Air Fryer Frozen Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, which are also eaten throughout Eastern Europe. They are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. Common fillings include mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, meat, or fruit. They are usually boiled or pan-fried and served with toppings such as sour cream, onions, butter, or bacon bits.

Air frying has become a popular way to cook pierogies, as it is faster, healthier, and easier than traditional cooking methods. It results in a crispy exterior and soft, tender filling. Frozen pierogies can be cooked directly from the freezer in an air fryer, with no need to thaw them first. The cooking time is typically around 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

How to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier option that gives them a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• Frozen pierogies
• Oil with a high smoke point (such as avocado, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil)
• Optional: seasonings, toppings, or dips of your choice

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or 390°F (380-400°F is fine if your air fryer is not digital).
• Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate.
• Coat each pierogi on both sides with oil.
• Place 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.
• Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pierogies over.
• Cook until the pierogies are puffed up slightly and golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your chosen toppings or dips.

Tips

• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
• To avoid splitting, ensure the pierogies are evenly coated in oil and don't overcrowd the basket.
• To avoid drying out, don't overcook; check for doneness at the minimum cooking time.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

The benefits of air frying pierogies

Air-frying pierogies has many benefits, including:

Speed

Air-frying pierogies is a quick and easy way to cook them, with a total cooking time of around 10-12 minutes. This makes them a convenient option for busy households, college students, or anyone looking for a tasty and fuss-free meal.

Texture

Air-frying results in pierogies with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender filling. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.

Health

Air-frying is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods, such as deep frying. It requires little to no added oil, resulting in a reduced-calorie dish with less fat.

Versatility

Air-fried pierogies can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They can be seasoned or served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, caramelized onions, or cheese. Additionally, you can air fry pierogies from frozen, with no need to thaw them first.

Ease of Use

Air-frying pierogies is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation. It is also a mess-free option, with no stovetop or oven to clean afterward.

Air fryer pierogi recipes

Pierogi are small, pillow-like European dumplings that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings and are usually cooked by boiling, pan-frying or deep frying. However, air frying has emerged as a popular alternative cooking method. This is because it is faster, healthier, and easier to clean up than traditional cooking methods.

Ingredients

To make air fryer pierogi, you will need:

• An air fryer
• Frozen pierogi (or you can make your own)
• Olive oil, avocado oil, cooking oil spray, or melted butter
• Toppings or dips of your choice (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (380-400°F if your air fryer is not digital).
• Coat the frozen pierogi in oil on both sides.
• Place the pierogi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for optimal air circulation.
• Air fry the pierogi for 5-6 minutes, then flip each one over.
• Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your chosen toppings or dips.

Tips

• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
• To avoid splitting, ensure the oil coating is even and don't overcrowd the basket.
• To avoid drying out, don't overcook; check for doneness at the minimum cooking time.
• Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.

How to store and reheat air-fried pierogies

Once you've cooked your pierogies in the air fryer, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, you can either use the microwave or the air fryer. If you're using the air fryer, you'll only need to cook them for a couple of minutes, just until they're warm.

What to serve with pierogies

Pierogies are a versatile dish, and there are plenty of options for toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pierogies:

Classic Options

• Sour cream and chives are always a hit.
• Try them with caramelized onions for a rich, sweet touch.
• Bacon, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
• Fried onions with gravy.
• Kielbasa and cabbage.
• Fried onions and sauerkraut.
• Cottage cheese and fried onions.
• Fried onions and dill.
• Fried onions and melted butter.
• Fried onions, bacon, and dill.
• Crumbled bacon, fried onions, and sour cream.

Sweet and Savory Options

• Apple sauce adds a fun twist.
• Keep it simple with melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Bolder Flavors

• Salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip.
• Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
• Kimchi.
• Chorizo and eggs.
• Sautéed onions and garlic.
• Butter, caramelized onions, dill, sour cream, and fresh black pepper.
• Butter, sour cream, and chives.
• Butter, fried onions, and mushrooms.
• Butter, bacon, and cabbage.
• Butter, bacon, and mushrooms.
• Butter, bacon, and sausage.
• Butter, bacon, and cabbage.
• Butter, bacon, and vegetables.
• Butter, bacon, and horseradish.
• Butter, bacon, and beets.
• Butter, bacon, and a cold Pilsner.
• Butter chicken.
• Franks.
• Cream, butter, fresh dill, and green onions.
• Żubrówka bison grass vodka.

Salads and Vegetables

• Polish salads, such as lettuce salad, cucumber salad, carrot salad, beets with horseradish, or sauerkraut.
• Green salad.
• Roasted vegetables, such as roast potatoes or Brussels sprouts.
• Green beans.
• Peas or another green vegetable.
• Sautéed vegetables.
• Vegetable soup.
• Beetroot pasta.
• Pea and asparagus orzo.
• Cavolo nero with lemon and garlic.
• Roasted tenderstem broccoli with lemon and Parmesan.
• Ratatouille.

Meat Dishes

• Kielbasa.
• Kielbasa sandwich.
• Smoked sausage.
• Liver and onions.
• Steak and onion.
• Beef gravy.
• Chicken.
• Slow-roasted spare ribs.
• Brisket.
• Farmers' sausage.
• Gammon.
• Braising steak with gravy.

Frequently asked questions