There's absolutely no disgrace in indulging in frozen prepared meals. In fact, my appetite is as voracious and indiscriminate as one might find in a mythical creature. I'd even argue that there's no shame in offering such convenience to others. The frozen food aisle is, without a doubt, a treasure trove for those looking to cater events, whether intimate or grand. However, this doesn't mean your dishes have to appear as if they've just been plucked from the freezer. The quality of these pre-packaged meals is continually improving, and the variety is vast, with much of the labor already completed for you. Plus, we're currently in the golden age of air frying, which is an ideal method for transforming those small boxes of fish sticks or falafel balls into culinary masterpieces. They seem to have been designed with air frying in mind. When I'm hosting gatherings, I often find myself overwhelmed with homemade dishes, leaving me pressed for time. For me, the best way to save time is to incorporate a few air-fried frozen treats, such as those outlined below. You could even create your entire menu this way. The key is to elevate the ordinary frozen bite into a party-ready dish by adding a few well-thought-out elements.

How to Elevate Frozen Food to Gourmet Status

My formula for success is simple: base item + sauce + contrasting texture. While you can always add a touch of flaky salt here or chopped nuts there, always include these essentials. Consider the sauce as an opportunity to introduce complementary flavors like tanginess, saltiness, or heat. The ingredients for contrasting textures can range from crunchy raw veggies to crumbly cheeses, or succulent, tender olives. Aim for something that provides a contrast to the primary texture. I'm partial to the selection at Trader Joe's, which is why I've mostly showcased their products here, but you can apply these ideas to any brand. Here are some of my top picks:

1. Elegant Fish Nuggets

Who would have thought that fish sticks or nuggets could be presented in an appealing manner? Any fish-based product with a crispy, breaded exterior will work perfectly. Simply air fry these to enhance their crunch. In the meantime, slice some red onion as thinly as possible—you won't need much. Place the slices in a small bowl and cover them with vinegar to create a quick pickle. Spread a portion of Melinda's Jalapeño Ranch sauce on a plate in an artistic manner. Once the nuggets have cooled slightly, arrange them on the sauce and top each with a small mound of the pickled red onion.

2. Vibrant Falafel Bites

Falafel naturally evokes Mediterranean flavors, and their crunchy exterior calls for softer, contrasting toppings. Air fry the falafel balls according to the package instructions. While they're heating, skewer halved cherry tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives onto toothpicks. Combine crumbled feta cheese with a cup of plain yogurt to create a zesty, creamy sauce. Once the falafels are warmed, arrange them on a plate and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. Alternatively, you can spread the sauce on the plate and place the balls on top. Impale a tomato-olive skewer into each bite.

3. Supreme Steamed Dumplings

The gyoza dumplings from Trader Joe's can be pan-fried for a crispy base, but I prefer steaming them. To add a bit of crunch, quickly blanch some bok choy leaves and use them as a vessel for the dumplings. Drizzle with soy sauce or, if available, a sweet and sour vinegar dumpling sauce. Sprinkle with crispy fried garlic and serve.

4. Frozen Pizza with Flair

Pizza is unique because it's a large pie that already offers a variety of textures between the crust, cheese, and sauce. This is your chance to get creative. I used Trader Joe's Tarte au Brie et aux Tomates and baked it in the oven as per the instructions. After letting it cool for a few minutes, I topped it with a handful of arugula, added torn prosciutto, and split a ball of burrata. For a touch of sweetness and acidity, I drizzled balsamic glaze over the top.

If you're someone who enjoys hosting but isn't particularly fond of cooking, or if you're simply short on time, let go of the notion of making everything from scratch. You don't have to bread the cutlets, roll the meatballs, or deep-fry anything today. Embrace the help from your freezer section and add your personal touch for a winning presentation.