Frying is a great way to make an already tasty Hot Pocket even more delicious.
The main advantages of frying a Hot Pocket rather than microwaving it are:
- Crispy, golden exterior – Frying provides a crispy, crunchy outer shell that gives great texture.
- Warm, melty interior – The inside will still get hot and melty, softening the dough and cheese.
- Toasted, buttery flavor – Frying in butter or oil adds nice butteriness and toastiness.
- Prevents sogginess – Frying avoids the microwave’s propensity to make Hot Pockets soggy.
So frying takes the Hot Pocket experience up a notch! The crispy exterior combined with the melted, gooey inside is a winning combo.
How to Fry a Hot Pocket
Frying a Hot Pocket is easy to do. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1 Hot Pocket (any flavor)
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil or butter
- Skillet or frying pan
Instructions
- Take the Hot Pocket out of the packaging and use a sharp knife to cut 3-4 diagonal slits across the top. This will allow steam to escape while frying.
- Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil or butter to coat the bottom – about 1⁄4 cup.
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the Hot Pocket in the pan slit side up. Allow to fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the Hot Pocket over to fry the other side. Fry for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Remove the fried Hot Pocket from the pan and place on a paper towel lined plate. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before digging in!
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on how hot your oil is. Just watch closely and flip once the underside is browned.
Frying the Hot Pocket gives it a crispy fried shell around the melted, warm insides. Enjoy your delicious fried snack!
Tips for the Best Fried Hot Pockets
Here are some helpful tips to fry the most epic Hot Pockets:
- Use a skillet or pan with some depth to contain splatter.
- Cut slits evenly across the top to allow steam to vent.
- Preheat oil well before adding the Hot Pocket.
- Fry over medium-high heat for crispiest results.
- Flip only once during cooking for even browning.
- Blot fried Hot Pockets on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Allow to rest 1-2 minutes before eating.
- Store any leftover fried Hot Pockets in the fridge.
- Reheat fried Hot Pockets in a 350°F oven if needed.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect fried Hot Pocket with a crispy golden crust and piping hot, melty center every time. Now go forth and fry!
Fried Hot Pocket Filling Ideas
While any Hot Pocket flavor can be fried, here are some of the best fillings to fry up for the ultimate hot and crispy snack:
| Filling | Why It’s Great Fried |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni Pizza | The pepperoni gets crispy and the cheese extra melted. |
| Ham & Cheese | The ham fries up nicely and the cheese gets ooey-gooey. |
| Meatballs & Mozzarella | The meatballs brown and the mozzarella becomes deliciously stretchy. |
| Philly Steak & Cheese | The steak pieces get a nice sear and the cheese turns extra melty. |
| Bacon, Egg & Cheese | The bacon fries up crispy and the egg and cheese soften. |
As you can see, any Hot Pocket with meats, cheeses, or veggies fries up amazingly! Feel free to get creative and fry up any Hot Pocket flavors you love.
Frying Hot Pocket Alternatives
In addition to Hot Pockets, many other frozen snacks can be fried up for a quick and easy hot meal. Here are some tasty Hot Pocket alternatives you can fry:
- Frozen burritos
- Frozen egg rolls
- Frozen mozzarella sticks
- Frozen potato skins
- Frozen jalapeno poppers
- Frozen chicken nuggets
- Frozen fish sticks
- Frozen chimichangas
- Frozen taquitos or flautas
- Frozen pizza rolls
All of these items can be fried in oil for 2-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy. Frying gives them a delicious golden crunch!
So next time you have a craving, pull out some frozen appetizers or meals from the freezer to fry up fast.
FAQs about Frying Hot Pockets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about frying Hot Pockets:
Is it safe to eat fried Hot Pockets?
Yes, fried Hot Pockets are completely safe to eat. Hot Pockets are pre-cooked so frying simply heats them through while providing texture. As long as they are fried until golden brown, they are hot enough to be safe to consume.
Can you fry a Hot Pocket in an air fryer?
Absolutely! An air fryer works great for frying up Hot Pockets. Simply preheat the air fryer to 370°F, slit the Hot Pocket’s crust, and air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer makes the Hot Pocket crispy on the outside while keeping the inside melted.
Should you slit the Hot Pocket before frying?
Yes, it is recommended to slit the top of the Hot Pocket crust a few times before frying. This allows steam to escape and prevents the Hot Pocket from exploding. Be sure to make 4-5 evenly spaced cuts across the top.
What oil is best for frying Hot Pockets?
The best oils for frying Hot Pockets are those with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or light olive oil. Avoid oils that smoke easily like extra virgin olive oil.
How long does it take to fry a Hot Pocket?
It typically takes 4-6 minutes to fry a Hot Pocket, cooking 2-3 minutes per side. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the Hot Pocket. Fry until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
Frying Hot Pockets is an easy way to take the popular pre-made snack from good to great. Frying provides a deliciously crispy outer shell that pairs perfectly with the melty, warm inside. For best results, slit the crust before frying in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Feel free to get creative with fillings and fry up any Hot Pockets you love or similar frozen snacks. In just minutes, you can have the ultimate hot and crispy treat. So next time you are debating how to cook a Hot Pocket, skip the microwave and break out the skillet for amazing fried Hot Pockets.