Latkes are such a great food. Theyโre a shredded potato pancake thatโs 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 Joeโs latkes in the air fryer instead!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
While latkes were only traditionally prepared around Hanukkah, theyโve 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, theyโre topped with sour cream and chives or applesauce. While they may seem basic, thereโs just something irresistible about latkes.
What I can resist, though, is the tedious task of shredding potatoes and them forming patties.ย Using Trader Joeโs 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, theyโre ready in just about 10 minutes! Plus, Trader Joeโs seasons them perfectly with added onions, which is just the way I like them. Yum!
Ingredients to Grab
- 1 box Trader Joeโs latkes (or other brand of frozen potato pancakes)
- Toppings as desired (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- While Iโm making this recipe with Trader Joeโs latkes, you can swap in another brand of your preference for the same results! Try Kineret or Golden brand for an alternative
- Iโm 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 Joeโs Latkes in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380ยฐF (or 375ยฐF depending on your air fryerโs 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 380ยฐF, 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 Joeโs latkes! Note that youโll likely want to skip the meat options if youโre keeping Kosher.
Try your frozen potato pancakes with my recipe for Air Fryer Caramelized Onions, Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup, sweet Air Fryer Beef Brisket Sandwich, or these Air Fryer Beets and Carrots.
Recipe FAQs
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 380ยฐF โ 400ยฐF, depending on your air fryerโs available settings.
How Do You Reheat Latkes in the Air Fryer?
To reheat latkes in the air fryer, cook at 350ยฐF for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
This assumes youโre reheating leftover homemade or previously cooked frozen latkes that have been refrigerated.
Can You Microwave Trader Joeโs Latkes?
Yes, you can microwave Trader Joeโs 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 itโs 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 400ยฐF and cook for 7-8 minutes instead
- I recommend a spatula or tongs to help with flipping. Theyโre not incredibly delicate, but a fork can definitely cause pieces to break off
- My Trader Joeโs frozen latkes were perfect after 10 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. I can fit 4-5 per basket (depending how many Iโm cooking). Other air fryers may vary slightly
More Air Fryer Potato Recipes to Try Out
Final Thoughts
Trader Joeโs latkes are so easy to make thanks to your air fryer. It saves a ton of time versus making your own and you donโt need to sacrifice flavor!ย
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.ย
Whether youโre team applesauce or team sour cream (or both!) itโs never been easier or more delicious to enjoy latkes anytime!
Trader Joeโs Latkes Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
Ingredientsย ย
- 10.6 Ounce box Trader Joeโs latkes (frozen potato pancakes) or about 8 latkes
- Toppings as desired (optional)
Instructionsย
- Preheat your air fryer to 380ยฐF (or 375ยฐF depending on your air fryerโs available settings) and remove frozen latkes from all packaging10.6 Ounce box Trader Joeโs latkes (frozen potato pancakes)
- 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 380ยฐF, pausing to flip them halfway through cooking, until heated through and golden brown
- Serve with your favorite toppings, or plain alongside a main courseToppings as desired
Notes
- While Iโm making this recipe with Trader Joeโs latkes, you can swap in another brand of your preference for the same results! Try Kineret or Golden brand for an alternative
- Iโm 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 400ยฐF and cook for 7-8 minutes instead
- I recommend a spatula or tongs to help with flipping. Theyโre not incredibly delicate, but a fork can definitely cause pieces to break off
- My Trader Joeโs frozen latkes were perfect after 10 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. I can fit 4-5 per basket (depending how many Iโm 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
Nutrition
- Air Fryer Sopapillas: Sweet Mexican Inspired Dessert! - April 15, 2024
- Air Fryer Patatas Bravas: Crispy Spanish Side or App! - April 13, 2024
- Crispy Trader Joeโs Chicken Taquitos in the Air Fryer - April 10, 2024