Air Fryer Pierogies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, usually filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are often boiled or pan-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer. This method is quicker, healthier, and easier than traditional cooking methods, and results in a crispy exterior and soft interior.

How to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer! Here's how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Frozen pierogies
• Oil (olive, avocado, peanut, vegetable, or another cooking oil)
• Optional: Your favourite toppings or dips, such as sour cream, caramelised onions, or bacon bits

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (around 200°C).
• Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate.
• Coat each pierogi generously with oil on both sides.
• Arrange the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for the hot air to circulate.
• Set the cooking time for 10–15 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
• Flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time.
• Cook until the pierogies are slightly puffed up and golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your chosen toppings or dips.

Tips:

• To avoid splitting, ensure the oil coating is even and don't overcrowd the basket.
• To prevent drying out, check the pierogies at the minimum cooking time and don't overcook.
• For the best texture, serve the pierogies immediately after cooking.

The benefits of cooking pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer has several benefits.

Speed

Air fryers are significantly faster than traditional cooking methods, making them perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying dinner.

Consistent Results

You can achieve perfectly crispy pierogies every time with an air fryer. No more soggy or greasy dumplings!

Healthier Option

Air frying requires little to no added oil, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods. It also results in a crispier texture than pan-frying, with less fat.

Easy Cleanup

There's no messy stovetop or oven to clean afterward, making air frying a fuss-free way to cook pierogies.

Versatile

You can experiment with various toppings and flavour combinations when cooking pierogies in an air fryer. Whether you prefer a classic sour cream and chives topping or something more adventurous like salsa or cream cheese, the choice is yours!

How to make air fryer pierogies crispy

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, packed with savoury or sweet fillings. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or air-fried. Air-frying pierogies is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no added oil.

Step 1: Prepare the Pierogies

Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate. You can use store-bought frozen pierogies, or make your own. If you are using frozen pierogies, there is no need to thaw them first.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (200°C). Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure the pierogies cook evenly and achieve the best texture.

Step 3: Coat the Pierogies in Oil

Generously coat each pierogi on both sides with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil. You can brush the oil on with a basting brush, or use cooking spray to lightly coat them. This step will help the pierogies become crispy and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Arrange the Pierogies in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving ample space between each one. This arrangement ensures optimal air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches.

Step 5: Set the Cooking Time

For frozen pierogies, set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you are cooking fresh pierogies, reduce the overall time to 8-10 minutes. For mini pierogies, the cooking time is around 8 minutes.

Step 6: Flip the Pierogies Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and browning, flip the pierogies over halfway through the cooking time. You can also shake the air fryer basket gently to turn them over.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Cook the pierogies until they are puffed up slightly and golden brown. To avoid overcooking, check for doneness at the minimum cooking time. The pierogies are ready when they have a crispy, golden texture.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

For the best texture, serve the air-fried pierogies immediately with your favourite toppings or dips. They go well with sour cream, caramelized onions, bacon, sautéed vegetables, or salads.

Enjoy your crispy, golden pierogies!

How to prevent pierogies from sticking to the air fryer basket

Pierogies are delicious European dumplings that can be cooked in an air fryer for a crispy texture outside and a soft filling inside. To prevent pierogies from sticking to the air fryer basket, follow these steps:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures your air fryer is nice and hot before adding the pierogies.

Next, place the frozen pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate properly and cook the pierogies evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Now, for the crucial step to prevent sticking: lightly coat the pierogies with oil. You can brush the oil on with a basting brush, or spray them with a cooking oil spray. This step not only helps to achieve a crispier texture but also keeps the pierogies from sticking to the basket.

Finally, cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, delicious pierogies!

How to reheat pierogies

There are a few ways to reheat pierogies, including in the microwave or in the air fryer. To reheat in an air fryer, pop them back in at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through.

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is important to ensure your pierogies heat through evenly.
• Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket: Arrange the pierogies in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate properly. You may need to reheat in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Optional: Brush with oil: Lightly brushing the pierogies with oil will help them stay crispy and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Reheat: Place the pierogies in the air fryer and reheat for a few minutes until warmed through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the number of pierogies you are reheating.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your reheated pierogies while they're hot and crispy!

Frequently asked questions