Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes (Kanom Krok)
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Craving something sweet, creamy, and totally addictive? These Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes, also known as Kanom Krok, are your new favorite dessert shortcut! No need to thaw or prep—just take them straight from the freezer to your air fryer and in just 6 minutes, you’ll have golden, crispy pancakes with a melt-in-your-mouth coconut center. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night sweet tooth or serving up a fun treat, this quick dessert delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes
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These pancakes go straight from freezer to air fryer—no thawing or mixing required. It’s perfect for busy days or when you just want a quick dessert. Just pop them in, and they’re ready in 6 minutes. Simple, fast, and so satisfying!
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The air fryer makes the exterior perfectly golden and crispy. Inside, you’ll find a luscious, sweet coconut filling that melts in your mouth. This texture combo is what makes Kanom Krok so irresistible. Every bite is a flavor and texture explosion!
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These pancakes bring the authentic flavor of traditional Thai street food—Kanom Krok—right into your kitchen. No need to travel or make them from scratch. Trader Joe’s makes it easy to enjoy international flavors anytime. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Each little pancake is the perfect size for a snack or light dessert. You can make just a few or the whole package depending on your cravings. No waste, no mess—just tasty bites ready when you are. Ideal for sharing or enjoying solo!
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These sweet coconut bites are a hit with all ages. Kids love the creamy texture and fun shape, while adults appreciate the gourmet flavor. It’s a dessert that brings everyone to the table. And with how easy they are, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients
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Frozen Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes (Kanom Krok) – These are found in the frozen dessert section and are the star of this recipe. They’re sweet, creamy, and packed with coconut flavor.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools
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Air fryer – The key appliance for getting that perfectly crispy outside while keeping the coconut center soft and creamy.
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Tongs or spatula – Helpful for removing the hot pancakes from the air fryer basket without breaking them.
How To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes
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Take the pancakes straight from the freezer—no need to defrost them first.
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Open the package and arrange the pancakes in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
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Set the air fryer to 360°F.
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Cook for 6 minutes until the pancakes are golden and crisp on the outside.
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Once done, carefully remove them using tongs or a spatula.
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Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the creamy, sweet coconut filling.
Serving Suggestions
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch and a pretty presentation.
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Serve with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.
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Add a drizzle of honey or homemade blueberry syrup to make them even more indulgent.
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Pair with a scoop of chocolate banana nice cream or vanilla whipped cream for an easy and irresistible dessert.
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Enjoy with hot lemon honey tea or hibiscus iced tea, to complete the experience with a cozy drink.
Tips For Success
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Cook straight from frozen. No need to defrost the pancakes before air frying. Cooking them from frozen helps the outside get crispy while the coconut center stays soft and creamy. If thawed first, they can become too soft or mushy.
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Place in a single layer. Arrange the pancakes in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t stack or overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and browning.
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Watch the time and temp. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 6 minutes. Air fryer models can vary, so check them at the 5-minute mark if yours runs hot. You’re aiming for a golden, crisp outside and a gooey coconut center.
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Handle gently when removing. Use tongs or a silicone spatula to lift them out of the air fryer. They’ll be hot and soft in the middle, so careful handling keeps them from breaking or losing their shape.
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Serve immediately. These are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the air fryer. The crispy outside and creamy center are at their peak right after cooking. If they sit too long, they may lose their perfect texture—so dig in right away!
Variations And Substitutions
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Add a sweet topping. If you want to enhance the sweetness, try drizzling a little honey, agave, or maple syrup on top after air frying. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a beautiful finishing touch and a little extra sweetness.
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Pair with fruit. For a refreshing twist, serve the pancakes with fresh fruit like mango slices, pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries. The fruity flavor goes perfectly with the creamy coconut center and makes the dish feel extra tropical.
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Make it a dessert platter. Want to impress guests? Arrange the pancakes on a plate with small bowls of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped nuts for dipping. It’s like a build-your-own dessert bar using these delicious coconut treats.
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Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut. For more coconut flavor and texture, sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut on top before serving. It enhances the flavor and gives the pancakes a nice crunch.
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Serve with ice cream. Turn these into a restaurant-style dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The combo of hot and cold, crispy and creamy is totally irresistible.
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Use a different brand or homemade version. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby or want to try something different, you can look for frozen Kanom Krok at Asian grocery stores. You can also try making a homemade version using mini muffin pans if you’re up for a DIY adventure.
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Dietary alternatives. These pancakes are vegetarian, but always check the ingredient label for allergies. If you’re avoiding dairy or gluten, look for similar products labeled vegan or gluten-free at your local store.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage. Let the pancakes cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid stacking them while still warm, as the steam can make them soggy.
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Reheating. To bring back their crispy texture, reheat the pancakes in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 360°F and heat for about 2–3 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy while warming the creamy center. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soft and chewy instead of crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these Kanom Krok pancakes without an air fryer?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Keep in mind they may not get quite as crispy as they do in the air fryer, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Do I need to thaw the pancakes before cooking?
Nope! These Thai coconut pancakes are designed to go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. In fact, cooking them frozen helps keep their shape and texture just right. Thawing first may make them too soft and affect the crispy finish.
How do I know when the pancakes are done?
They’re ready when the outside is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the center feels warm and soft. You’ll also notice a light coconut aroma. It only takes 6 minutes at 360°F in the air fryer, but keep an eye on them the first time in case your air fryer runs hotter or cooler than average.
What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Thai coconut pancakes?
Are Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, they are gluten-free based on the list of ingredients. However, cross-contamination can occur, so if you have gluten sensitivity or allergy, it’s best to contact Trader Joe’s directly. There may be alternative versions available at specialty or Asian grocery stores that are officially labeled as “gluten-free”.
What are Thai coconut pancakes also called?
These are known as Kanom Krok in Thai cuisine. They’re a traditional street food made with coconut milk and rice flour, often cooked in a special pan with little round wells. Trader Joe’s has made them available in frozen form, making it easy to enjoy this Thai favorite at home with no special equipment needed.
Can I serve these as a main dish or are they just for dessert?
While they are sweet and typically served as a dessert or snack, there are no rules! You can enjoy them anytime you’re craving something a little sweet and creamy. They make a great afternoon pick-me-up, party treat, or even a fun breakfast idea when paired with fruit.
Do they taste authentic compared to traditional Kanom Krok?
For a frozen version, they’re surprisingly close to the real thing! While they may not have the fresh-from-the-griddle street food feel, the flavor and texture are very satisfying. The creamy coconut center and crispy outside deliver that familiar taste in a convenient package.
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Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes Kanom Krok
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Tongs or spatula for removing pancakes
Instructions
- Open the package of frozen Thai coconut pancakes.
- Place the pancakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F.
- Set the timer for 6 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the pancakes from the air fryer.
- Serve and enjoy! The outside will be crispy and golden, and the inside will be soft, creamy, and full of coconut flavor.
Notes
- No need to defrost the pancakes before cooking.
- Best served warm for maximum creaminess and flavor.
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