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Trader Joe’s Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries

Name: Trader Joe's Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 package Trader Joe's Frozen Waffle Fries; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional); 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)

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Trader Joe’s Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries — are the perfect option if you’re looking for an easy and delicious snack or side dish.

Not only do these tasty fries come fully seasoned, but they also have a unique shape that sets them apart from all other types of frozen potatoes.

Plus, the convenience of going straight from freezer to oven makes it one of our favorite go-to snacks when we don’t have time to cook. Whether you dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli sauce, or enjoy them alone, these crunchy and flavorful waffle-cut fries will become your new favorite side dish!

What Are Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries?

Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries is a popular frozen potato product available at Trader Joe’s stores. These waffle-cut fries are made from high-quality potatoes cut into a distinctive waffle shape, creating a unique and appealing texture. They are pre-seasoned with a blend of spices to enhance their flavor and are designed to be a convenient and delicious side dish or snack option.

One of the advantages of waffle-cut fries is their ability to hold toppings and condiments exceptionally well due to their crisscross pattern. This makes them ideal for dipping into ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, or any other sauce you prefer. They can also be used creatively in recipes like loaded fries or as a base for various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries are a convenient option for those who enjoy the crispiness and taste of restaurant-style waffle fries from their home. They are typically cooked in the oven or air fryer, resulting in a satisfying and snackable side dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Serve with Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Air Fryer Mandarin Orange Chicken, or Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

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Why You Will Love Cooking Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries In Air Fryer

Cooking Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries in an air fryer offers several benefits that make it a choice you’ll love:

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer’s hot air ensures that the waffle fries become exceptionally crispy on the outside while remaining tender. You can achieve that restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying.
Time-Saving: Air frying is quicker than traditional oven baking. You can have your waffle fries ready in just a fraction of the time it takes to preheat an oven.
Even Cooking: The even distribution of heat in the air fryer basket means you won’t have to worry about flipping or rotating the fries to ensure uniform cooking. They’ll turn out perfectly cooked and golden brown all around.
Less Oil: Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option while still providing that satisfying fried texture.
Customizable Seasoning: You can season the fries to your liking before air frying. You can easily customize the flavor if you prefer plain salt, a seasoned salt blend, or even some Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Minimal Cleanup: Air fryers are known for being easy to clean, with removable and dishwasher-safe parts. You’ll spend less time on cleanup after enjoying your waffle fries.
Versatile Pairings: Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries are a versatile base for various toppings and seasonings. You can get creative by adding cheese, bacon, herbs, or dipping sauces, making them crowd-pleasers at parties or family dinners.
Consistency: Using an air fryer ensures consistent results with each batch of waffle fries you make so you can count on that delightful crunch every time.

In summary, cooking Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries in an air fryer offers convenience, speed, and superior texture, making it a delightful and enjoyable way to savor this popular frozen potato snack.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries

Making delicious Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in your air fryer is a breeze with just a few simple ingredients. These frozen waffle fries are the star of the show, and if desired, you can enhance their texture with a touch of olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste. In no time, you’ll have a crispy and satisfying snack or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Bag of Trader Joe’s Frozen Waffle Fries: These waffle-cut fries are the dish’s star, providing a unique texture and great potato flavor.
Olive Oil (Optional): A small amount of olive oil can be used to lightly coat the waffle fries lightly, enhancing their crispiness during air frying. You can also use avocado oil or coconut oil.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (Optional): Season the waffle fries with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adding a simple yet flavorful touch.

How To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries

Making Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries is easy and produces perfectly crispy fries. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Arrange the Fries: Place the frozen waffle fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, or air fryer tray. Avoid overcrowding; cook them in batches for the best results if necessary.

Optional Olive Oil: If you prefer extra crispy fries, lightly spray or toss the frozen fries with a small amount of olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the fries’ texture.

Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the fries with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This step is also optional; you can adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

Air Fry: Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the waffle fries for 10-12 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Check for Crispiness: Open the air fryer and check the fries for crispiness. If they need more time, continue to cook in 2-3 minute intervals until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Serve: Remove the waffle fries from the air fryer once they are crispy and golden brown. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces or condiments.

Enjoy: These delicious Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries are ready to be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer. Dip them in ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, or any sauce you choose for a tasty treat.

By following these simple steps, you can make perfectly crispy Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries that will surely be a hit with family and friends.

Pro Tips

To achieve the best results when making Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries, consider these pro tips:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes (usually 3-5 minutes) before adding the frozen waffle fries helps ensure they start cooking immediately, resulting in better texture and crispiness.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the frozen waffle fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some fries being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Shake or Flip Them: To ensure even cooking, shake the basket or flip the waffle fries halfway through the cooking time. This helps all sides of the fries get crispy and golden brown.
Optional Oil Spray: While not necessary, lightly spraying the frozen waffle fries with olive oil or cooking spray before air frying can enhance their crispiness. Use an oil mister to apply a thin, even coat.
Season to Taste: Season the waffle fries with sea salt and pepper to taste before or after cooking. You can also get creative with your seasoning choices, adding paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite blend for extra flavor.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the fries, especially toward the end of the cooking time. Cooking times can vary between air fryer models, so preventing overcooking is essential.
Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the waffle fries immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Fries tend to lose their crispiness if left to sit for too long.
Experiment with Dips: Explore a variety of dipping sauces and condiments to accompany your waffle fries. Classic choices like ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, or ranch dressing are always a hit, but you can also try unique homemade sauces or aiolis for a personalized touch.

Following these pro tips, you can make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries that are irresistibly crispy and delicious, perfect for snacking or as a side dish for any meal.

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Faq’s

Can I cook Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries directly from frozen in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries directly from frozen without the need to thaw them first.

What is the recommended cooking temperature for Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in the air fryer? The recommended cooking temperature for Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in the air fryer is typically 400°F (200°C). However, it’s always a good practice to check the packaging for specific instructions, as cooking temperatures may vary by brand and model of air fryer.

How long does it take to cook Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in the air fryer? The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer’s model and the quantity of cooked waffle fries. Generally, it takes about 12-15 minutes to cook Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in the air fryer, with a midway shake or flip for even cooking. However, checking for crispiness and adjusting the cooking time as needed is essential.

Do I need to use oil when cooking Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries in the air fryer? Using a small amount of oil (such as olive oil) is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the waffle fries. You can either toss the frozen fries with a light coating of oil or use an oil spray to apply a thin layer before air frying.

Can I season Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries with other spices or seasonings? Absolutely! While salt and pepper are classic choices, you can get creative with your seasoning preferences. Consider adding garlic powder, cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend to customize the flavor of the waffle fries.

Can I reheat leftover waffle fries in the air fryer? Yes, you can reheat leftover waffle fries in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and reheat the fries for 2-3 minutes or until they are hot and crispy again.

Are Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries gluten-free? Trader Joe’s Waffle Fries may contain gluten, so if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, check the product’s packaging for ingredient information or look for specific gluten-free options.

How to store: Store leftover waffle fries after they have cooled to room temperature and place them into an airtight container.

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