Handheld pizza pockets with a tender, homemade dough filled with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and optional pepperoni — perfect as a snack, lunch, or dinner bite. Make extra and freeze for a quick, convenient meal later.

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All‑Purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
• 1 cup cold water

Filling & Assembly

• 1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water (egg wash)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce, divided
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon pizza seasoning or dried Italian herbs, divided
• 36 finely chopped pepperoni slices (about 72g), optional

Topping

• 2 teaspoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon pizza seasoning or dried Italian herbs

Preparation

1. To make the dough, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly with pea‑sized pieces of butter remaining.
2. Gradually add the cold water while mixing until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a rough rectangle, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours).
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
5. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll it into an 8” x 18” rectangle.
6. Slice the dough into six 4” x 6” rectangles.
7. Brush the edges of each rectangle lightly with egg wash. Place about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce in the center of each, followed by about 2 Tablespoons of mozzarella and a pinch of pizza seasoning. Add pepperoni if using.
8. Fold the dough over the filling to form a 4” x 3” pocket and press the edges to seal, using a floured fork if desired.
9. Place the assembled pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining seasoning. Cut small slits in the tops to vent.
10. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Freezing for Later

1. Allow assembled but unbaked pockets to freeze individually on a baking sheet until solid.
2. Transfer frozen pockets to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
3. Air fry from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.

Cook’s Notes

• Serving Suggestion: Serve warm as a snack, lunch, or casual dinner. Pair with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
• Beverage Suggestion: Enjoy with a cold soda, lemonade, or your favorite light beer.