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Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: February 27, 2022

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Discover the secrets to preparing Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower in your air fryer!

This vegan-friendly side dish offers a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower (Air Fryer Recipe)

Trader Joe’s cauliflower tempura is one ingredient that can be used in the air fryer to achieve crispy, golden-brown perfection. Here, you can find nutrition information, step-by-step instructions for preparing Tempura Cauliflower, an expert dietitian’s review of this product, and much more!

if you are looking for the perfect side dish for your next dinner or are just a fan of spicy foods, you will lose this frozen cauliflower tempura now at Trader Joe’s!

If you love Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken, you will love this vegetarian tempura. Spoiler alert: it’s not that spicy! It’s one way to get more veggies into your diet!

If you love easy air fryer recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Dog Treats, Air Fryer General Tso’s Pork, or Air Fryer Bagel Dogs. This dish is perfect for sharing with your friends and proves that feeding kids can be so easy with the perfect recipe!

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Why use an air fryer instead of the oven

You might wonder why you would bother making tempura cauliflower in the air fryer when you can just fry it in a pan with oil. But trust us, this method is worth your time!

The air fryer produces a perfectly crispy coating, similar to traditional frying methods, without adding calories. Plus, it’s almost foolproof—even if you don’t have much experience cooking, you can make perfect tempura cauliflower every time! So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

How to Air Fry Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower

Remember the nutritional information on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. The next time you are at Trader Joe’s grab a package from the freezer section.

To air-fry Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower, follow these simple steps:

Air Fryer Trader Joe's Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower (1)

Get Your Air Fryer Ready: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the frozen cauliflower from its packaging and place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Meanwhile, place the sauce packet in a bowl of hot water.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower

⏲️ Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower Air Fryer Cooking Time and Temperature

Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 10-12 minutes, check the cauliflower to see if it’s golden brown and crispy. If it needs more time, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Serving: Once the cauliflower is cooked to your desired crispiness, remove it from the air fryer, transfer it to a large bowl, and pour the sauce over the cooked cauliflower tempura. Toss well to coat.

What is kung pao sauce made of

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao sauce comprises water, sugar, soy sauce, modified cornstarch, pineapple juice concentrate, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, ginger, spices, yeast extract, dried garlic, and xanthan gum.

Oven Directions & Instructions

To prepare Trader Joe’s cauliflower tempura in the oven, follow these instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
Place the frozen cauliflower tempura pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking. Place the sauce packet in a bowl of hot water.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cauliflower is golden brown.
About halfway through the cooking, carefully flip the cauliflower tempura pieces using tongs to ensure even browning.
Once the cauliflower tempura is cooked to your desired crispiness, remove it from the oven and serve immediately over jasmine rice as a tasty appetizer.

Pro Tips

Cooking frozen tempura cauliflower in an air fryer can yield delicious results with a few pro tips:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Like other air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer before cooking ensures even and consistent results.
Avoid Overcrowding: To ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and gets crispy, arrange the frozen cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time: Frozen foods may require slightly longer in the air fryer than fresh or thawed items. Follow the instructions on the packaging as a general guideline, but be prepared to adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and preferences.
Shake or Flip: To promote even cooking and browning, shake the air fryer basket or flip the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time.
Check for Doneness: Watch the cauliflower towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Serving: Once the tempura cauliflower is cooked to perfection, serve it immediately while it’s hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.

Faq’s

Is Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower vegan? Yes, it is vegan-friendly because it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

How do you cook Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower? It can be cooked in various ways, including in the oven, air fryer, or stovetop. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower? The ingredients typically include cauliflower, a Kung Pao sauce made from water, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, spices, and other seasonings.

Is Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower gluten-free? While Trader Tempura Cauliflower does not contain gluten-containing ingredients, it may be produced in a facility that processes gluten-containing foods. Individuals with gluten sensitivities should check the packaging and consult a healthcare professional.

How spicy is Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower? The level of spiciness in Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower may vary depending on individual taste preferences and the amount of spice used in the sauce. It typically has a moderate spiciness, but some may find it more or less spicy.

Can Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower be reheated? Yes, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated. Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Where can I find Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower? Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower is typically found in the frozen food section of Trader Joe’s stores. Availability may vary depending on location and seasonal offerings. Other brands, such as PF Cahng’s Kung Pao Cauliflower, are available at most grocery stores. It also comes with the spicy kung pao sauce, perfect if you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s Store.

😋 What do you eat with Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower?

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Cauliflower can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Serve as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or fish. It adds a delicious twist to your meal and complements the main dish well.
Over Rice or Noodles: Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and complete meal. The cauliflower sauce adds flavor to the rice or noodles, creating a tasty combination.
In Stir-Fries: Combine stir-fries with other vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce. The sauce adds texture, flavor, and a hint of spice to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying option.
In Wraps or Tacos: The cauliflower fills wraps or tacos. Place the cauliflower in a tortilla or lettuce wrap, add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, and lime, and enjoy a tasty and convenient meal.
As a Snack: It’s perfect for munching on while watching movies or entertaining guests.

Is Trader Joe’s tempura cauliflower discontinued?

As of April 2024, Trader Joe’s tempura cauliflower was still available in some locations. However, product availability can vary depending on region and seasonal offerings. Trader Joe’s may discontinue or temporarily remove certain items from their inventory.

Is Trader Joe’s Tempura Cauliflower Good?

Yes, Trader Joe’s Tempura Cauliflower is indeed delicious and highly regarded by many who have tried it. This product offers a convenient and tasty way to enjoy cauliflower as a snack or side dish. The tempura batter provides a light and crispy coating, while the cauliflower inside remains tender and flavorful. One of the highlights of this product is its versatility – it can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack, paired with dipping sauces for added flavor, or incorporated into various recipes such as stir-fries or wraps. Additionally, it’s an excellent option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste.

Air frying is perfect for this recipe!

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