I tried a bunch of my favorite Trader Joe’s frozen items in the air fryer (yes, including the orange chicken) and picked the best ones. Here are 10 Trader Joe’s Foods That Are Perfect for Your Air Fryer, with the temperature and time settings I used for each.
Move over slow cooker—this is the year of the air fryer. We bought one a few months ago and it has quickly become a go-to appliance. The level of crispiness it delivers feels like magic: crunchy results without a vat of oil.
Even when I cook most meals from scratch, I love keeping a few convenience items on hand. Frozen snacks like mozzarella sticks and hash brown patties are excellent indulgences, and the air fryer brings them to life. It’s also a great way to get restaurant-style textures at home for occasional treats.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
I use the air fryer for both homemade dishes and store-bought frozen foods. Two of my favorites to make are homemade chimichangas and Trader Joe’s hash brown patties—the patties come out crispier than anything from a fast-food drive-through. The air fryer works especially well for:
- Foods that are usually deep-fried, which can be air-fried with just a little spray oil (e.g., egg rolls, french fries, chimichangas).
- Items that are typically baked in the oven but cook faster in the air fryer—preheated in about 1–2 minutes versus an oven’s 8–10 minutes (e.g., chicken nuggets, frozen hash browns, some vegetables).
Try new methods at home to keep meals interesting—air frying saves time and gives you crispier results with less oil than deep frying. Note that brands and models vary, so you may need to adjust temperatures and times for your specific air fryer. The cooking times below assume frozen foods and a short preheat of about two minutes.
Which air fryer do I use?
I originally used a Philips 2.75 qt Viva Air Fryer and later upgraded to a Cosori XL 5.8 qt for larger capacity. For families or when cooking for more than two or three people, a larger model is helpful 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 that air fry exceptionally well. You could heat some of these in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer delivers superior crispness and texture—worth the small effort.
All times are approximate and for a preheated air fryer. I tested these in a compact, analog-style unit; adjust if your model runs hotter or larger.
Note on oil: You’ll see “spray oil” mentioned for a few items. I often use an avocado oil spray because of its high smoke point, but any neutral cooking spray will work.
1. Hash Brown Patties
These are my top pick. Air-fried hash browns become golden and crisp without being greasy. They finish faster than in the oven and stay crisp longer than microwaved versions.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 9–10 minutes
Amount: 2–3 in one layer (depending on basket size)
Tip: Lightly spray one side with oil before cooking; no flip required.
2. Chicken Spring Rolls
Spring rolls come out incredibly crisp in the air fryer—much better than microwaving and quicker than baking. A light spritz of oil helps create an even crunch.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 12–14 minutes
Amount: The whole package can fit in many baskets; cook as many as you need in a single layer
Tip: Lightly spray and jostle the basket once during cooking for even browning.
3. Turkey Meatballs
If you dislike soggy store-bought meatballs, try the air fryer. They develop a nicely browned exterior while staying tender inside—great for a quick weeknight dinner.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 15–16 minutes
Amount: One layer in the basket
Tip: No oil spray or turning needed.
4. Bambino Mini Pizza Formaggio
Mini pizzas cook wonderfully in the air fryer—crispy edges, soft interior, and ready much faster than the oven. Ideal for a single-serving snack.
Temp: 360°F
Time: 8–10 minutes
Amount: One mini pizza per cycle
Tip: No oil spray or flipping required.
5. Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Nuggets cook quickly and come out extra crispy while staying juicy inside. It’s an easy, fast option when you don’t want to heat the whole oven.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 14–16 minutes
Amount: About half the bag in one layer
Tip: No oil necessary—shake the basket once mid-cook for even crisping.
6. Garlic Fries
Air-fried fries are crispier than oven-baked versions and don’t warm up your entire kitchen. If you can’t find the garlic variety, use any similar frozen fries and follow the same method.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 18 minutes
Amount: Half the bag, 1–2 layers depending on basket size
Tip: Shake the basket every 3 minutes for even cooking.
7. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s mandarin orange chicken is a favorite emergency dinner, and air frying makes it even better: extra crunch on the outside with tender chicken inside. Finish with the sauce for maximum appeal.
Temp: 330°F
Time: 10–11 minutes (add 3–4 minutes and shake occasionally for a larger bag)
Amount: Half bag in one layer (a full bag may fit in larger baskets)
Tip: Shake the basket once during cooking to prevent sticking.
8. Butternut Squash Fries
A healthier option—air-fried squash zig zags crisp up nicely with far less oil than deep frying. Toss with a light spray and your favorite seasonings for a fast side dish.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 13–15 minutes
Amount: About half the container in a single layer
Tip: Toss with spray oil and seasonings (sweet or savory) and shake every few minutes for even browning.
9. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic air fryer success—gooey cheese inside and a crunchy shell outside. They reheat and crisp without the mess of deep frying.
Temp: 390°F
Time: 8 minutes
Amount: One layer only
Tip: Shake the basket once to rotate the sticks for even browning.
10. Blueberry Waffles
Air-fried waffles come out exceptionally crisp, making them a great substitute for a toaster. They’re ready for syrup and don’t turn soggy.
Temp: 270°F
Time: 4 minutes
Amount: One or two waffles depending on size
Tip: No oil necessary; check for your preferred level of crispness.
Reader recommendations
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
If you’ve tried any of these or have other Trader Joe’s favorites you air fry, share your tips and settings. The air fryer is a fast, efficient way to get crisp, delicious results from many frozen and prepared foods—give these a try and adjust slightly to match your model and taste.
