Trader Joes Frozen Items for the Air Fryer
An air fryer is an elite kitchen appliance that makes any frozen food crispier and yummier. As a college student, I would constantly pop Trader Joe’s items into the air fryer for a quick appetizer or meal that would not take much time or concentration. Here are some Trader Joe’s frozen food items you will love in the air fryer.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala Samosa
These are me and my roommate’s go-to Trader Joe’s frozen section item. Pop these puppies into the air fryer on 400 for about 10 minutes or until a crispy golden brown on the outside. You’ll want to shake the air fryer here and there to fully cook the samosas on either side. This combines two of my fave Indian dishes: samosas and chicken tikka masala and they are so flavorful.
2. Veggie Nests
These things are just elite when in the air fryer compared to the oven, some things just simply taste better. Cook these little nests in the air fryer on each side for a delicious way to get in your vegetables for the day. They are tempura fried veggie noodles and they come with a great little soy-based dipping sauce that is delish. Make sure not to stack these or else they will not cook as fully.
3. Hashbrowns
I’m talking about the Trader Joe’s hash brown patties of course. I love a good hashie, as my friend would call them, but something about putting them in the air fryer makes them extra crispy and delicious. It’s reminiscent of a McDonald’s hash brown but less greasy. Throw these Trader Joe’s gems on a bagel sandwich to elevate your pork roll egg and cheese game or eat them as an app for when you’re feeling in the mood for a snack.
4. Potstickers
I know you wouldn’t normally think to throw the Trader Joe’s potstickers into the air fryer, but it is both possible and encouraged. It gives the wonton a good crisp on the outside which adds a bit more crunch than if you pan-seared them yourself. Get a bit of their dumpling dipping sauce that they sell and serve it on the side for a great appetizer to your dinner!
5. Gnocchi
Throwing Trader Joe’s classic cauliflower, sweet potato, kale, or plain potato gnocchi into the air fryer is a great way to cook them. In my personal opinion, Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi can be cooked quite wrong and, in that circumstance, can taste a bit like gum. However, putting them in the air fryer is a good way to make sure that doesn’t happen. Make sure to shake these a lot when they’re cooking so they can be an even crisp. Top with your favorite sauce like pesto or Gigi Hadid’s vodka sauce and enjoy.
6. Roasted Potatoes with Peppers and Onions
Oh. My. Lord. Trader Joe’s has absolutely killed it with these ones. My roommates and I ate through at least two bags of these potatoes a week at school, they are so amazing. The seasoning, the peppers, and onions, the skin, the crunch from the air fryer. Ugh. These are the potatoes that can be eaten at any hour of the day. We used to run to Trader Joe’s multiple times just for them. That’s how good they are.
7. Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s is famous for its cultural cuisine, and a lot of it is tempura-based. If you are encouraged to put any of Trader Joe’s frozen food in the oven, you can just as easily air fry it for an elevated experience. Air frying this chicken restores the crispiness so it tastes like it’s restaurant made, and not just reheated. Their sauce is just impeccable and it’s a quick and easy dinner if thrown on some white rice.
8. Mozzarella Sticks
Your favorite bar food is here and better than ever at Trader Joe’s. If you’re tired of the oven not hitting as well as the ones that you get freshly made for you, tire no more. Throw the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for all-around better snacking and serve with a side of marinara sauce. You won’t miss the apps at your local bar when you have the air fryer and something from Trader Joe’s, that’s just gospel.
9. Mac and Cheese Bites
If you haven’t had Trader Joe’s mac and cheese bites, then you have not experienced the full Trader Joe’s effect. It is insane how creamy and delicious the mac and cheese is, and throwing them in the air fryer cooks them absolutely perfectly. I love serving these with a side of vodka sauce for dipping á la The Cheescake Factory, because it just makes the dish so much yummier if even possible.
10. Coconut Shrimp
I love coconut shrimp on tacos or just as a little appetizer from Trader Joe’s because it is delicious and it can be used in so many meals. There are also so many in the bag, so you can use them for a while and start getting creative with them. They also come with an amazing Caribbean style dipping sauce that takes you straight to island time.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
You can throw anything that is advertised as a fry at Trader Joe’s in the air fryer and enjoy the amazing results. The air fryer just makes everything golden brown and feel like it’s straight out of the restaurant without any grease, so your fries are going to be outstanding. Cover the bottom of the air fryer and then maybe add one more layer of fries and shake every so often until golden brown or crispy. If you have a larger air fryer you can usually use a good amount of the bag in the first go around. Anyways, these fries from Trader Joe’s are amazing, as is everything else from there.
