I’m always a fan of quick sides and easy appetizers to pair with meals. When we’re serving Asian-inspired food, Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes cooked in the air fryer are a go-to. These Korean-style green onion pancakes (pajeon) are flavorful and crisp up in under 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you want a convenient appetizer, snack, or side dish that’s full of savory flavor, Trader Joe’s scallion pancake (pajeon) fits the bill. Traditionally, pajeon is made with a batter of eggs, wheat and rice flour, scallions, and sometimes vegetables or meat. The Trader Joe’s version is packed with vegetables and bright scallion notes.
These are different from Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancake (a Taiwanese-style item), but the flavors overlap enough that both satisfy similar cravings. Air frying them straight from frozen gives you a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender interior in minutes, often without any dipping sauce needed.
Pajeon vs. Pa Jun — What’s the Difference?
You may see these pancakes labeled as “Pa jeon” or “pajeon.” In Korean, “jeon” refers to a fried fritter made with ingredients like vegetables, fish, or meat, coated in flour and egg. “Pa” means scallion, so pajeon literally means scallion fritter. Both terms describe the same delicious pancake, so feel free to use either name.
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Ingredients
- 14 ounce package frozen Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes (Pajeon)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- Each package contains four scallion pancakes. Cook as many as fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- These pancakes measure about 5.5″ in diameter. In some dual-basket air fryers you may fit one per basket; smaller baskets might require cutting the pancake in half to fit.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Remove the pancake from all packaging. Place the frozen pancake in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket or on a rack.
- Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, pausing halfway to flip, until the edges turn golden brown. Add 1-minute increments if you prefer a darker crust.
- Serve hot. Cut into quarters if desired.
What to Serve With Scallion Pancakes
- Potstickers
- Stir-fry
- Korean short ribs
- Miso or wonton soup
- Edamame
- Fried rice or congee
- Curry dishes
- Cold noodles
- Fried tofu or tteokbokki
- Stir-fried vegetables or a green salad
- Dipping options: soy sauce, hoisin, or chili oil
These pancakes work as a snack, appetizer, or side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While this Trader Joe’s item leans Korean in style, it pairs nicely with many Asian dishes.
Recipe FAQs
Can you air fry Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes?
Yes. They crisp up nicely in the air fryer and can be cooked directly from frozen.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended to avoid cold spots during cooking. If you skip preheating, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time and flip an extra time.
What temperature and time should I use?
Preheat to 400°F and air fry for about 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Adjust by 1-minute increments if needed.
Can I add seasonings or extra ingredients?
Yes. A light brush of sesame oil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil after cooking can enhance the flavor. You can also serve with a dipping sauce.
Are there other cooking methods?
Yes. You can pan-fry them in a little oil for 3–5 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for about 4–7 minutes. Air frying uses less oil and is usually faster.
Pro Tips
- No additional oil is necessary in the air fryer; the pancakes contain enough fat and may release oil as they cook—blot before serving if desired.
- Preheat the air fryer for best results. If you don’t preheat, add a few minutes and an extra flip to ensure even cooking.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Re-freezing after cooking is not recommended.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. This works well for restaurant or homemade leftovers.
More Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Recipes
Trader Joe’s Quiche in the Air Fryer: Frozen to Flaky!
Mini Trader Joe’s Vegetable Samosas in the Air Fryer
Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes in the air fryer come out with crisp edges and a soft interior, packed with vegetable flavor. They make an excellent appetizer, side, or snack, and pair well with soups, salads, or other Asian-inspired mains. They’re quick—ready in under 10 minutes—so they’re perfect when you want fast, flavorful food without fuss. Add a little chili oil if you want some heat.
Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounce package frozen Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes (Pajeon)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Remove packaging and place the frozen pancake in the air fryer basket or rack in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden. Add 1-minute increments if you want more browning.
- Cut into quarters if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- There are four pancakes per package. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pancakes are about 5.5″ across; adjust to fit your air fryer basket.
- No added oil is necessary; pancakes contain oil and may need blotting when done.
- Preheat the air fryer for best results; otherwise add 2–3 minutes and an extra flip.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days; do not re-freeze after cooking.
- Reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
