Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
You know those days when dinner sneaks up on you and you’re standing in the kitchen, tired and out of ideas? That’s exactly how this recipe was born. I was staring into my fridge one afternoon, wondering how to make something quick but satisfying—something my kids wouldn’t just nibble at, but actually cheer for. And that’s when the Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket made its grand debut in our house.
What started as a last-minute attempt to combine pizza night and a no-mess dinner quickly turned into a weekly request. It checks every box: cheesy, crispy, melty, handheld, and totally customizable. My kids love that they can help make them (hello, little kitchen helpers!), and I love that they’re done in minutes, thanks to the air fryer.
There’s just something magical about biting into that golden, flaky crust and getting that gooey, savory burst of pepperoni and cheese inside. They’re perfect for after-school snacks, weekend lunches, or those chaotic nights when dinner needs to happen fast. And the best part? No dishes piled high in the sink.
I’ve tested this recipe so many times and it never fails me. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s always a hit. You don’t need to be a chef to pull it off—just a hungry family and a few pantry staples.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought crescent roll or pizza dough works beautifully and cuts down on prep time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and store in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if frozen.
What other fillings can I use?
Go wild! Try cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even make a vegetarian version with just cheese and marinara.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It’s not required, but I recommend it for a crispier crust. Just a quick 3-minute preheat will do.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Definitely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Ingredients:
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20-25 slices of pepperoni
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Tools:
Air fryer
Fork (for sealing the edges)
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Roll out the dough and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred pocket size.
On one side of each piece, add a spoonful of marinara, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a few slices of pepperoni.
Fold over the dough to form a triangle or rectangle and seal the edges using a fork.
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan if desired.
Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each pocket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving—they’ll be hot and melty inside!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Don’t overfill the pockets—too much sauce or cheese can lead to leaks.
Use parchment paper to keep cleanup a breeze (just make sure it’s perforated for airflow).
Switch things up by using different cheeses—cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack!
Add a dash of garlic powder to the egg wash for an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked pockets warm in the oven at 200°F while you air fry the rest.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a total lifesaver on a busy school night. My kids asked for seconds AND thirds!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and easy! Next time I think I’ll try adding mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Crispy, cheesy, and so fast. I loved that I didn’t have to turn on the oven.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really good, but I wish I had used a bit more sauce inside. Will adjust next time.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made a batch for my son’s sleepover and they disappeared in minutes. Huge hit!”
Printable Recipe
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Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pocket
Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside—these Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are the perfect quick-fix for busy families. With just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes start to finish, they’re ideal for after-school snacks, lunchbox treats, or lazy-weeknight dinners. Kids love them, parents love the easy cleanup, and the air fryer does all the hard work!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- Tools:
- Air fryer
- Fork (for sealing the edges)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred pocket size.
- On one side of each piece, add a spoonful of marinara, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a few slices of pepperoni.
- Fold over the dough to form a triangle or rectangle and seal the edges using a fork.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan if desired.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each pocket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving—they’ll be hot and melty inside!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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