German food is one of my all time favorites, something I’ve enjoyed since my childhood. While it’s generally seen as just a side dish, there’s something truly magical about spaetzle! Instead of all the work to make it from scratch, I’ve swapped to making air fryer Aldi spaetzle and let me tell you, it’s a game changer!
Spaetzle, or Spätzle (depending where you’re from) originates from southwest Germany. However, it’s become prominent in a variety of European cuisines, with Austra, Switzerland, and Hungary being other prevalent locations.
So, what is spaetzle? Well, spaetzle is, at its core, a small dumpling or noodle. The recipe is very basic, with flour, eggs, and salt being the only required ingredients. Of course, more can be added for variations and flavors.
It’s typically boiled, and then often pan fried to finish, with butter and parsley being common toppings for serving.
While it has a long history dating back to the 18th century, it of course has also been subject to modern variations and influences, like this frozen Aldi spaetzle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aldi frozen spaetzle is a great way to enjoy this classic German side without all of the associated prep work! It’s a huge time saver, and perfect for beginners to make.
Not that I don’t enjoy making homemade once in a while, but mixing the dough, making the dumplings, and the cooking process is tedious. Just reaching into the freezer allows me to enjoy this side anytime!
Aldi currently offers spaetzle in cheese and garlic sage varieties, but they often rotate their stock to include new options. Thankfully, this easy preparation works for any flavor you have!
Ingredients List
20 ounce bag frozen Aldi Deutsche Küche cheese or garlic sage spaetzle
Ingredient Notes and Tips
Aldi typically carries spaetzle in the Aldi Finds section of the freezer for 2-3 weeks per year for Oktoberfest. Since it’s frozen, though, feel free to stock up so you can enjoy it for several months!
Note that the cheese spaetzle comes with the cheese sauce frozen with it. You’ll want to place it in an oven safe dish, or line your air fryer with parchment or nonstick foil to prevent it from melting through the grates
Step By Step Preparation
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line your basket with parchment or foil, or spray an oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer with nonstick spray
Spread the frozen spaetzle into a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, or in the pan, and then place the pan into the basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 350°F, pausing halfway through to stir the dumplings, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments
Alternative Preparation Methods
Microwave: Cook on high for 8-10 minutes, stirring 2-3 times, until noodles are tender and heated
Skillet. Cook on medium heat in a skillet for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through
What to Serve With Spaetzle
Schnitzel
Bratwurst
Swedish meatballs
Sauerbraten
Goulash
Chicken paprikash
Roulade
Sauteed mushrooms
Sauerkraut
Red cabbage
Plum cake
Apple cake
German beers
While spaetzle is traditionally considered a side, there are a variety of main courses, other sides, desserts, and drinks to serve alongside it to complete your meal.
Can I use Different Types of Sauces with Aldi Spaetzle?
Absolutely! Aldi spaetzle pairs wonderfully with various sauces. In fact, you’ll find a variety of different pre-sauced flavor options in the store.
However, if you want to add your own sauce to a plain version, common choices include butter and herbs for a simple yet flavorful option, or a richer sauce like mushroom cream sauce for a heartier dish.
How Do I Prevent Aldi Spaetzle from Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket?
To prevent your spaetzle from sticking in the air fryer, give the basket a light coating of nonstick spray before adding the noodles. Alternatively, you may use perforated parchment instead.
Make sure to give the spaetzle at least one shake during cooking, which will also help prevent sticking. With already sauced spaetzle, make sure to use an oven safe dish or parchment to contain it to prevent a mess.
Can I Add Vegetables or Protein to the Dish?
Certainly! You can enhance your Aldi spaetzle by adding vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes, or proteins like grilled chicken or sliced sausage.
These additions can transform it into a complete meal.
Is Aldi Spaetzle Gluten Free, and Can I Find Gluten Free Options?
No, Aldi spaetzle is not gluten free, as it’s made with wheat flour. However, some stores may offer gluten free alternatives.
Always make sure to check the packaging to ensure that it is certified gluten free to be safe.
Can I Reheat Leftover Aldi Spaetzle in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Reheating spaetzle in the air fryer is a great way to maintain its crispy exterior texture.
Simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), spread the leftovers evenly in the basket, and heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crisped up.
Are There Any Other Aldi Frozen Products Suitable for the Air Fryer?
Yes, Aldi offers a variety of frozen products that are perfect for the air fryer. Look for items such as vegetables, meats, snacks, and even desserts.
Some products come with air fryer specific instructions on them, but as a general rule, if it may be cooked in an oven, it can also be cooked in an air fryer.
Is Spaetzle the Same as Gnocchi?
No, spaetzle is not the same as gnocchi. Spaetzle is an egg noodle of sorts, while gnocchi is a potato dumpling.
That said, they are both forms of pasta in and of themselves, and if you enjoy one, you’ll likely enjoy the other.
Recipe Pro Tips
The cheese sauce is in frozen blocks in the bag. While you could technically cook the noodles separately to avoid using a dish, they’ll dry out without the presence of the sauce I’ve found
My spaetzle was perfectly heated after 10 minutes in a Ninja air fryer and confirmed via thermometer. Other air fryers will vary slightly in terms of time needed
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover spaetzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze once it has been cooked once
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, heat in a pan on the stove with a little olive oil, or microwave for around 1 minute on high, until heated through
Making air fryer Aldi spaetzle is simple to do, and it takes about the same amount of time as both the microwave and stovetop methods. But, there’s not as much tending required, which makes it a win in my book!
You’ll get perfectly heated spaetzle that’s just a little crispy on the outside, which is just the way I like mine. It’s texturally better than the microwave, at least in my opinion.
This is a great way to get a tasty side dish on the table fast, and allows you to focus on the other components of your dinner while the air fryer does the hard work for you.
I personally prefer the cheese spaetzle, which is loaded with caramelized onions and two types of cheese (and it’s absolutely delicious to me)! However, feel free to choose your own favorite flavor; they all work great!
Easy Air Fryer Aldi Frozen Spaetzle
Aldi frozen spaetzle is so easy to make thanks to the air fryer. This simple side takes just 10 minutes, little attention, and is delicious too!
20Ouncebagfrozen Aldi Deutsche Küche cheese or garlic sage spaetzle
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line your basket with parchment or foil, or spray an oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer with nonstick spray
Spread the frozen spaetzle into a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, or in the pan, and then place the pan into the basket
20 Ounce bag frozen Aldi Deutsche Küche cheese or garlic sage spaetzle
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 350°F, pausing halfway through to stir the dumplings, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments
Notes
Note that Aldi spaetzle comes with the sauce frozen with it. You’ll want to place it in an oven safe dish (recommended), or line your air fryer with parchment or nonstick foil to prevent it from melting through the grates
While you could technically cook the noodles separately to avoid using a dish, they’ll dry out without the presence of the sauce I’ve found
My spaetzle was perfectly heated after 10 minutes in a Ninja air fryer and confirmed via thermometer. Other air fryers will vary slightly in terms of time needed
Store leftover spaetzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze once it has been cooked once
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, heat in a pan on the stove with a little olive oil, or microwave for around 1 minute on high, until heated through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on chosen flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
