Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in Air Fryer – Crispy In 10 Minutes!

Craving crispy, delicious falafel without the hassle of frying? You’ll love how easy it is to cook Trader Joe’s frozen falafel in the air fryer! Straight from the freezer to perfectly golden and crunchy in just 10 minutes, this simple method makes enjoying restaurant-quality falafel at home a breeze. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, these air-fried falafels are sure to impress with their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.

Why You’ll Love Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in Air Fryer

• So quick and easy to make! You don’t need to thaw the falafel—just take them straight from the freezer and pop them into the air fryer. No prep, no mess, and no oil splatters to clean up! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast snack. You’ll have crispy, golden falafel ready in just 10 minutes!

• Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The air fryer works its magic to create the ideal texture—crispy and crunchy on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy inside. No soggy falafel here! Every bite is full of flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s a foolproof way to get that restaurant-quality falafel at home.

• A healthier way to enjoy falafel. Since there’s no need for deep frying, these air-fried falafel are a healthier alternative to traditional methods. You still get all the amazing taste without extra oil. It’s a great option if you’re watching your fat intake but still want something hearty and delicious. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly!

• Versatile for meals, snacks, or appetizers. These air-fried falafel are perfect in so many ways—serve them as a protein-packed snack, a party appetizer, or tucked into a pita with veggies for a quick meal. They’re also great for meal prepping! Keep a batch on hand for easy lunches throughout the week.

• Great for beginners and anyone new to air frying. If you’re new to using an air fryer, this is one of the easiest recipes to start with. There’s no guesswork, and they come out perfect every time. Just set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do all the work. You’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen without any stress!

Ingredients For Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in Air Fryer

• Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel – These flavorful, ready-to-cook falafel are packed with Mediterranean spices and herbs. No need to thaw them—just cook straight from frozen for quick and easy prep.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in Air Fryer

• Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the falafel to crispy perfection without oil.
• Tongs – Helpful for removing the hot falafel from the air fryer safely.
• Instant-Read Thermometer (optional) – Great for checking if the inside of the falafel has reached 165°F, especially if you want to be sure they’re fully heated through.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in Air Fryer

• Start by opening the package of Trader Joe’s frozen falafel—no need to thaw them.
• Arrange the frozen falafel in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t stacked or overlapping.
• Place the basket into your air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook the falafel for 10 minutes.
• After cooking, check if they are fully heated by breaking one in half to see if it’s hot inside, or use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they’ve reached at least 165°F.
• If they need more time, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Once done, carefully remove them with tongs and serve hot. Enjoy your crispy and delicious falafel!

Serving Suggestions

• Stuff them in fluffy homemade pita bread with chopped white cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a quick Mediterranean sandwich.
• Serve on a salad bowl with kale and quinoa salad, homemade hummus, olives, and feta cheese for a healthy and filling meal.
• Pair them with dipping sauces like cucumber yogurt tzatziki, hummus, or homemade green onion dip for a simple appetizer or snack platter.
• Make a falafel wrap using flour tortillas or flatbread wraps, adding lettuce and your favorite thousand island salad dressing or sauce.
• Add to a mezze platter alongside other small bites like homemade dolma, roasted veggies, and pita chips for a party-friendly spread.

Tips For Success

• Cook straight from frozen – No need to thaw Trader Joe’s frozen falafel before air frying. Cooking them frozen helps keep their shape and texture perfect while saving time.
• Place falafel in a single layer – Always arrange the falafel in one layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven results and softer spots.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking – For extra crispiness, give the basket a shake or flip the falafel halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all sides get that delicious crunch.
• Check for doneness – Make sure the falafel are fully heated by breaking one open to check the center or using an instant-read thermometer to confirm they’ve reached 165°F. If needed, add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
• Adjust for your air fryer – Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the falafel the first time you cook them. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower depending on size and wattage.
• Get creative with serving – These crispy falafel are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or added to meals like salads, bowls, and wraps. Keep them in mind for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week!

