Trader Joe's Air-Fryer Appetizer Hack Is About to Make Your Life So Much Easier (2024)

Food
Shopping and Storing

Crispy apps in minutes? Yes, please!

Samantha Leffler

Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture.

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Lisa Milbrand

Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications.

Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines

Updated on February 14, 2023

Trader Joe's Air-Fryer Appetizer Hack Is About to Make Your Life So Much Easier (3)

Listen, we don't need any convincing when it comes to shopping at Trader Joe's, but for any naysayers out there, a new appetizer hack might just convince you to give the California-based grocer a try.

In addition to the chain's bevy of chocolate finds, array of truffle items, and litany of healthy options, there are also dozens of drool-worthy appetizers to choose from. The experts at Trader Joe's suggested a few of their favorite appetizers to pop into the air fryer, and they may even taste better once you get the popular kitchen appliance involved. Their picks include the Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos, Parmesan Pastry Pups, and Organic Veggie Bites.

What's more? Since these eats are bite-sized, the TJ's pros note that you can cook all three of 'em in the air fryer at the same time. Translation: Preparing for your next gathering—a Super Bowl shindig, perhaps?—just got a lot easier.

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All you need to do is spray some oil in the basket, place four to six of each appetizer inside, leaving space between each one so they can get nice and crispy, and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Then, set the timer for 10 minutes, but pause the air fryer about halfway through so you can give your apps a little shake. And that's it!

We've also done a little of our own research, and found a few other delicious Trader Joe's favorites that are custom made for the air fryer—and for perfect party appetizers, whether you're a devoted fan of customer favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken, or looking for something sweet to pop in your air fryer to finish off your party menu. Keep reading for more info on how to make a tasty party spread in your air fryer in less than 15 minutes.

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Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

The taquitos, which are made in Mexico, are corn tortillas that are rolled and filled with black beans, Monterey Jack, onion, jalapeños, and spices. When cooked in the air fryer, these treats develop an "even more appealing crispness." Serve them with some homemade guacamole or whip up a spicy street corn salad.

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Parmesan Pastry Pups

These pastry pups taste delicious no matter how you cook them, but when you pop 'em in the air fryer, the cheese that's sprinkled on buttery puff pastry becomes aromatic, while the pastry itself develops an irresistible flakiness. And let's not forget about the mini beef franks wrapped inside! The tiny hot dogs manage to stay perfectly tender, and would go great with some homemade ketchup or mustard.

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Organic Veggie Bites

Yes, you can make these vegan tot-like treats in the air fryer, and yes, they taste delicious. The gluten-free medley of carrots, celery, onions, kale, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and tomatoes develops a golden, crispy exterior when thrown in the air fryer, but retains its delightfully soft middle. Toss them in a hearty grain bowl for a balanced meal, or, if you prefer to enjoy them as an appetizer, serve them alongside a vegan ranch dressing.

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Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's is known for its tasty Asian food, and its Mandarin Orange Chicken is regularly rated a customer favorite. Pop them in the air fryer at 400 F for 10 to 12 minutes, giving them a shake partway through cooking.

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Buffalo-Style Chicken Poppers

Spicy Buffalo-style fare is always a party favorite, and these petite chicken poppers feature the spicy chicken mixed with four different cheeses and wrapped in phyllo dough. Serve them with a blue cheese dip if you're going full-on Buffalo-style with your wings—though ranch dip is also an acceptable way to cool off the heat.

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Breaded Fried Ravioli

Turn pasta into a finger food with these tasty breaded ravioli, filled with five different kinds cheese and breaded and pre-deep fried—making it perfect for doing up in the air fryer, according to Trader Joe's.

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Thai Banana Fritters

Looking for something sweet to round out your snack offerings? These crispy banana fritters are excellent solo—or serve it with a little two-ingredient rolled ice cream on the side if you want to be extra.

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Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Dumplings are fantastic in an air fryer—and Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers crisp up beautifully. Try cooking them at 375 F for 10 to 15 minutes, until they're perfectly crispy.

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Gluten Free Breaded Shrimp

Breaded shrimp crisps up beautifully (and quickly) in the air fryer, for a perfect addition to your appetizer spread—especially if you're hosting some gluten-free friends.

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Mini Beef Tacos

Trader Joe's takes bite-sized to a whole new level with these tiny tacos—mini corn tortillas filled with beef (or chicken, if you opt for the chicken version!) and salsa. They crisp up beautifully in your air fryer—and pair perfectly with a cheesy chile dip.

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