Air Fryer Perogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pierogis are a type of European dumpling, often filled with potatoes and cheese, that can be cooked in an air fryer. They can be cooked from frozen or fresh, and are a quick and easy meal option. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and whether the pierogis are frozen or fresh, but they typically take around 10-12 minutes to cook at 400°F (200°C). To cook pierogis in an air fryer, coat them in oil, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook until golden brown and crispy.

Perogies from frozen

Pierogies are a type of European dumpling that can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen. They are usually filled with potatoes and cheese, but can also be stuffed with other ingredients like beef, sauerkraut, or onion.

To cook pierogies from frozen in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 400°F (380-400 is fine if your air fryer is not digital). Then, lay the pierogies out in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap or stack, as this will help them cook more evenly. Brush the pierogies with olive oil or avocado oil, or use a cooking spray to achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking. You can also spritz the pierogies with oil and then toss them until they are coated.

Once the pierogies are prepared, cook them for 10-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through. They are ready to eat when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended to do a cooking time trial first and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.

Pierogies can be served with various toppings or dips, such as sour cream, onions, mushrooms, sausage, or vegetables. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish and are a quick and easy meal option.

Perogies from fresh

Perogies are a traditional Polish dish, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe, that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are made by filling dough with either a sweet or savoury filling, and then boiling or frying. The most common type of perogi is filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, but you can also fill them with beef, sauerkraut, or onion.

To cook perogies from fresh in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 390°F (some sources suggest 400°F). Place the perogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack, and cook in batches if necessary. Spray the perogies with oil, or brush with olive oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. The perogies are cooked when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

You can also cook bacon in the air fryer to go with your perogies. Lay the bacon strips in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes at 360°F. Flip each piece and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until crispy. Crumble the bacon and serve on top of the perogies with sour cream and chopped parsley.

Air-fried perogies are a healthier alternative to fried perogies, and they are also quicker and easier to cook. They are a great snack, side dish, or main course, and can be served with a variety of toppings and dips.

Oil type and application

Pierogies can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried pierogies. The oil helps to achieve a crispy texture, and there are several ways to apply it.

Firstly, you can brush the pierogies with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This can be done with a cooking oil spray, or by pouring a small amount of oil onto the pierogies and tossing them until they are coated. Olive oil is a popular choice for this method, but you can use any cooking oil of your preference.

Another option is to simply spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the pierogies. This method may not produce pierogies with the same crispy texture as the previous method, but it is a good option if you want to use less oil.

If you want to add extra crispiness to your pierogies, you can also give them a quick spray of cooking oil halfway through the cooking process.

It is worth noting that while oil can enhance the crispiness of air-fried pierogies, it is not strictly necessary. If you do not want to use oil, you can simply place the pierogies in the air fryer without any oil and they will still cook.

Temperature and timing

The cooking temperature and timing for perogies in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of perogies, the desired texture, and the specific air fryer model. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the best results:

Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking perogies in an air fryer is typically around 390°F to 400°F (200°C). This temperature range ensures that your perogies will achieve a desirable golden brown colour and a crispy texture. However, it is worth noting that some recipes suggest a temperature range of 380°F to 400°F if your air fryer is not digital.

Timing:

The cooking time for perogies in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the initial state of the perogies and your desired level of crispiness. Here are the estimated cooking times for different types of perogies:

• Frozen perogies typically take around 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. It is recommended to flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
• Slightly thawed perogies will take slightly less time, approximately 10 minutes at 400°F.
• Freshly made perogies require even less cooking time, with an estimated range of 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F.
• Mini perogies, regardless of whether they are frozen or fresh, will cook faster and typically take around 8 minutes at 400°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your perogies during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or drying out. Additionally, if you prefer your perogies extra crispy, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

Pierogies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or even a full meal. They pair well with many sauces and dips, such as sour cream, and can be seasoned or topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or other vegetables for a more traditional Polish flavour. For an extra kick of heat, add some chilli pepper flakes or banana peppers to the mix. If you're serving them with kielbasa, a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette made with olive oil and red wine vinegar can be a delicious complement.

When it comes to presentation, it's best to serve pierogies warm and immediately after cooking to maintain their texture. They can be served on their own or as part of a larger meal. For a kid-friendly option, you can serve the pierogies, kielbasa, and sautéed vegetables in separate dishes, allowing kids to assemble their own plates according to their preferences.

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, air-fried pierogies are a great option. They can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer in about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the pierogies, and require minimal preparation. Simply coat them in olive oil, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook until they're golden brown and crispy.

For an extra crispy texture, you can brush or toss the pierogies in olive oil before cooking, or use a cooking oil spray to coat both sides. This will also help prevent sticking. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your pierogies to ensure they don't overcook.

Frequently asked questions