How to Air Fry Trader Joe's Frozen Pigs in a Blanket
How to Make Frozen Pigs in a Blanket in the Air Fryer
Trader Joe’s offers Parmesan Pastry Pups, a 10-ounce package of deliciousness priced at just $4.99. These irresistible little bites feature nitrate-free hot dogs wrapped in flaky, golden-brown pastry puffs—essentially the ultimate pigs in a blanket! They're incredibly easy to prepare, taking just a few minutes to cook, and they work perfectly in an air fryer—no preheating required. Serve them with a little ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or whatever your favorite dipping sauce might be for a fun and flavorful snack!
I love serving this easy snack as a game-day appetizer. It’s especially great for the Super Bowl or any gathering where you want something delicious with minimal effort.
Want more easy appetizer recipes? Check out my appetizer round-up here!
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What Are Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups?
Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups take the idea of pigs in a blanket to the next level. Made with uncured mini beef franks and wrapped in parmesan-topped Trader Joe’s puff pastry, they bake up perfectly golden and flaky. You’ll find these in the frozen section alongside other Trader Joe’s appetizers, such as Trader Joe’s crescent rolls and cheese-filled snacks.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s quick, requires little effort, and tastes amazing. These frozen pigs in a blanket go from freezer to table in under 15 minutes, and the Trader Joe’s puff pastry comes out perfectly crisp every time. Whether you're serving them with a little ketchup or a tangy honey mustard, they’re a fun snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients You'll Need:
To make this pigs in a blanket recipe, you’ll need:
1 package of Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Puffs
Cooking spray (I like Chosen Food Avocado Oil Spray!)
How to Make Frozen Pigs in a Blanket in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray your air fryer oven basket with cooking spray (optional: line with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
Arrange the frozen pigs in a single layer, leaving space for the air to circulate.
Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through the cook time to ensure both sides turn a beautiful, golden brown.
Serve the delicious appetizer with your favorite sauces!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Trust me—these little bites taste just as good the next day!
Why Air Frying is the Best Way
The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that these mini pigs in a blanket cook to crispy, golden perfection. It’s also my favorite way to cook them because it uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option. Plus, cooking in the air fryer means less mess—just wipe the basket clean or toss the parchment paper when you’re done!
Jazz's Tips for Best Results
Here are a few tips to make sure your frozen appetizer turns out perfect every time:
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave enough room for the air to circulate around each Trader Joe’s puff pastry.
Flip halfway through. This makes sure your pigs in a blanket are evenly browned on all sides.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick snack later.
Other Super Bowl Appetizers!
Here are some other air fryer recipes to keep up your sleeve:
FAQs
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Trader Joe's Pastry Pups are nitrate-free, uncured mini beef franks, wrapped in puff pastry and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. They are basically mini hotdogs in a pastry puff! It’s Trader Joe’s version of the classic pigs in a blanket, and it’s deliciously simple yet flavorful.
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If you’re making frozen pigs in a blanket in your air fryer, set it to 375°F. This temperature helps the pastry puff up beautifully and turn golden and crispy. They’ll need about 10 minutes to cook—don’t forget to flip them halfway through so they’re evenly done. Oh, and a quick spray of cooking oil in the basket will keep them from sticking, making cleanup a breeze!
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You can pop frozen pigs in a blanket straight into the air fryer—no need to thaw them first! That’s what I love about the air fryer—it’s so simple and convenient. Just be sure to leave a little space between each one and arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly. These mini pigs in a blanket are such a quick and easy appetizer, especially when you’re short on time!
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Adding additional seasonings or toppings to frozen pigs in a blanket in an air fryer is a great way to improve the flavors and customize them to your preference. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top of the pigs in a blanket before air frying. It's quickly becoming my go-to topping for adding a savory and crunchy twist!
2. Bacon: Wrap a small piece of streaky bacon around each pig in a blanket before placing them in the air fryer. The crispy bacon will add a smoky flavor to the classic appetizer.
3. Cheese: Before air frying, you can add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of each pig in a blanket. Choose your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and let it melt and become gooey in the air fryer.
4. Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix together honey and Dijon mustard to create a sweet and tangy glaze. Brush this glaze over the pigs in a blanket before air-frying them to give them a delicious flavor twist.
5. BBQ Sauce: Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on top of the pigs in a blanket before air frying. The sauce will caramelize and create a sticky and flavorful coating.
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Cooking a large batch of frozen pigs in a blanket in the air fryer is possible, but it really depends on the size of your air fryer. Larger air fryers can handle more at once, while smaller ones may require cooking in batches. The key is to ensure there's enough room for air to circulate around each pig in a blanket for even cooking.
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Preheat the air fryer: Before placing the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes. This helps create a non-stick surface and prevents the pastry from sticking to the basket.
Use cooking spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the pigs in a blanket. This creates an extra layer of non-stick coating and helps the pastry slide off easily.
Use parchment paper: If you're concerned about the pigs in a blanket sticking, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Simply cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the basket and place the pigs in a blanket on top. This prevents any direct contact between the pastry and the basket, reducing the chances of sticking.
Flip halfway through cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the pigs in a blanket using tongs or a spatula. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent them from sticking to the basket.
Trader Joe’s has so much good stuff, and these Parmesan Pastry Pups are definitely at the top of my list! I always pick them up when I swing by the grocery store, especially during football season, because they make the perfect air fryer appetizer—quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. They're one of my go-to finds at Trader Joe’s, the ultimate frozen snack to have on hand. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you've got a treat that's guaranteed to be a hit! Give this easy recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. They're a tasty snack for any occasion, whether it's game day or just because.
Frozen Pigs in a Blanket in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Puffs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer with a little cooking spray.
- Place the pastry puffs inside, leaving a bit of room in between each one to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry at 375F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway!
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
If you've ever been to the Cheesecake Factory, you know they have an amazing Chinese Chicken Salad that's so delicious and satisfying.