Trader Joe’s Chao Tom In The Air Fryer (Sugar Cane Shrimp)

Craving a delicious and easy-to-make Vietnamese snack? You’ll love how quick and effortless it is to cook Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom in the air fryer! These shrimp and vegetable fritters on a sweet sugarcane stick come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—all without defrosting. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful appetizer or a unique snack, this air fryer Chao Tom will impress with its authentic taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom In The Air Fryer

• Super quick and easy to make!: No need to defrost—just pop them straight from the freezer into the air fryer. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a hot and crispy snack ready to enjoy. Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the hassle.

• Crispy outside, juicy inside!: The air fryer gives Chao Tom that amazing golden brown crisp without any added oil. Inside, the shrimp and vegetable mixture stays moist, tender, and flavorful. You’ll get that perfect bite every time—crispy and crunchy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside.

• Fun and unique presentation!: These skewers are made with real sugarcane sticks, adding a fun and authentic touch. After eating the shrimp, you can even enjoy the sweet flavor of the sugarcane. It makes a great conversation starter at parties or gatherings!

• Packed with flavor!: Each Chao Tom is seasoned to perfection with savory shrimp and vegetable goodness. No need to add extra spices or sauces (unless you want to!). They’re delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Perfect for appetizers or snacks!: Whether you’re hosting guests, needing a quick lunch, or just craving something tasty, these are a great choice. They cook so fast and make any meal feel special. Plus, they’re a great way to bring a taste of Vietnamese cuisine to your table effortlessly.

Ingredients For Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom In The Air Fryer

• Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom – These Vietnamese shrimp and vegetable skewers come ready to cook, with no prep needed. The sugarcane stick adds a natural sweetness and makes them fun to eat.

For the exact measurements and cooking times, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom In The Air Fryer

• Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the Chao Tom perfectly crispy and golden brown without any oil.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom In The Air Fryer

• Take out your air fryer basket and place the frozen Chao Tom inside in a single layer.
• Put the basket back into the air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9 minutes.
• Once done, carefully remove the Chao Tom from the basket.
• Serve and enjoy while they are hot and crispy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chao Tom as a delicious appetizer or snack on its own.
• Add them as a fun starter for a Vietnamese-inspired meal.
• Pair with a fresh spring mix lettuce salad or fluffy brown rice for a light and easy lunch or dinner.
• Arrange on a platter for an easy and impressive party snack.
• Enjoy as-is or dip in your favorite sauce like creamy onion dip or homemade sriracha chili sauce.

Tips For Success

• Place Chao Tom in a single layer: Make sure to lay them out in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. If you stack them, they may not cook properly or brown as nicely. Always give them space to crisp up!

• No need to thaw: Cook the Chao Tom straight from frozen—no defrosting needed! This saves time and makes prep so easy. Plus, cooking them from frozen helps keep them moist inside while getting that perfect crispy outside.

• Check for doneness: Air fryer models can vary, so check them around the 9-minute mark to see if they are golden brown. If they need a little more time, add an extra 1–2 minutes. You want them crispy on the outside and fully heated inside.

• Handle carefully when done: They’ll be hot when they come out of the air fryer, so be careful when removing them. Let them cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on the hot sugarcane stick. Enjoy them while they are still warm for the best taste and texture.

• Enjoy the sugarcane stick: After eating the shrimp and veggie part, don’t throw away the sugarcane stick! You can suck on it to enjoy its natural sweetness. It adds a fun and authentic touch to this unique snack.

Variations And Substitutions

• Try other brands of Chao Tom: If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you can use other frozen Chao Tom brands. Most Asian grocery stores carry similar shrimp on sugarcane snacks. Just make sure they are similar in size for the same cooking time. You may need to adjust the air fryer time slightly depending on the brand.

• Serve with different sides: You can make a full meal by adding sides like jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad. These light sides complement the rich, savory shrimp perfectly. Add some pickled vegetables for a traditional Vietnamese touch. You can also serve them with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

• Add dipping sauces: If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to serve these with dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce, fish sauce with lime and garlic, or hoisin sauce are all great options. Although Chao Tom is flavorful on its own, sauces can add a fun variety if serving a crowd.

• Adjust cooking time for crispiness: If you like them extra crispy, you can cook them for an extra minute or two. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. For a softer texture, reduce the cooking time by a minute. It’s easy to adjust to your liking.

• Make it part of a larger meal: These shrimp skewers can be added to a larger Vietnamese meal. Pair with spring rolls, pho, or banh mi sandwiches. They make a great addition to an appetizer platter as well.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container: If you have any Chao Tom left over, place them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer: To keep them crispy, reheat Chao Tom in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This will bring back that delicious crisp without overcooking.
• Avoid microwaving: Microwaving may make them soggy, so it’s best to use the air fryer to reheat. If you must microwave, do so in short bursts and expect a softer texture.
• Freezing after cooking is not recommended: Since these are pre-frozen when purchased, freezing them again after cooking may affect the texture. It’s best to cook only as many as you plan to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Trader Joe’s Frozen Chao Tom without an air fryer?

Yes, you can also cook them in a conventional oven or toaster oven. To do this, place the frozen Chao Tom on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, using an air fryer gives them the best crispy texture without adding extra oil. The air fryer also cooks them faster and more evenly, making it the easiest and most convenient method.

Do I need to thaw Chao Tom before cooking?

No, there’s no need to thaw them! One of the best things about this recipe is that you cook them straight from frozen. Thawing could actually affect their texture, making them less crisp when cooked. Air frying from frozen helps keep the inside moist while making the outside perfectly golden and crispy.

How do I know when Chao Tom is fully cooked?

Chao Tom is fully cooked when the outside is golden brown and crisp. The shrimp mixture inside should be hot and firm, not mushy. You can cut one open to check that it is heated through. If it needs more time, you can return it to the air fryer for an additional 1–2 minutes until done.

What is the sugarcane stick for? Do I eat it?

The sugarcane stick is used as a skewer and adds a natural sweetness to the Chao Tom. You don’t eat the sugarcane stick itself, but once you’ve eaten the shrimp and vegetable mixture, you can suck on the sugarcane to enjoy its sweet flavor. It’s a fun and traditional part of this Vietnamese snack that makes it unique and enjoyable.

Can I cook a large batch at once?

For the crispiest results, it’s best to cook Chao Tom in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you need to cook a large batch, it’s better to do it in multiple batches. Overcrowding the basket can prevent even cooking and may make the Chao Tom less crispy. Taking the time to cook in batches ensures each piece turns out perfect.

Are there any allergens I should be aware of in Trader Joe’s Chao Tom?

Trader Joe’s Chao Tom contains shrimp, which is a shellfish allergen. It may also contain other ingredients like wheat or soy depending on the brand’s specific recipe, so always check the package for a full list of allergens. If you have specific dietary concerns, reviewing the label before cooking is a good idea.

How do I serve Chao Tom to guests?

Chao Tom makes a great appetizer for parties and gatherings! You can serve them on a platter with the sugarcane sticks showing for a fun presentation. They are delicious on their own, but you can also add small dipping bowls of sweet chili sauce or fish sauce if you want to give guests options. This makes for an impressive yet easy dish that guests will love.

Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto?

Chao Tom itself is primarily shrimp and vegetables, so it is naturally lower in carbs compared to breaded snacks. However, the sugarcane stick is not typically eaten, so it does not add carbs unless consumed. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, simply enjoy the shrimp mixture and skip any sweet dipping sauces that contain added sugars.

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