I’m always a fan of quick sides and appetizer options to go along with my meals. When we’re enjoying Asian inspired cuisine, Trader Joe’s scallion pancake in the air fryer really hits the spot. These Korean green onion pancakes are packed with flavor and cook up in under 10 minutes!
If you’re looking for a convenient appetizer, snack, or side dish that’s loaded with flavor, look no further than Trader Joe’s scallion pancake (also known as pajeon).
This Korean dish is traditionally made from a batter of eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, scallions, and other meats or vegetables. This flavorful version of a green onion pancake is filled with vegetables so it’s bursting with flavor!
Note that these are different from Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancake, which is a Taiwanese dish, though it does have some similar flavors.
I love preparing scallion pancakes in the air fryer, since you can cook them directly from frozen, and they’re ready in under 10 minutes! You get that perfect crisp on the outside, and they’re so flavorful you don’t even need to dip them in anything.
Are Korean Pancakes Called Pajeon or Pa Jun?
You might have noticed that Trader Joe’s labels these Korean pancakes as Pa jeon, but a quick search might reveal that they’re often referred to as pajeon.
In Korean cuisine, “jeon” signifies a type of fritter made with various ingredients like vegetables, fish, or meat. Each ingredient is coated in wheat flour and egg before being fried to perfection. The “Pa” in this context specifically refers to the scallion component of the recipe.
While the term “Pajeon” is commonly used in English, it’s essentially a translation of “Pa Jun”, where “Pa” signifies scallions and “Jun” denotes the fried fritter.
Regardless of the name, these pancakes remain immensely popular and undeniably delicious!
There are 4 scallion pancakes to a package, and you can cook as many at a time as fit in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket
These pancakes measure 5.5” in diameter. I can just barely get them in my 8-qt Ninja Dual Zone (one in each basket). If you have a smaller dual zone air fryer, you may need to break them in half before cooking to fit them in (single basket air fryers should be fine)
Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Remove the scallion pancake from all packaging, and place the frozen pancake into the preheated air fryer basket or rack in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip, until the edges are golden brown. Add additional time in 1-minute increments if a darker brown exterior is desired
Serve hot
What to Serve With Scallion Pancakes
Potstickers
Stir fry
Korean short ribs
Miso soup
Wonton soup
Edamame
Fried rice
Congee
Curry dishes
Cold noodles
Fried tofu
Tteokbokki
Green salad
There are many things you can serve with scallion pancakes, whether you are enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! While this Trader Joe’s version is Korean style, they still pair well with a variety of other Asian cuisines.
Yes, you can air fry Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes, directly from frozen.
They achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior, resembling the texture of traditional pan frying but with less oil needed.
Can I Cook Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes Directly from Frozen in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes directly from frozen in the air fryer.
However, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer, which helps to avoid cold spots during the thawing portion of the cooking process.
What Temperature and Time Settings Should I Use to Air Fry Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Additional time may be added in 1-minute increments to achieve desired shade of browning, or to adjust for natural differences between air fryers.
Can I Add Any Additional Seasonings or Ingredients to Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes?
Absolutely! Experiment with adding sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, or other seasonings to the pancake before or after air frying to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
You can also serve with a dipping sauce to create different combinations, but this is entirely optional.
What Should I Serve Alongside Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes for a Complete Meal or Snack?
Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes pair well with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili oil.
They can be served alongside stir-fried vegetables, rice, or enjoyed as a standalone snack or light meal.
Are There Any Alternative Cooking Methods for Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes Besides Air Frying?
Yes, besides air frying, Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes can also be pan-fried for 3-5 minutes in vegetable oil, or baked at 400°F for 4 to 7 minutes.
Air frying uses less oil than pan frying, and is faster than a conventional oven when you factor in preheating time. However, any method is a delicious option.
Recipe Pro Tips
Unlike the pan method, you do not need to add any oil for cooking scallion pancakes in the air fryer (they have plenty inside them already). In fact, as they cook they’ll release oil, and may need blotting before serving!
I highly recommend you preheat your air fryer for this, as it helps to prevent cold spots. However, if you do not preheat, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time and an additional flip to compensate
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover scallion pancakes in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I do not recommend re-freezing after they have been cooked once
To reheat scallion pancakes, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through. This method works for restaurant and homemade leftovers as well!
Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes in the air fryer come out with crisp edges and the perfect soft inside. They’re packed with veggies and flavor, making them a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack. You can even make them into a meal with the addition of soup or salad!
The veggies always make me think of Spring, and the green color is perfect for St. Patty’s day if you want to offer something less traditional. However, I reach for these scallion pancakes any time we’re enjoying Asian inspired fare (whether Korean or not)!
Best of all is that it takes under 10 minutes to make TJ’s scallion pancakes, so they’re quick and easy, without sacrificing flavor at all! If you do want to spice them up, though, feel free to add some chili oil for a little kick.
Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Air Fryer Recipe
Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes (Pajeon) cook up perfectly in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. These Korean pancakes are great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip, until the edges are golden brown. Add additional time in 1-minute increments if a darker brown exterior is desired
Cut into quarters if desired, and serve hot
Notes
There are 4 scallion pancakes to a package, and you can cook as many at a time as fit in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket (cook in batches if needed)
These pancakes measure about 5.5” in diameter. I can just barely get them in my 8-qt Ninja Dual Zone (one in each basket). If you have a smaller dual zone air fryer, you may need to break them in half before cooking to fit them in (single basket air fryers should be fine)
Unlike the pan method, you do not need to add any oil for cooking scallion pancakes in the air fryer (they have plenty inside them already). In fact, as they cook they’ll release oil, and may need blotting before serving!
I highly recommend you preheat your air fryer for this, as it helps to prevent cold spots. However, if you do not preheat, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time and an additional flip to compensate
Store any leftover scallion pancakes in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I do not recommend re-freezing after they have been cooked once
To reheat scallion pancakes, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through. This method works for restaurant and homemade leftovers as well!
Exact nutritional values can vary based on 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!
