Air Fryer Perogies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat!

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, often filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, and sometimes meat, fruit, or vegetables. 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 enjoy this Eastern European delicacy. They are also a versatile dish, making a great appetizer, snack, side dish, or main course.

How to cook perogies in an air fryer

How to cook pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling. 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 pierogies is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook them, giving them a crispy exterior and soft, tender filling. It is also a fuss-free way to cook frozen pierogies, and one of the best options for beginners to try.

Ingredients

• Frozen pierogies (any flavour)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper or other seasonings (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C).
• Toss the frozen pierogies with olive oil or cooking spray until well coated.
• Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It is fine if they overlap slightly.
• Air fry the pierogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip each one over.
• Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are a light golden brown colour and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favourite sauce or dip.

Tips

• If you are cooking fresh pierogies, reduce the overall cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• If you are cooking mini pierogies, they will take around 8 minutes in total to cook.
• Air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• You can season the pierogies with salt and pepper or other spices to add extra flavour. However, be mindful of the salt content of the pierogies and any seasonings you use.

How long to cook perogies in an air fryer

Perogies can be cooked in an air fryer and it is a fuss-free way to cook them. The cooking time depends on the type of perogies you are cooking and the air fryer model.

For frozen standard-sized perogies, it takes 10-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. If you are cooking fresh perogies, reduce the overall time to 8-10 minutes. For mini perogies, it takes about 8 minutes to cook.

• Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (380-400 degrees F range is fine if your air fryer is not digital).
• Toss the perogies with olive oil or avocado oil until they are well coated. You can also use cooking spray to lightly coat them.
• Place the perogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that the hot air can circulate well.
• Air fry the perogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip each one over.
• Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes. The perogies are ready when they are light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favourite sauce or dip.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

What temperature to cook perogies in an air fryer

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 cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture.

Temperature and Timing

The recommended temperature for cooking pierogies in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). However, if your air fryer is not digital, a range of 380-400°F is fine.

The cooking time depends on the size of the pierogies and whether they are frozen or fresh. Frozen pierogies take about 10-15 minutes to cook, while fresh pierogies will take 8-10 minutes. Mini pierogies will cook in about 8 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (380-400°F if your air fryer is not digital).
• Toss the frozen pierogies with olive oil or cooking spray until they are well coated.
• Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the pierogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over.
• Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favourite sauce or dip.

How to store and reheat perogie leftovers

Pierogies are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, the good news is that they can be stored and reheated for another day. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your pierogi leftovers.

Storing Pierogi Leftovers

Pierogi leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep them before reheating. If you're planning to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 2-4 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them! First, arrange the pierogies on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.

Remember to always allow your pierogies to cool completely before storing them, to prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating Pierogi Leftovers

There are several ways to reheat your pierogi leftovers, each resulting in a slightly different texture. You can reheat them on the stovetop, in the oven, or even the microwave.

• Stovetop: Warm a small amount of oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the pierogies and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they might fall apart. This method is great for maintaining the crispness of the pierogi.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pierogies on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and bake for about 10-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't crack or split.
• Microwave: Lay the pierogies flat on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-3 minutes. Check and turn them every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Microwaving is perhaps the best option if your pierogies were boiled the first time around, but be careful as they can become chewy or rubbery.

If you want to restore the crispy exterior and soft interior of your pierogies, the traditional method of reheating is best:

• Boil the pierogies for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
• Fry them in a skillet with a little butter or oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

Now you know how to store and reheat your pierogi leftovers! Enjoy your delicious, crispy treats all over again.

What to serve with perogies

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

Savoury Sides

• Sour cream is perhaps the most traditional accompaniment to perogies.
• Caramelised onions are a must-have with perogies.
• Sautéed mushrooms seamlessly complement perogies.
• Crunchy vegetable salads offer a crisp, refreshing juxtaposition.
• Mustard and horseradish sauce creates a zesty, tantalising experience.
• Crispy bacon crumbles with their salty and smoky flavour complement the soft perogies.
• Sausages, especially Polish sausage or kielbasa, are an excellent accompaniment to perogies.
• Beets are often seen in traditional Polish dishes like Buraczki, a shredded beet salad.
• Dill is perhaps the most traditional herb served with perogies. Other herbs that pair well include parsley, chives, basil, and tarragon.
• Pickled sides like sauerkraut and Polish pickles (ogórki kiszone) also go well with perogies.
• Green vegetables like asparagus, kale, Brussels sprouts, and green beans.
• Root vegetables like carrots, squash, and beets.

Sweet Sides

• Fruit compote, such as apple, cherry, or blueberry, creates a delightful contrast of flavours.
• Apple sauce brings a refreshing twist to warm perogies.
• Cinnamon sugar adds a comforting layer of sweetness to fruit-filled perogies.
• Fruit sauce adds a vibrant, fresh layer to the dessert experience.
• Ice cream or whipped cream are indulgent dessert options that provide a cool contrast to the warm perogies.
• Sweet syrups, such as maple, honey, or caramel, can take your dessert perogies to a new level of sweetness.
• Chocolate sauce is a unique and irresistible pairing.

Frequently asked questions