Additional Coverage:
- 13 Air-Fryer-Friendly Trader Joe’s Foods You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner (financebuzz.com)
Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Favorites: Quick Bites, Big Flavor!
Since their debut in 2010, air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, and it turns out they’re a perfect match for those delicious, budget-friendly frozen finds at Trader Joe’s. We’re talking about taking those fan-favorite apps and meals from “tasty” to “tastier” – and in a fraction of the time!
Here’s a rundown of TJ’s gems that truly shine when given the air fryer treatment:
(Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.)
1. Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Price: $4.49
Say goodbye to soggy taquitos! Trader Joe’s offers one of the few frozen taquito options that genuinely delivers more filling than shell. A quick 7-9 minutes on high in the air fryer will give these a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful inside.
2. Seasoned Corn Ribs
Price: $3.99
Looking for a delightful veggie alternative to meat? Trader Joe’s seasoned corn ribs are a fantastic choice.
These calorie-conscious appetizers are ideal for tailgating, parties, or even Sunday dinner. The air fryer slashes cooking time, getting them to perfection in less than half the usual time.
3. Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Price: $4.99
Brussels sprouts can be tricky to cook just right, often requiring a bit of time to get that desirable crisp. Grab a bag of these spicy and sweet sprouts from Trader Joe’s, featuring a rich sauce of hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. Your taste buds will thank you!
4. Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Price: $3.99
If you haven’t experienced an air-fried hot dog, you’re in for a treat! Pop them in at 350 degrees for about five minutes, and they’ll emerge with a satisfyingly tight skin and a juicy beef interior. The elevated texture and ballpark charm make for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
5. Vegetable Bird’s Nests
Price: $3.99
Imagine perfectly fried onions, carrots, and kale in a light tempura batter. Now, imagine having these delicious tempura vegetable spirals ready in under ten minutes from frozen, thanks to your air fryer! Fun hack: Don’t forget to grab some Sweet Chili Sauce to truly elevate this appetizer!
6. Premium Salmon Burgers
Price: $7.99
Trader Joe’s salmon burgers are notoriously addictive, and once you discover the air fryer prep method, you’ll be hooked. Place your frozen patties in the basket at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes, then flip for a few more.
The result? Thoroughly cooked, flaky fish that practically falls apart.
7. Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions
Price: $5.49
These delightful mini pastries offer a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. Featuring a flaky, layered crust, creamy feta cheese, and perfectly caramelized onions, they’ll be ready in a fraction of the time in the air fryer, cooked to the same perfection as a conventional oven.
8. Southwest Style Chicken Quesadillas
Price: $4.49
Packed with irresistible queso, tender shredded chicken, and a medley of produce and seasonings, these quesadillas are a flavorful take-home option. Air frying crisps up the tortilla beautifully, reinforcing it for a satisfying crunch with every bite.
9. 4 Almond Croissants
Price: $5.99
For the ultimate at-home almond croissant experience, grab a four-pack from Trader Joe’s and let your air fryer work its magic. For best results, let them thaw overnight in a plastic bag. About ten minutes at 330 degrees will yield perfectly flaky and fluffy croissants.
10. Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons
Price: $4.99
Wontons are designed to be crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside. These jalapeño and cream cheese wontons, topped with savory Parmesan, are no exception. Since they’re fried snacks, the air fryer is the ideal tool to achieve that perfect crunch.
11. Hashbrowns
Price: $2.99
If crispy edges are your hash brown priority, the air fryer is your best friend. This applies to all forms of hash browns, but Trader Joe’s patties will cook up significantly faster and crispier than in a conventional oven.
12. Mini Vegetable Samosas
Price: $3.99
Much like other small appetizers, samosas truly shine when prepared in an air fryer. Microwaving often leads to a soggy, unappealing texture. This Trader Joe’s fan favorite develops a beautifully flaky skin in the air fryer in just seven to ten minutes, keeping the interior moist and flavorful.
13. Organic Tofu
Price: $2.49
Tofu, a versatile, high-protein food, is a staple in many diets. However, achieving the desired texture can be a challenge. Luckily, the air fryer offers a fantastic and enjoyable way to cook tofu, making it a delicious addition to your meals.
The Bottom Line
One of the best ways to save at Trader Joe’s is by leveraging their frozen meals and appetizers, especially when you have an air fryer handy. If it’s fried, or an appetizer, it almost certainly belongs in your air fryer for a quick, delicious upgrade!
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- 13 Air-Fryer-Friendly Trader Joe’s Foods You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner (financebuzz.com)