Latkes are such a great food. They’re a shredded potato pancake that’s fried so it gets nice and golden brown and crispy, which you can top and season how you like. Instead of shredding your own potatoes and forming patties, make these Trader Joe’s latkes in the air fryer instead!
While latkes were only traditionally prepared around Hanukkah, they’ve become more prevalent in year round cooking. I mean, who can resist a crispy, delicious, golden brown potato pancake? Latkes make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish anytime.
They can be enjoyed many ways, whether plain or with the addition of onions, cheese, or other seasonings. Commonly, they’re topped with sour cream and chives or applesauce. While they may seem basic, there’s just something irresistible about latkes.
What I can resist, though, is the tedious task of shredding potatoes and them forming patties. Using Trader Joe’s frozen latkes skips all the hard work so you can jump right to the cooking, which is incredibly easy thanks to your air fryer.
In fact, they’re ready in just about 10 minutes! Plus, Trader Joe’s seasons them perfectly with added onions, which is just the way I like them. Yum!
Ingredients to Grab
1 box Trader Joe’s latkes (or other brand of frozen potato pancakes)
Toppings as desired (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
While I’m making this recipe with Trader Joe’s latkes, you can swap in another brand of your preference for the same results! Try Kineret or Golden brand for an alternative
I’m serving up my latkes with the traditional cinnamon applesauce and sour cream with chives for a sweet and savory option. However, feel free to use your favorites!
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Latkes in an Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or 375°F depending on your air fryer’s available settings) and remove frozen latkes from all packaging
Place latkes in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing some air space between them
Cook latkes on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 380°F, pausing to flip them halfway through cooking, until heated through and golden brown
Serve with your favorite toppings, or plain alongside a main course
What to Serve With Latkes
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Greek yogurt
Applesauce
Apple butter
Honey
Chutney
Caramelized onions
Chives
Fresh dill
Smoked paprika
Lemon wedges
Green salad
Roasted beets
Butternut squash soup
Smoked salmon
Corned beef
Brisket
Smoked chicken
Poached egg
Cheese
There are so many great toppings and main dishes to serve alongside your air fryer Trader Joe’s latkes! Note that you’ll likely want to skip the meat options if you’re keeping Kosher.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Latkes in the Air Fryer?
You typically cook frozen latkes for 8-12 minutes in the air fryer. The time will vary slightly based on the size of the latkes and your specific air fryer.
Set the timer for 10 and make sure to check them near the end. Add a couple more minutes if they are not quite crispy enough.
Why Are My Latkes Not Crispy?
Latkes will not be crispy if they are overcrowded in the basket, not cooked at a high enough temperature, or lack oil.
When cooking them in the air fryer, make sure to keep them in a single layer and cook them at 380°F – 400°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings.
How Do You Reheat Latkes in the Air Fryer?
To reheat latkes in the air fryer, cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
This assumes you’re reheating leftover homemade or previously cooked frozen latkes that have been refrigerated.
Can You Microwave Trader Joe’s Latkes?
Yes, you can microwave Trader Joe’s latkes. Cook on high for around 2 minutes, flipping halfway through. Times will vary based on microwave wattage and number of latkes.
However, the latkes will not be crisp with this preparation method, so it’s recommended to use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer as an alternative.
Recipe Pro Tips
There is no need to add any oil during cooking as frozen latkes are pre-cooked and already contain oil
If you prefer a darker brown exterior you can bump the temperature to 400°F and cook for 7-8 minutes instead
I recommend a spatula or tongs to help with flipping. They’re not incredibly delicate, but a fork can definitely cause pieces to break off
My Trader Joe’s frozen latkes were perfect after 10 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. I can fit 4-5 per basket (depending how many I’m cooking). Other air fryers may vary slightly
Trader Joe’s latkes are so easy to make thanks to your air fryer. It saves a ton of time versus making your own and you don’t need to sacrifice flavor!
They cook up perfectly browned and crispy in just about 10 minutes, and keep for months in your freezer. I reach for them anytime I need a last-minute side or just have a hankering for crispy potato pancakes.
Whether you’re team applesauce or team sour cream (or both!) it’s never been easier or more delicious to enjoy latkes anytime!
Trader Joe’s latkes are frozen potato pancakes that crisp up perfectly in the air fryer in just about 10 minutes. Serve as a side or snack with applesauce or sour cream.
Place latkes in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing some air space between them
Cook latkes on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 380°F, pausing to flip them halfway through cooking, until heated through and golden brown
Serve with your favorite toppings, or plain alongside a main course
Toppings as desired
Notes
While I’m making this recipe with Trader Joe’s latkes, you can swap in another brand of your preference for the same results! Try Kineret or Golden brand for an alternative
I’m serving up my latkes with the traditional cinnamon applesauce and sour cream with chives for a sweet and savory option. However, feel free to use your favorites!
There is no need to add any oil during cooking as frozen latkes are pre-cooked and already contain oil
If you prefer a darker brown exterior you can bump the temperature to 400°F and cook for 7-8 minutes instead
I recommend a spatula or tongs to help with flipping. They’re not incredibly delicate, but a fork can definitely cause pieces to break off
My Trader Joe’s frozen latkes were perfect after 10 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. I can fit 4-5 per basket (depending how many I’m cooking). Other air fryers may vary slightly
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, sides and sauces, and 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!
