Air-Fryer Pierogies: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but can you cook them in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air-fried pierogies are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this dish. They will come out with a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, tender filling on the inside. You can use frozen pierogies, or make your own, and cook them for around 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

How to cook perogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either sweet or savoury fillings. Common fillings include mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, meat or fruit. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook pierogies in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes. This is an important step as you want the air fryer to be hot before you add the pierogies.

Step 2: Prepare the pierogies

Remove the pierogies from their box and place them in a medium bowl or on a plate. Spritz them with olive oil spray or brush them with olive oil, and toss them until they are coated. This will help to achieve a crispy texture and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Place the pierogies in the air fryer

Arrange the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for optimal air circulation. It is okay if they overlap a little, but you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Cook the pierogies

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Halfway through the cooking time, turn them over so that they cook evenly on both sides. The pierogies are fully cooked when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve the pierogies

Remove the pierogies from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They can be served with a variety of toppings or dips, such as sour cream, caramelised onions, mushrooms, chives, bacon bits, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the pierogies, as well as the model of the air fryer. Check on them periodically to ensure they don't burn.
• You can season the pierogies with your favourite spices or herbs, but be mindful of the salt content as pierogies may already contain salt.
• To prevent sticking, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the pierogies with oil before placing them in it.
• You can cook different flavours of pierogies together, but be mindful of their cooking times as they may vary. Adjust the cooking time as needed for each flavour.

The benefits of cooking perogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, that can be stuffed with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer has several benefits.

Speed

Air frying pierogies is significantly faster than traditional cooking methods. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer, and you don't even need to thaw them first.

Consistency

With an air fryer, you'll get perfectly crispy pierogies every time. The hot air circulates around the dumplings, ensuring even cooking and a delightful crunch to every bite.

Taste

Air-fried pierogies are crispier than pan-fried ones, with less fat. They also avoid the sogginess that can sometimes occur with other cooking methods. The filling remains soft and tender, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures.

Health

Air frying requires little to no added oil, making it a healthier option than deep frying. It's also mess-free, with no oily stovetop or oven to clean up afterwards.

Versatility

You can experiment with various toppings and flavour combinations to take your pierogies to the next level. Try adding bread crumbs for extra crispiness, or pour over some melted butter for a softer, buttery texture. You can also sprinkle on your favourite seasonings, such as onion powder or Italian seasoning, for an extra flavour kick.

How to prevent perogies from sticking to the air fryer basket

Perogies can be cooked in an air fryer, and there are several ways to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Firstly, preheating your air fryer can help to prevent perogies from sticking. Allowing the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding food helps to evaporate excess moisture and create a non-stick surface.

Coating the perogies in a thin layer of oil before air frying can also help to create a barrier against sticking. Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil spray can be used for this.

Additionally, it is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. When the basket is overcrowded, the hot air cannot circulate properly, which can cause the perogies to stick together.

Shaking the basket during cooking is another simple yet effective method to prevent sticking. Gently shaking the basket ensures the perogies are evenly cooked and do not stick together.

Furthermore, using parchment paper can be a great alternative if you prefer a no-oil cooking method. It acts as a barrier between the food and the basket, preventing sticking or burning.

Finally, using non-stick cooking spray is a convenient and practical way to prevent perogies from sticking. Non-stick cooking sprays are designed to prevent food from sticking to cookware, and they can be evenly sprayed onto the basket to ensure a thin layer of oil is applied.

How to store and reheat perogie leftovers

Perogies are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to reheat them, you have a few options:

Stovetop

Warm a small amount of oil or butter in a frying pan on medium heat. Add your perogies and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they may fall apart. Reheating on the stovetop will help maintain the crispness of the perogies.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lay your perogies on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until warmed all the way through. Again, be sure to check them to ensure they are not cracking or splitting.

Microwave

The microwave is perhaps the best option if your perogies were boiled the first time around. Lay the perogies flat on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 3 minutes. Check them and turn them every 30 seconds. If they appear to be done before time is up, remove them from the microwave.

Air Fryer

Leftover perogies can also be reheated in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and heat for a couple of minutes, or until warmed through.

No matter which reheating method you choose, be sure to keep a close eye on your perogies. They can easily explode or crack open while reheating.

What to serve with perogies

Perogies are Polish dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, from potatoes and cheese to sauerkraut or mushrooms. They can be served as a side dish or a main course and pair well with both savoury and sweet dishes.

Some traditional savoury accompaniments include:

• Sour cream
• Bacon bits
• Sausages
• Caramelised onions
• Mushrooms
• Salads (vegetable, cucumber, beet, carrot, etc.)
• Horseradish
• Mustard
• Green beans
• Kielbasa

For a sweet tooth, perogies can be served with:

• Ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fruit compote
• Apple sauce
• Cinnamon sugar
• Fruit sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Caramel

Perogies are also often served with drinks such as beer, wine, vodka, fruit smoothies, sparkling water, herbal tea, kombucha, or soft drinks and iced tea.

Frequently asked questions