Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes everything you love about a classic sloppy joe—seasoned ground beef, rich tomato flavor, and satisfying texture—and transforms it into a clean, easy-to-eat pocket. The biscuit dough creates a warm, golden crust that locks in the delicious filling without the mess. Plus, using the air fryer makes the cooking process quick, efficient, and mess-free. Great for kids and adults alike, these biscuit pockets are freezer-friendly, portable, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (large/grand size)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Flatten each biscuit into a 4–5 inch round using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto one half of the biscuit round. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold the biscuit over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place biscuit pockets in the basket, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 biscuit pockets.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
- Meat Swap: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smokier taste.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and a spoonful of salsa for a fun Mexican-inspired variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover biscuit pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
They can also be frozen after cooling completely. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 320°F for 6–8 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling the biscuits.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade dough works well—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling.
What size biscuits should I use?
Use large or “grand” size refrigerated biscuits for best results.
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely. You can make and freeze them in advance for quick meals or snacks.
How do I keep the pockets from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the biscuit pockets inside.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the beef mixture.
How do I know when they’re done?
The biscuits should be golden brown and firm to the touch, and the internal filling should be hot.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch, ketchup, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce make great dipping options.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Unsloppy Joes Biscuit Pockets are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party snack, these golden pockets are guaranteed to please. With simple ingredients and endless variations, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.
PrintAir Fryer Unsloppy Joes Biscuit Pockets
Air Fryer Unsloppy Joes Biscuit Pockets are a mess-free twist on the classic sloppy joe. Savory beef filling is wrapped in biscuit dough and crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer for a fun, handheld meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuit pockets
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can large refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Flatten each biscuit into a 4–5 inch round using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Spoon beef mixture onto one half of each biscuit round and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold biscuit over the filling to form a half-moon and seal the edges with a fork.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and place biscuit pockets inside without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the biscuits to avoid leaks.
- Use homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- Switch up the cheese or add cooked veggies for variation.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for quick meals.
- Oven alternative: bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit pocket
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
