Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets: Easy Recipe!

Craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying snack or light meal without the fuss? Look no further! These Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and cook up perfectly in your air fryer. Forget store-bought versions loaded with preservatives – this homemade recipe is tastier, healthier, and ready in minutes. This recipe uses just two ingredients for the dough: self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Combined, they create a surprisingly pliable and flavorful dough that is perfect for wrapping around a savory ham and cheese filling. The air fryer works its magic by creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior while the inside stays soft and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these hot pockets are perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend snack.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** The 2-ingredient dough is a game-changer! Self-rising flour and Greek yogurt are all you need for a delicious and versatile dough.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Try different cheeses, meats, or even vegetables to create your own unique hot pocket flavor combinations.
* **Healthier Alternative:** Compared to store-bought hot pockets, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives.
* **Air Fryer Perfection:** The air fryer cooks these hot pockets evenly and quickly, creating a crispy exterior and a melty, cheesy interior.
* **Kid-Friendly:** These hot pockets are a guaranteed hit with kids (and adults!). They’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy a simple meal or snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **For the Dough:**
* 1 cup Self-Rising Flour
* ¾ cup Plain Greek Yogurt (non-fat or low-fat works best)
* **For the Filling:**
* 4-6 slices Cooked Ham, thinly sliced
* ½ cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or a blend)
* **Optional:**
* Egg Wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water or milk) – for a shinier crust
* Everything Bagel Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, or Poppy Seeds – for topping
* Olive Oil Spray or Cooking Spray

Equipment Needed

* Air Fryer
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Rolling Pin
* Pizza Cutter or Knife
* Parchment Paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Fork (for sealing the edges)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt.
2. **Mix Well:** Use a spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients. The mixture will initially appear dry, but keep mixing until a dough starts to form.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. **Divide the Dough:** Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. These portions will each become one hot pocket.

Step 2: Assemble the Hot Pockets

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a circle or oval about 6-8 inches in diameter. Aim for a relatively thin but not paper-thin consistency.
2. **Add the Filling:** Place half of the sliced ham in the center of the dough circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Top the ham with half of the shredded cheese.
3. **Fold and Seal:** Gently fold one side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the rolling, filling, and sealing process with the remaining dough, ham, and cheese.

Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying

1. **Optional Egg Wash:** If desired, brush the top of each hot pocket with egg wash for a golden and shiny finish. This step is purely for aesthetics.
2. **Optional Toppings:** Sprinkle the hot pockets with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture. (If you use egg wash, the toppings will adhere better).
3. **Prepare the Air Fryer:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or cooking spray. This will prevent the hot pockets from sticking.
4. **Parchment Paper (Optional):** If you want to minimize cleanup, place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket before adding the hot pockets. Make sure the parchment paper doesn’t block air circulation.

Step 4: Air Fry the Hot Pockets

1. **Place in Air Fryer:** Carefully place the hot pockets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
2. **Air Fry:** Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the hot pockets are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Flip the hot pockets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
3. **Check for Doneness:** Check the hot pockets for doneness by gently pressing on the top. They should feel firm and slightly springy. If the cheese isn’t fully melted or the crust isn’t golden enough, continue air frying for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. **Remove from Air Fryer:** Carefully remove the hot pockets from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
2. **Cool Slightly:** Allow the hot pockets to cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot immediately after cooking.
3. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets warm and enjoy! They are delicious on their own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Tips and Variations

* **Dough Consistency:** The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt at a time.
* **Filling Variations:** Get creative with your fillings! Try different combinations of cheeses (such as provolone, pepper jack, or Swiss), meats (such as turkey, pepperoni, or sausage), and vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers).
* **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian option, use spinach, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese as the filling.
* **Pizza Hot Pockets:** Fill the hot pockets with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives).
* **Buffalo Chicken Hot Pockets:** Fill the hot pockets with shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
* **Sweet Hot Pockets:** For a sweet treat, fill the hot pockets with Nutella and sliced bananas, or apple pie filling.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the hot pockets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if air frying from cold.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the unbaked hot pockets for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to air fry, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking instructions.
* **Air Fryer Temperature:** Air fryer temperatures can vary slightly, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the hot pockets while they are cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Prevent Sticking:** To prevent the hot pockets from sticking to the air fryer basket, make sure to spray the basket with olive oil spray or cooking spray before adding the hot pockets. You can also use parchment paper.
* **Sealing the Edges:** Ensure the edges are properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure seal.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these hot pockets with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite hot sauce. They also pair well with a side salad or some fresh vegetables.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Enhance the flavor of the dough by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or your favorite herbs to the flour before mixing it with the Greek yogurt.
* **Different Flours:** While self-rising flour is ideal, you can substitute it by using all-purpose flour and adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of flour. Ensure the baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
* **Greek Yogurt Substitute:** While Greek yogurt provides the best texture, you can experiment with plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat). Be aware that the dough consistency may need adjusting, so add flour or yogurt accordingly.
* **Cheese Alternatives:** Explore different cheese types for the filling, such as Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor. For a cheesier experience, use a blend of different cheeses.
* **Meat Variations:** Substitute ham with other deli meats like turkey, roast beef, or even cooked sausage. Cooked bacon bits also make a delicious addition.
* **Adding Vegetables:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the filling.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Combine sweet and savory flavors by adding a thin layer of fig jam or honey to the ham and cheese filling.
* **Breakfast Hot Pockets:** Create breakfast hot pockets by filling them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon.
* **Air Fryer Liners:** Using air fryer liners can make cleanup even easier. Just make sure they are perforated to allow for proper air circulation.
* **Doneness Check:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the filling is heated through, especially when using meats that need to be fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* (Per hot pocket, using the basic recipe with ham and cheddar cheese)
* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

These Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets are a simple, satisfying, and customizable treat that you can whip up in minutes. The ease of the 2-ingredient dough combined with the speed and convenience of the air fryer makes this recipe a winner. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a tasty snack, or a fun meal for the kids, these hot pockets are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy these delicious homemade hot pockets! Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own signature flavor combinations and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking (and eating)!