14 Delicious Trader Joe’s Items That Shine in the Air Fryer

When it comes to Trader Joe’s fan-favorite foods, there’s one appliance that can make them even better—the air fryer! Known for its ability to add a deliciously crispy touch to everything it cooks, the air fryer works wonders on Trader Joe’s bites and treats. It is a perfect companion to elevate Trader Joe’s goodies without the extra oil or mess. Whether you’re craving crunchy appetizers or looking for a quick snack, these air-fried items bring out the best in taste and texture. This list highlights some of the top Trader Joe’s items that truly shine when cooked in the air fryer, giving you quick and satisfying options for any craving.

Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites

Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites are a crowd-pleaser and become extra crispy in the air fryer. Each bite is filled with gooey macaroni and cheese, surrounded by a crispy breading that holds up perfectly after air frying. The air fryer keeps the filling creamy and the outside crunchy, making these bites a comforting snack or party appetizer. Pair them with marinara sauce or your favorite dip to enhance their cheesy flavor. The air fryer makes it easy to get a crunchy, golden-brown exterior without deep frying.

Trader Joe’s Jamaican Style Beef Patties

Trader Joe’s Jamaican Style Beef Patties are a must-try in the air fryer, with their flaky crust and spicy beef filling. The air fryer makes the crust crispy and golden, enhancing the warm, aromatic spices of the beef. These patties offer a satisfying blend of flaky pastry and flavorful filling, great for a quick snack or appetizer. Serve them with a side of mango chutney for a touch of sweetness that balances the spices. The air fryer helps achieve a texture similar to an oven-baked patty but faster and with less hassle.

Trader Joe’s Battered Fish Nuggets

Trader Joe’s Battered Fish Nuggets are an excellent choice for the air fryer, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and flaky fish inside. These nuggets are made with mild white fish, which gets an even, crunchy coating when air-fried without any extra oil. The light batter keeps the texture satisfying while allowing the fish’s flavor to shine through. Pair them with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a side of fries for a quick and easy meal that feels like a fish and chips dinner. The air fryer’s efficiency makes these nuggets an ideal choice for busy days, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Trader Joe’s Mini Vegetable Samosas

Trader Joe’s Mini Vegetable Samosas are a fantastic snack that becomes perfectly crisp in the air fryer. Filled with a flavorful mix of potatoes, peas, and spices, these samosas offer a satisfying vegetarian option with an authentic Indian-inspired taste. The air fryer crisps up the outer pastry shell, creating a delicious contrast with the soft, savory filling inside. These mini samosas are ideal for serving as appetizers or a quick snack, and they pair well with a side of tamarind or mint chutney. Air frying them brings out the best in each bite, enhancing both the texture and flavor.

Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups

Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups become irresistible bite-sized treats in the air fryer. These mini beef franks are wrapped in flaky pastry sprinkled with parmesan cheese, creating a gourmet take on the classic pigs in a blanket. Air frying these pups makes the pastry extra crispy, while the cheese melts slightly, adding a savory touch. They are excellent for parties, appetizers, or an indulgent snack. Serve with mustard or ketchup for dipping, and watch them disappear quickly. The air fryer elevates this classic snack without needing any added oil.

Trader Joe’s Crispy Battered Calamari

Trader Joe’s Crispy Battered Calamari turns into a restaurant-quality appetizer when prepared in the air fryer. The air fryer enhances the crispiness of the batter while keeping the calamari tender and juicy inside. With each piece achieving a perfect crunch, it’s a quick way to enjoy calamari without the hassle of deep-frying. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a side of marinara or aioli for a classic touch that brings out the seafood flavors. This air-fried calamari is an ideal option for entertaining or as a fun addition to any meal, providing a light and flavorful treat with minimal effort.

Trader Joe’s Kibbeh

Trader Joe’s Kibbeh, a traditional Middle Eastern treat, comes out perfectly crispy in the air fryer. These spiced bulgur wheat shells are stuffed with seasoned beef, onions, and pine nuts, creating a unique blend of flavors and textures. In the air fryer, the kibbeh develops a crunchy crust, while the beef filling remains tender and savory. These work well as appetizers or part of a mezze platter, served with Trader Joe’s Tzatziki or garlic sauce. The air fryer brings out the best in kibbeh, enhancing its flavors without the extra oil.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a fan favorite, and it’s even better in the air fryer. The air fryer crisps up the chicken pieces, creating a crunchy coating that holds up well under the sweet and tangy orange sauce. Simply heat the sauce separately and toss the crispy chicken in it right before serving to keep it from getting soggy. This dish is a great alternative to takeout, giving you restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. The air fryer preserves the juiciness of the chicken while delivering a perfect crunch.

Trader Joe’s Garlic & Pesto Pizza

Trader Joe’s Garlic & Pesto Pizza shines in the air fryer, emerging with a perfectly crispy crust and bubbling cheese. The pesto adds a fragrant, herby touch that complements the cheese and garlic, creating a satisfying flavor profile. The air fryer allows the crust to get golden without drying out the toppings, ensuring each bite is a blend of crispy and gooey textures. This pizza is perfect for a quick meal, offering a more gourmet feel without the hassle. Pair it with a side of fresh salad or extra pesto for dipping to round out the flavors.

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi reaches its crispy potential in the air fryer, making it a great low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The air fryer gives the gnocchi a nice golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy, eliminating the need to add oil. Toss them with marinara or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor, or simply enjoy them plain as a crispy snack. Air frying is an easy way to avoid the sometimes mushy texture of pan-cooked gnocchi. This healthier spin on a classic Italian dish is quick and satisfying.

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers are a spicy, savory treat that comes out crispy and delicious in the air fryer. These poppers feature tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in a crunchy breading with just the right amount of buffalo spice. The air fryer crisps the outer coating perfectly while keeping the chicken inside juicy, making each bite a flavorful experience with a satisfying crunch. These poppers are excellent for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a little heat, and they pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Quick and easy to prepare, they bring all the flavor of buffalo wings with less mess and hassle.

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers are a spicy, savory treat that comes out crispy and delicious in the air fryer. These poppers feature tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in a crunchy breading with just the right amount of buffalo spice. The air fryer crisps the outer coating perfectly while keeping the chicken inside juicy, making each bite a flavorful experience with a satisfying crunch. These poppers are excellent for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a little heat, and they pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Quick and easy to prepare, they bring all the flavor of buffalo wings with less mess and hassle.

Trader Joe’s Breaded Fried Ravioli

If you’re looking for a fun twist on pasta, try Trader Joe’s Breaded Fried Ravioli in the air fryer. These cheese-filled ravioli are coated in a light breading, and when air-fried, they become golden and crispy without needing any oil. The warm, gooey cheese contrasts perfectly with the crispy outer shell, making these an exciting appetizer or snack. They pair well with marinara sauce for dipping, adding a bit of tang to each cheesy bite. Air frying makes this treat less greasy, but just as indulgent and delicious.

Trader Joe’s Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi is a deliciously creative option that cooks up beautifully in the air fryer. Each gnocchi piece is filled with a tasty combination of tomato sauce and mozzarella, giving you the flavors of a classic Italian dish in every bite. The air fryer crisps the outside of the gnocchi, creating a delightful contrast with the warm, gooey filling inside. This makes for an easy, satisfying snack or side dish, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying on its own. The air fryer enhances both texture and flavor, turning these stuffed gnocchi into a comforting, fun-to-eat treat that’s ready in minutes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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