13 Trader Joe's Appetizers That Are Perfect For The Air Fryer

Mac and cheese bites

What could be better than mac and cheese? How about transforming it into bite-sized pieces, coating them in panko, and cooking them in an air fryer? For fans of Trader Joe's diner-style mac and cheese, these bites will feel quite familiar. Just like the stovetop version, they feature a blend of cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, and Gouda, delivering a rich cheesy flavor. To enhance the taste, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and Pecorino Romano are added for extra creaminess and a hint of saltiness. The light and crispy breading perfectly complements the gooey cheese within.

These bites come frozen, making preparation a breeze—simply place them in your air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. No oil is required, keeping them a light and refreshing appetizer that still packs a savory punch thanks to the delicious cheese. They’re ideal for sharing as an appetizer or enjoying as a snack. Consider adding them to a mac and cheese bar with various toppings or serving them alongside traditional sides for a fun twist. You can even present them with dipping sauces or offer them to young kids who adore mac and cheese. Their versatility and widespread appeal make them a staple on our shopping list.

Mini vegetable samosas

For enthusiasts of Trader Joe's Indian fare, the mini vegetable samosas make an ideal starter. These delightful morsels are bursting with flavor from peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and a medley of spices. Their size is perfect for an appetizer, though it's tough to limit ourselves to just one given their deliciousness. The phyllo dough encasing the samosa is perfectly flaky, providing a light texture that complements the savory filling. It's the generous filling that secures their spot on our appetizer roster. We also enjoy pairing them with some of the Indian entrees available at Trader Joe's.

We appreciate the blend of vegetables and curry, but due to their robust flavor, they may clash a bit with other culinary styles. Pairing them with similar flavors works wonderfully, or you can feature these appetizers as part of an international-themed gathering.

Parmesan pastry pups

The Parmesan pastry pups offer a convenient twist on the classic pigs in a blanket, perfect for preparing in your air fryer. The addition of Parmesan imparts a delightful salty flavor with a satisfying kick that complements the mini hot dog inside. These nitrite-free mini dogs elevate the appetizer to the savory category. Each one is encased in puff pastry dough and baked to achieve a buttery, flaky texture. Unlike some other pre-made appetizers, the puff pastry is perfectly sized to envelop the entire mini hot dog, creating a more impressive presentation than simply cutting a corn dog or hot dog into smaller pieces—a common time-saving hack.

To prepare them, simply place the pups in your air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space around each one for proper air circulation. This step is crucial for achieving the flaky exterior that makes them so irresistible.

These pups make for a fun addition to any buffet. Pair them with your favorite condiments like ketchup and mustard, or spice things up with zesty dipping sauces. Guests can customize their pups with various toppings, savoring each bite in their own unique way.

Italian style meatballs

Looking for a quick and satisfying appetizer? Look no further than the Italian-style meatballs found in the Trader Joe's freezer aisle. These beef meatballs are pre-cooked and feature breadcrumbs in the mix to ensure they hold their shape. They're packed with seasoning, making them perfect for pairing with marinara, barbecue, or other sauces.

Cooking them in an air fryer gives you a wonderfully crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. Since they're already cooked, you just need to heat them in the air fryer until they're warmed through. Once they're ready, you can either add your favorite sauce or enjoy them plain. Serve them with fun toothpicks to match your party theme.

If you're in the mood for something smaller, Trader Joe's also offers a mini version. These bite-sized meatballs are great for a quick Swedish meatball alternative when served with savory gravy. While we prefer the full-sized meatballs for their versatility, both options make for tasty appetizers.

Mini brioche bites

At first glance, these delightful bites appear to be exquisite pieces of sweet, tender brioche bread. However, once you take a bite, you'll find they are even more scrumptious than anticipated, thanks to the apricot jam and brie filling. They come in just one flavor, but it's incredibly delicious. These bites lean towards the sweeter side of our appetizer selection, providing a nice contrast when paired with savory options. They also make a great choice for breakfast or brunch appetizers.

Heating them in the air fryer takes only six to eight minutes. Each box contains 16 bite-sized treats, so if you're hosting a large gathering, you might want to grab a few boxes. It’s a good idea to label these appetizers on a buffet, as their sweet and creamy filling isn’t immediately obvious just by looking at them.

These brioche bites are crafted in France for an authentic taste, but be sure to stock up if you find them — they are a limited-time offering at Trader Joe's. You can locate them near the frozen breakfast items, such as waffles and chia seed bowls, rather than with the appetizers.

Panzerotti pizza bites

For a more substantial appetizer, try the Panzerotti pizza bites available in the Trader Joe's appetizer section. These mini calzone-shaped delights are stuffed with classic pizza flavors and can be devoured in about three bites. Be prepared for a gooey cheese experience and a generous filling. The bright and flavorful tomato sauce creates a hearty interior that pairs perfectly with the chewy pizza dough exterior. Each bite is loaded with mozzarella that melts beautifully when cooked in an air fryer or oven. While you can microwave them, the texture won't be quite the same.

They take only about eight to ten minutes in the air fryer. Like other similar appetizers, they require air circulation to heat evenly and achieve a deliciously crispy outer crust.

These mini pizzas are the perfect handheld option, delivering all the best pizza flavors without the need for utensils, making them an excellent choice. They also complement an Italian-themed dinner or party beautifully, pairing well with pasta, salads, and olives. Remember, they are best enjoyed hot, so pop them in the air fryer just before serving.

Maple poffertjes

For a delightful twist on appetizers, consider trying Trader Joe's maple poffertjes. These charming little pancake puffs are a classic treat from The Netherlands, conveniently available in the freezer aisle of your grocery store. Making them from scratch involves preparing a specific batter, using a unique pan, and frying them just right. However, with Trader Joe's version, you can have them ready in just a few minutes using an air fryer.

