This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Mini Pizza Pockets
If you’re looking for an easy lunch, after-school snack, or kid-friendly dinner that disappears in minutes, these Air Fryer Mini Pizza Pockets are it. They’re crispy on the outside, perfectly cheesy on the inside, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Best of all, they’re ready in about 10 minutes, making busy days so much easier.
The second my kids see sandwich bread on the counter, they start asking if I’m making these pizza pockets. They’re one of my favorite back-to-school recipes because they’re quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and the air fryer gives them that golden, crispy crust without turning on the oven. They’re freezer-friendly too, so future-you will be just as happy as the kids.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 6 pieces soft sandwich bread crusts removed
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce more for dipping
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 12 pieces pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg beaten
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Remove the crusts from each slice of bread.
- Using your thumb, gently press down in the center of each slice to create a shallow pocket. Be careful not to press all the way through the bread.
- Fill each prepared bread slice with:– 2 tablespoons pizza sauce– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese– 2 pepperoni slices– 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Brush the edges of the bread with the beaten egg. Fold the bread over the filling to create a pocket, then firmly press the edges together with the tines of a fork to seal.
- Lightly spray both sides of each pizza pocket with olive oil cooking spray.
- Place the pizza pockets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thecookingmawma and let me know what you think. REPLACE: one warm closing line specific to this dish.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overfill the bread pocket. It can be tempting to pack in extra sauce and cheese, but too much filling makes the bread harder to seal and can cause everything to leak out while it cooks. A little filling goes a long way.
- These are perfect for meal prep! Assemble the pizza pockets, but don’t egg wash or air fry them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, brush with egg wash and air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–4 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Don’t skip the spray of cooking oil. A light coating of olive oil cooking spray is what helps the bread turn evenly golden and crispy instead of drying out or staying pale in the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Can I use different fillings?
Can I make these ahead for school lunches?
Never Run Out of Dinner Ideas
One new family-favorite dinner in your inbox each week, made with love.
My 5 Most-Loved Pastas, yours when you join
My kiddos love these and I hope yours do, too!