Classic Italian sofficini get a heartier twist in this air fryer version made with seasoned ground beef instead of the usual dough shell. The result is a crisp golden exterior with a juicy center filled with melted provola cheese and cooked ham.
Cooking them in the air fryer keeps the texture light and crunchy without deep frying, while still delivering the rich flavor and creamy filling that make this kind of comfort food so satisfying. They are easy to prepare ahead and work just as well for a quick dinner as for casual entertaining.
Air Fryer Meat Stuffed Pockets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the ground beef in a bowl with the egg, soaked and well-squeezed bread, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until the mixture becomes compact, smooth, and easy to shape.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and flatten each one between two sheets of parchment paper to form thin rounds.
- Place one slice of cooked ham and one slice of provola cheese on one half of each round.
- Fold into a half-moon shape and seal the edges carefully using your fingers or the tines of a fork.
- Coat each stuffed pocket lightly with breadcrumbs. There is no need to use egg; a light brushing of olive oil helps create a more even crust.
- Arrange the stuffed pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot while the provola filling is still melted and creamy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 340°F (170°C) for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Extra Tips
For an even crispier finish, spray the stuffed pockets lightly with olive oil before cooking instead of brushing them. This helps the breadcrumbs brown more evenly in the air fryer.
Low-moisture mozzarella can be used instead of provola if preferred, but avoid fresh mozzarella since it releases too much liquid during cooking.
If preparing them ahead of time, assemble the stuffed pockets and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Chilling helps them keep their shape and seal better while air frying.
These meat stuffed pockets can also be frozen before cooking. Arrange them on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Since 2012, I’ve been sharing life through the things I love most — cooking, traveling, observing, and writing. I do it with the curiosity of someone who’s always learning, and the joy of sharing something real and heartfelt
