If you’re obsessed with Trader Joe’s frozen section and love the convenience of your air fryer, you’re in for a treat. I tested 21 of TJ’s best frozen and prepared foods to see which ones get crispy, melty, or golden in all the right ways. Spoiler: Some of these turned out so good, I may never use my oven again.
Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 Oz
This cult favorite got a crispy upgrade in the air fryer.
Taste Test:
Tangy, flavorful, and better than takeout.
Texture:
Crunchy exterior, juicy chicken inside.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 320 per cup
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients:
Battered Chicken Dark Meat Chunks: (Chicken Dark Meat, Water, Corn Starch, Flour [Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour, Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Whole Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Salt, White Pepper, Green Onion, Garlic, Ginger)
Sauce: (Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Light Soy Sauce [Soybean, Water, Salt, Wheat Flour], Modified Food Starch, Dark Soy Sauce [Soybean, Water, Straw Mushroom Extractives, Salt, Wheat Flour], Garlic, Green Onions, Ginger, White Pepper, Sake, Mandarin Orange Peel, Orange Juice, Red Chile), Soybean Oil.
Pair-with:
Steamed or fried rice and broccoli
Chicken Fried Rice $2.99/20 oz
A convenient weeknight side that crisps up beautifully.
Taste Test:
Well-seasoned, slightly smoky
Texture:
Lightly crisped rice with tender veggies
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients:
Cooked rice, chicken breast, scrambled egg, peas, carrots, soy sauce
Pair-with:
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Perfectly Pickled Pups $4.99/6.3 oz
These mini hot dog bites are made for game-day snacking.
Taste Test:
Savory with a buttery crust
Texture:
Crisp outside, juicy inside
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Beef franks, puff pastry, seasoning
Pair-with:
Spicy mustard or ketchup
Coconut Shrimp $7.99/12 oz
Skip the mess—these come out golden and restaurant-worthy.
Taste Test:
Sweet coconut flavor, not greasy
Texture:
Crispy shell with tender shrimp
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients:
Shrimp, coconut flakes, flour, sugar, egg
Pair-with:
Sweet chili dipping sauce
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons $3.49/12 Oz
An easy appetizer or protein-packed snack.
Taste Test:
Herbaceous with a hint of ginger
Texture:
Crispy shell, juicy center
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 50 per 4 pieces
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Filling: Chicken, Cabbage, Bean Thread (Water, Sweet Potato Starch, Carrageenan, Salt), Onion, Green Onion, Cilantro, Soybean Flour, Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybean, Salt), Sugar, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper.
Dough: Wheat Flour, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt.
Contains Wheat, Soy.
Pair-with:
Soy sauce or ponzu
Trader Joe’s Jalapeño & Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons $4.99/7.5 Oz
Think jalapeño poppers, but crispier and easier.
Taste Test:
Spicy and creamy
Texture:
Light and crunchy wrappers
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 300 per 5 pieces
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Cream cheese, jalapeño, wonton wrappers
Pair-with:
Ranch or chipotle mayo
Trader Joe’s Chicken Karaage $6.49/18.97 Oz
A Japanese fried chicken favorite that cooks fast.
Taste Test:
Garlicky, umami-rich
Texture:
Ultra-crispy
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 340 per 1/4 pkg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients:
Crispy Seasoned Chicken (Boneless Skinless Chicken Leg Meat, Water, Soybean Oil, Wheat Flour, Cornstarch, Modified Tapioca Starch, Corn Meal, Sea Salt, Sugar, Soy Protein Concentrate [Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Lecithin], Natural Flavors, Yeast Extract, Salted Mirin [Sake {Water, Rice, Koji (Aspergillus Oryzae)}, Sugar, Water, Salt, Yeast Extract], Soy Sauce [Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt], White Wine Vinegar, Sodium Bicarbonate, Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder, Black Pepper, Eggs, Rosemary Powder), Sauce (Water, Canola Oil, Salted Egg Yolk [Egg Yolks, Salt], Modified Food Starch, Rice Vinegar, Malt Vinegar, Salt, Tomato Concentrate, Sugar, Enzyme Modified Egg Yolk [Egg Yolks, Phospholipase], Gum Arabic, Spice, Yeast, Garlic Powder, Xanthan Gum).
Contains Egg, Soy, Wheat.
Pair-with:
Cabbage slaw or rice
Trader Joe’s Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks $5.49/16 Oz
An instant crowd-pleaser and pizza night staple.
Taste Test:
Gooey cheese, salty crust
Texture:
Crispy shell, melty core
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 260 per 3 pieces
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients:
Mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, flour, egg
Pair-with:
Marinara sauce
Trader Joe’s Seasoned Corn Ribs $3.99/15 Oz
These veggie ribs are a viral favorite.
Taste Test:
Smoky and seasoned
Texture:
Crunchy edges, juicy interior
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 150 per 1/3 pkg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Corn On The Cob, Water, Plant Based Butter (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin), Sunflower Oil, Cornstarch, Salt.
Pair-with:
Lime crema or aioli
Chocolate Croissants $5.99/12 Oz
A bakery treat with minimal effort—just proof and air fry.
Taste Test:
Buttery, with rich chocolate layers
Texture:
Crispy, flaky, hollow center
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 320 per croissant
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 36g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Ascorbic Acid [Dough Conditioner], Enzymes), Butter (Cream [Milk], Natural Flavors), Water, Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Sugar, Yeast, Dough Conditioner (Wheat Flour, Malted Wheat Flour, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes), Salt, Wheat Gluten.