Variations And Substitutions

• Serve with different sauces – Change up the flavor by serving the falafel with a variety of dips like tzatziki, tahini, garlic sauce, or sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. You can also use ranch or yogurt-based dips for a creamy option.
• Make it a meal with wraps and bowls – Turn these falafel into a full meal by adding them to pita wraps, tortilla wraps, or grain bowls. Pair with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of dressing or hummus for a balanced dish.
• Add extra seasonings before cooking – If you want to give them a flavor boost, sprinkle a little garlic powder, cumin, paprika, or chili powder over the frozen falafel before air frying. This adds a personal touch and enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
• Use in salads for a protein boost – These falafel are a great vegetarian protein option for salads. Toss them on top of a Greek salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a filling and tasty meal.
• Make mini falafel bites for appetizers – If you find smaller-sized frozen falafel, these can be served as bite-sized appetizers. Great for parties when served with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly option – Since Trader Joe’s frozen falafel are naturally vegetarian (and often vegan—check the label to confirm), they are a perfect meatless option for those following plant-based diets.
• Gluten-free options – If you’re gluten-free, check the packaging to make sure these falafel are safe to eat. Some varieties may be gluten-free, making them a great option for those avoiding wheat.
• Pair with side dishes – Serve them with sides like rice pilaf, roasted veggies, or tabbouleh for a complete meal. You can also pair them with simple steamed vegetables if you want something light and healthy.
• Add to lunchboxes – These falafel can be cooked in advance and packed in lunchboxes for an easy, portable meal. Pair with a small container of dip and some veggies for a balanced lunch.
• Use as a topping for pizza or flatbread – For a fun twist, crumble the falafel and sprinkle over homemade flatbread pizzas or pita pizzas. Add veggies and cheese (or dairy-free cheese for vegan) and bake until warm.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container – If you have leftover falafel, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer for best texture – To bring back their crispy exterior, reheat the falafel in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes. This will make them hot and crunchy again, just like when freshly cooked.
• Microwave option for quick reheating – You can also reheat them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but note that they may lose some crispiness. Heat on high for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
• Freeze for longer storage – If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooked falafel. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat from frozen if needed – To reheat frozen cooked falafel, place them in the air fryer at 380°F for 6-8 minutes, checking to make sure they are heated all the way through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Trader Joe’s frozen falafel without an air fryer?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the frozen falafel on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they may not get quite as crispy as in the air fryer, they will still turn out delicious and flavorful. You can also pan-fry them in a little oil if you prefer a crispier texture.

Do I need to thaw Trader Joe’s frozen falafel before cooking?

No, you do not need to thaw them! One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is—just cook them straight from the freezer. Thawing is not necessary and may affect the texture, making them softer and harder to handle. Cooking from frozen ensures they stay perfectly shaped and cook evenly.

How do I know when frozen falafel are done cooking?

You’ll know they are done when the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the inside is hot all the way through. To be sure, you can break one in half to check the center, or use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that they’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. If they aren’t quite hot enough, you can cook them for another 1-2 minutes.

Can I make a large batch of falafel in the air fryer?

You can make as many as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket, but it’s important not to overcrowd them. If you want to cook a large batch, it’s best to cook them in multiple rounds to ensure each falafel gets crispy and cooks evenly. Stacking or crowding them will result in uneven cooking and softer sides.

What are some good ways to serve air-fried falafel?

Air-fried falafel are super versatile! You can serve them in pita sandwiches with veggies and tahini, add them to salads or grain bowls, or simply enjoy them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like hummus or tzatziki. They also make a great addition to mezze platters with olives, cheeses, and fresh veggies. Whether as a snack, meal, or party food, they are always a hit.

Are Trader Joe’s frozen falafel healthy?

Yes, they are a healthier option compared to deep-fried falafel since they’re air-fried without extra oil. They are also vegetarian and often vegan, packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas. Be sure to check the packaging for exact nutritional information if you have specific dietary needs. Serving them with veggies and light sauces can also keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Can I meal prep with air-fried falafel?

Absolutely! Air-fried falafel are great for meal prepping. You can cook a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. They are perfect for adding to salads, wraps, and bowls. Just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness before serving.

What if my falafel aren’t crispy enough?

If your falafel don’t seem crispy enough after 10 minutes, you can add an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching too much so the air can circulate properly. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking also helps ensure even crisping. Adjusting the time based on your air fryer model may be needed to get the perfect texture.

Other Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi – This air fryer cauliflower gnocchi turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with no sticking or mushiness!

Trader Joe’s Frozen Kimbap – Easily heat up Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap for a warm, delicious sushi roll with a slightly crispy edge.

Crispy Trader Joe’s Hash Browns in Air Fryer – Get perfectly crispy and golden brown hash browns from Trader Joe’s using the air fryer—no flipping needed!

Air Fryer Potato Latkes from Trader Joe’s – Cook Trader Joe’s frozen potato latkes in the air fryer for a crispy, golden exterior and soft center, ready in minutes.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Chicken Burritos in Air Fryer – Heat Trader Joe’s frozen chicken burritos in the air fryer for a crispy tortilla and perfectly hot filling without a microwave.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Gyoza Dumplings – These Trader Joe’s gyoza dumplings cook up perfectly in the air fryer—crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries – Trader Joe’s frozen sweet potato fries become irresistibly crispy and golden in the air fryer, perfect for a quick side dish or snack.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Shaved Steak
• Crispy Catfish Nuggets in Air Fryer
• Easy Air Fryer Leeks Recipe