Traditionally, poffertjes are topped with melted butter and powdered sugar, but these come with a subtle maple flavor that pairs perfectly with maple syrup. You can also enjoy them dipped in fruit jam or even chocolate for an indulgent dessert.

They serve a dual purpose as a tasty breakfast option that’s easy to enjoy on the go. Each bite-sized piece is perfect for a single mouthful, so be sure to pack a few if you plan to make a meal out of these poffertjes. We adore them for a no-cook brunch that simply requires heating these delightful bites in the air fryer for a warm, sweet dish.

Buffalo style chicken poppers

Buffalo-style chicken poppers are a convenient air fryer adaptation of traditional buffalo chicken wings, requiring far fewer napkins for enjoyment. This appetizer is a buffalo-inspired wonton, filled with chicken, cheese, and just the right kick of spice. The creamy interior, thanks to a blend of cream cheese, fontina, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, is elevated by the addition of hot cayenne pepper sauce, which truly captures attention. The heat from the sauce is balanced by the richness of the cheese, allowing all the flavors to harmonize beautifully. The chicken adds a solid foundation, along with texture and protein to this savory treat.

These poppers are perfectly sized for a light snack, coming in delightful two-bite portions. They only need a few minutes in the air fryer to achieve a crispy, delicious finish. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch for added creaminess, or hot sauce if you prefer an extra kick. Be sure to allow air to circulate around each popper in the air fryer basket to maintain their crispiness.

Breaded mozzarella cheese sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a timeless appetizer that works wonderfully in the air fryer. The version from Trader Joe's features a light breading, with just the right amount of panko to create a deliciously crunchy exterior. Inside, you'll find part-skim mozzarella sourced from Wisconsin, which melts beautifully when heated in the air fryer. A subtle hint of garlic comes from the garlic butter incorporated into the breading.

To achieve the best results, it's crucial to leave space between the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket and avoid overloading it. Proper air circulation is key; without it, the sticks may become soggy. Keeping them in a single layer ensures you get restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks every time. You might need to cook them in batches, but the extra effort is definitely worthwhile. Pair them with marinara sauce to enjoy your favorite restaurant-style appetizer at home for a fraction of the price.

Vegetable bird's nests

Trader Joe's vegetable bird's nests have been a beloved appetizer since their debut in 2003. Made from julienned onions, carrots, and kale, these nests are coated in a light tempura batter and fried to perfection. The vegetables are intricately woven together before being frozen and packaged. To enjoy, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes in a single layer, and savor the crispy, delicious outcome.

The breading on these appetizers is lighter compared to some others on our list, and they are one of the few options that come with a dipping sauce. Each box includes a soy-based sauce that pairs nicely with various Asian dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with any dipping sauce of your choice. You can also drizzle your favorite dressing over a few nests on a plate to create a crunchy, savory salad packed with vegetables.

Chicken spring rolls

The filling truly takes center stage in Trader Joe's chicken spring rolls appetizer. A blend of chicken, cabbage, carrots, and green onion serves as the foundation, while flavors from garlic, basil, ginger, sesame oil, chili paste, and soy sauce create a rich umami experience. The wrapper, crafted from wheat flour, is fried to achieve a delightful crispiness. You can find these pre-cooked delights in the appetizer section at Trader Joe's.

Using an air fryer is an excellent method to maintain the crispiness of these appetizers, which is essential for enjoying spring rolls—nobody wants a soggy wrapper that disintegrates. Each box contains just five spring rolls, so you might want to grab a few if you're sharing. They are larger than many one-bite or two-bite options, so cutting them in half could be a smart choice.

Trader Joe's also has a vegetable version that features similar ingredients, but without the chicken. This variant includes mushrooms, kale, tofu, and edamame. If you decide to serve both types together, be sure to label your plates, as they look quite alike until you take a bite.

Jalapeño and cream cheese crispy wontons

If you're torn between creamy and crispy or sweet and spicy, Trader Joe's jalapeño and cream cheese crispy wontons are the perfect appetizer for you. They strike an ideal balance of flavors and textures, thanks to the delightful combination of the filling and the outer shell. These tasty bites are filled with rich cream cheese and diced jalapeños, offering a satisfying blend of cheesy goodness and a kick of spice from the peppers that makes every bite enjoyable. The wonton wrapper is fried to perfection, delivering a crisp and crunchy exterior.

Beyond the variety of flavors and textures in these bite-sized treats, each wonton is incredibly crispy and can be ready in just five minutes in an air fryer. Each box contains 12 wontons, making them a great shared appetizer for dinner or a small snack round. Pair them with a dipping sauce, like sweet and sour or chili sauce, for an extra burst of flavor or heat. Plus, the crispy wonton shell stays crunchy even when dipped in your favorite sauce.

Mini quiche duo

If you're looking for a couple of appetizer choices in one package, consider the mini quiche duo. Each package contains 12 delightful individual quiches that are as delicious as they are charming. The crust features a flaky, buttery pastry that perfectly complements the filling. One option is the mushroom and Swiss quiche, which boasts a rich mushroom flavor paired with a savory hint of cheese. It's also infused with herbs, adding an extra layer of complexity. The other choice is a delightful uncured bacon and onion quiche, which leans towards a sweeter profile due to the caramelized onion jam. However, the bacon ensures it maintains a satisfying balance of salty and savory flavors.

The only drawback of this appetizer is that it's not available all year round. The mini quiche duo is a seasonal treat that is released during the winter holidays, so be sure to stock up if you want to savor them at other times throughout the year.