I gathered some of my favorite Trader Joe’s items (hello, orange chicken!) and put them in the air fryer. Below are 10 Trader Joe’s Foods That Are Perfect for Your Air Fryer, along with the temperature and time settings I recommend based on my tests.
Move over slow cooker—this is the year of the air fryer. We bought one a while back and have been impressed with how crispy frozen and prepared foods can get without deep frying. The air fryer delivers that crunch with far less oil and less fuss than an oven.
That doesn’t mean I don’t love cooking from scratch, but sometimes a ready-made treat like mozzarella sticks or hash brown patties is exactly what I want. The air fryer handles these types of foods exceptionally well and makes them feel special at home.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, but I use mine most for two main categories:
- Foods that are typically deep fried: air frying gives a similar crispy finish using just a light spray of oil instead of a bath of hot oil—think egg rolls, chimichangas, and fries.
- Foods usually baked in the oven: the air fryer often cooks them faster and with a crisper result. Preheating an air fryer takes about 1–2 minutes compared to 8–10 minutes for most ovens.
Try new methods even if the food is store-bought; it keeps meals interesting and is usually more economical than takeout. Most frozen items from other brands will work with the times and temperatures I note below, but remember every air fryer model varies and you may need to adjust slightly.
The air fryer isn’t just for traditionally fried foods—try roasting vegetables like air-fried broccoli or crisp sweet potato fries for excellent results.
Which air fryer do I use?
I started with a Philips 2.75 qt Viva air fryer and loved how crispy frozen items became, then later upgraded to a Cosori XL 5.8 qt for larger batches. If you’re cooking for more than two or three people, a larger capacity is worth it since most foods cook best in a single layer.
10 Trader Joe’s Foods That Are
Perfect for Your Air Fryer
Below are ten Trader Joe’s items I’ve tested in the air fryer. Each entry includes my preferred temperature and time. All instructions assume the air fryer is preheated for about two minutes and that frozen foods remain frozen when placed in the basket. Times are approximate and may need a small adjustment for your particular appliance.
Note on oil: You’ll see “spray oil” mentioned several times. I recommend using an avocado oil spray or another high smoke-point spray for best results, though many items don’t require any additional oil.
1. Hash Brown Patties
These are one of my top air-fryer items—crisp, golden brown, and not greasy. They cook faster in the air fryer than in a conventional oven.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 9–10 minutes
Amount: 2–3 at a time in a single layer
Note: Lightly spray one side with oil; no need to flip.
2. Chicken Spring Rolls
Microwaving ruins their texture, and the oven takes too long—air frying gets them crispy and delightful. I give the basket a gentle shake once while cooking.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 12–14 minutes
Amount: The whole package of five will fit in many baskets
Note: Light spray of oil; jostle halfway through.
3. Turkey Meatballs
Air frying gives meatballs a pleasant crust while keeping the interior juicy—great when you want texture instead of soggy meatballs.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 15–16 minutes
Amount: One layer in the basket
Note: No oil spray or flipping necessary.
4. Bambino Mini Pizza Formaggio
Mini pizzas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer—crunchy exterior, soft crust inside. Faster than the oven and much better than the microwave.
Temp: 360°F
Time: 8–10 minutes
Amount: One mini pizza at a time
Note: No oil spray or flipping.
5. Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Nuggets cook a little faster in the air fryer than in the oven and come out crispy yet tender. Good for single servings without heating the whole oven.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 14–16 minutes
Amount: About half a bag in one layer
Note: No oil spray; shake the basket midway.
6. Garlic Fries
Fries—regular or sweet potato—are a huge win in the air fryer: crisp texture and a golden finish without heating your whole kitchen.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 18 minutes
Amount: Half bag, 1–2 layers
Note: No oil spray; shake the basket every 3 minutes for even cooking.
7. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a pantry staple for quick dinners. Air frying makes it extra crunchy and truly satisfying—finish with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 10–11 minutes (add 3–4 minutes if cooking a full bag and shake several times)
Amount: Half bag for most baskets; a full bag may work with slightly longer cook time
Note: No oil spray; shake the basket once during cooking.
8. Butternut Squash Fries
A healthier option that air fries beautifully. Toss the squash with spray oil and your preferred seasonings before cooking.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 13–15 minutes
Amount: About half a container in one layer
Note: Toss with oil and seasoning in a bowl; shake the basket every 3 minutes for even crisping.
9. Mozzarella Sticks
Air-fried mozzarella sticks get a great crunch and ooze melty cheese without deep frying. Rotate once during cooking for an even result.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 8 minutes
Amount: One layer in the basket
Note: No oil spray; rotate once during cooking.
10. Blueberry Waffles
If you don’t have a toaster, use the air fryer. Frozen blueberry waffles come out crisp and ready for syrup—no sogginess.
Temp: 270°F
Time: 4 minutes
Amount: One or two waffles at a time
Note: No oil spray and no shaking; check until they reach your desired crispness.
Reader recommendations for Trader Joe’s foods to air fry
Cilantro chicken mini wontons are also excellent in the air fryer! – Susan
Vegetable Birds Nests are awesome. 400°F for about 8 minutes. Crunchy and delicious! – Deb
The fried cod fish filets are also perfect for the air fryer. – Brian
Looking for air fryer recipes to try? Some favorites to search for include air fryer chimichangas, air-fried broccoli, and crispy air-fried sweet potato fries. Share your Trader Joe’s air-fryer creations—I’m always happy to see new ideas and variations. I hope this list helps you get the most out of your air fryer and enjoy delicious, crispy results from Trader Joe’s favorites!