Contains Milk, Soy, Wheat. May Contain Traces Of Egg, Almond.
Pair-with:
Espresso or hot chocolate
Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower $5.49/pkg
Bold flavor and satisfying crunch
Taste Test:
Spicy, tangy, and bold
Texture:
Crispy outside, tender cauliflower
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Cauliflower, tempura batter, kung pao sauce
Pair-with:
Jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies
Cauliflower Gnocchi $2.99/12 Oz
A low-carb pasta alternative with crispy potential
Taste Test:
Slightly bland, not a hit
Texture:
Crisp outside, still soft inside
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 140 per cup
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Cauliflower, Cassava Flour, Potato Starch, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt.
Pair-with:
Pesto or browned butter sauce
Trader Joe’s Portuguese Custard Tarts $2.99/7.05 Oz
A flaky dessert that rivals European bakeries
Taste Test:
Sweet, creamy with caramelized top
Texture:
Crisp shell, soft filling
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 130 per 4 tarts
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: less than 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Water, Wheat Flour, Cane Sugar, Butter (Cream [Milk], Natural Flavors), Egg Yolks, Skim Milk Powder, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Eggs, Cornstarch, Salt, Lemon, Cinnamon Sticks.
Contains Milk, Egg, Wheat. May Contain Traces Of Soy, Almond, Coconut, Walnut.
Pair-with:
Black coffee or Earl Grey tea
Hash Browns (Patties) $2.99/22.5 Oz
A breakfast classic that crisps up like a diner hash brown
Taste Test:
Salty, potato-rich
Texture:
Golden and crunchy outside, fluffy inside
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, vegetable oil, salt
Pair-with:
Fried eggs or avocado toast
Trader Joe’s Jamaican Style Beef Patties $4.49/9 Oz
Savory, spiced handheld pockets of goodness
Taste Test:
Bold seasoning, meaty interior
Texture:
Flaky crust, tender filling
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients:
Beef, wheat flour, onions, spices
Pair-with:
Plantain chips or pineapple salsa
Brazilian Style Cheese Bread $3.99/11 Oz
These bite-size puffs are naturally gluten-free and cheesy
Taste Test:
Mild, cheesy, slightly nutty
Texture:
Crispy shell with chewy center
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Tapioca starch, cheese, milk, eggs
Pair-with:
Marinara or chimichurri dip
Butternut Squash Zig Zags $2.99/12 Oz
A healthier side that roasts up sweet and crisp
Taste Test:
Lightly sweet with cinnamon
Texture:
Soft inside, slightly crisp edges
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Butternut squash
Pair-with:
Maple yogurt dip or rosemary salt
Fried Mac & Cheese Bites $3.99/10 Oz
Crispy, cheesy nostalgia in every bite
Taste Test:
Rich, sharp cheddar flavor
Texture:
Crunchy outside, creamy inside
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 190 per 3 pieces
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Cooked Elbow Macaroni (Water, Enriched Durum Wheat Flour [Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk (Whole Milk, Vitamin D3), Four Cheese Blend (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme, Annatto {Color}], Gouda Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme, Annatto {Color}], Havarti Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme], Swiss Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme]), Breadcrumbs (Wheat Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Salt), Cornstarch, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Barley Malt), Egg, Water, Onion, Pepper Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Jalapeño Peppers, Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Heavy Cream, Pecorino Romano Cheese Blend (Pecorino Romano Cheese [Pasteurized Sheep’s Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme], Hard Grating Cheese [Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Microbial Enzyme], Cheese Whey Solids, Cornstarch), Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk And Cream, Salt, Stabilizers [Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum]), Salt, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Water, Salt, Garlic Powder), Paprika, Garlic Powder, Nutmeg.
Contains Milk, Wheat, Egg. May Contain Traces Of Soy.
Pair-with:
Marinara or buffalo sauce
Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins $5.99/14 Oz
Homemade bakery muffins in half the time
Taste Test:
Sweet cinnamon swirl with buttery crumb
Texture:
Moist center with crisp top
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 440 per muffin
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 56g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 31g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Cane Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Cinnamon Bits (Sugar, Rice Flour, Cinnamon, Dextrose, Sunflower Oil, Potato Starch), Buttermilk (Cultured Lowfat Milk, Salt), Sour Cream (Grade A Cultured Cream), Brown Sugar, Rice Flour (Rice Flour, Rice Bran), Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Cornstarch, Tapioca Starch, Contains 2% Or Less Of Baking Powder (Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch), Vanilla Extract (Water, Ethyl Alcohol, Vanilla Bean Extractives), Enzymes, Baking Soda, Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors.
Contains Milk, Egg.
Pair-with:
Hot coffee or chai latte
Fried Ravioli $3.99/16 Oz
Crispy pasta pillows that go from frozen to fabulous
Taste Test:
Cheesy and flavorful filling
Texture:
Crunchy coating, gooey center
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients:
Pasta, ricotta, romano cheese, spices
Pair-with:
Marinara or basil pesto
Brioche French Toast $4.49/12.2 Oz
Frozen breakfast that tastes fresh off the griddle
Taste Test:
Sweet and buttery
Texture:
Toasty exterior, soft inside
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 190 (per slice)
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Brioche bread, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla
Pair-with:
Maple syrup and berries
Final Verdict
If you’ve been sleeping on Trader Joe’s frozen section, it’s time to wake up your air fryer. From crispy shrimp and creamy wontons to golden croissants and comforting mac and cheese bites, these 21 picks prove the air fryer is your secret weapon for turning freezer staples into crave-worthy meals and snacks.
