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. Per a recent post on the Trader Joe's website, some of these appetizers, which are often microwaved, can be made in the air fryer, and may even taste better once you get the popular kitchen appliance involved. According to the Trader Joe's experts, three apps that really shine with a little help from this versatile gadget are 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.
RELATED: 13 Air Fryer Recipes That Are *Almost* Too Good to Be True
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! If you're not a fan of the below appetizers, Trader Joe's shoppers also note that the customer favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken can be made in an air fryer, as can the chain's Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers and Breaded Fried Ravioli. Keep reading for more info on how to make a tasty party spread in less than 15 minutes.
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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RELATED: 12 Trader Joe's Shopping Mistakes You Should Avoid at All Costs
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.
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.
Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers 6/10Not Recommended ProductAppetizersSidesFrozenUnder $5 Jan 11 Written By Katelyn Kleinheinz
Rating : 6/10
Price : $4.99
I don’t know if the recipe of these changed, but they look extremely different from when they first came out! I didn’t hate it, but also didn’t love it. While I appreciated the flakiness of the filo, there was an excessive amount of it. These poppers were 80% filo and 20% filling. The filling has more of a chicken salad type of texture which I enjoyed. With that being said, there wasn’t enough!
I don’t think I’d get these again after retrying them. There was too much filo and not enough filling. I prefer my sisters jalapeño poppers! What’s your favorite frozen item from TJ’s?!
Click here for more frozen items!
Posted to Instagram : 01/10/22
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Recommended Appetizers!
Featured
Boursin Cheese
Royaal Grand Cru
Blue Cheese Roasted Pecan Dip
Green Bean Casserole Bites
Cranberry Goat Cheese
Green Goddess Gouda
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Mini French Baguettes
Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers
6/10not recommended productfrozenappetizersidesunder $10under $5
Katelyn Kleinheinz
Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers
6/10Not Recommended ProductAppetizersSidesFrozenUnder $5
Jan 11
Written By Katelyn Kleinheinz
Rating : 6/10
Price : $4.99
I don’t know if the recipe of these changed, but they look extremely different from when they first came out! I didn’t hate it, but also didn’t love it. While I appreciated the flakiness of the filo, there was an excessive amount of it. These poppers were 80% filo and 20% filling. The filling has more of a chicken salad type of texture which I enjoyed. With that being said, there wasn’t enough!
I don’t think I’d get these again after retrying them. There was too much filo and not enough filling. I prefer my sisters jalapeño poppers! What’s your favorite frozen item from TJ’s?!
Click here for more frozen items!
Posted to Instagram : 01/10/22
Looking for something specific?! Search for anything below!
View fullsize
View fullsize
View fullsize
View fullsize
Recommended Appetizers!
Featured
Boursin Cheese
Royaal Grand Cru
Blue Cheese Roasted Pecan Dip
Green Bean Casserole Bites
Cranberry Goat Cheese
Green Goddess Gouda
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Mini French Baguettes
Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers
6/10not recommended productfrozenappetizersidesunder $10under $5
Katelyn Kleinheinz