Air Fryer Perogies: Frozen To Fantastic In Minutes

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, usually filled with potatoes and cheese, but they can also be stuffed with other ingredients like beef, sauerkraut, and onion. They can be boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked, grilled, or microwaved, but one of the best ways to cook them is in an air fryer. Air-fried pierogies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're a healthier alternative to most other cooking methods. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (380–400 is fine if your air fryer isn't digital). Then, toss the frozen pierogies with olive oil or avocado oil until they're well coated. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or dip.

How to make frozen perogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally filled with potatoes and cheese, but can also be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked, grilled, or air-fried.

Ingredients:

• Frozen pierogies (any flavour)
• Olive oil or cooking oil spray
• Optional: Sour cream, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or your favourite dipping sauce

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Place the frozen pierogies in a medium bowl or on a plate. Spritz the pierogies with olive oil spray or brush with olive oil, and toss them until they’re coated.

Place the pierogies in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap.

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through the cooking time, turn the pierogies over.

The pierogies are fully cooked when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Serve immediately with your choice of toppings or dips.

Tips:

• For crispier pierogies, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• If you want to avoid the pierogies sticking to the basket, brush the basket with oil before adding the pierogies.
• If you want to avoid the pierogies splitting, ensure the oil coating is even and don't overcrowd the basket.
• Check the pierogies regularly to avoid overcooking and drying out.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

Other Serving Suggestions:

• The All-American: Add melted butter, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
• The Mediterranean: Use feta and spinach pierogies, and top with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
• The Mexicali: Use cheddar pierogies, and serve with salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
• The French Dip: Enjoy onion pierogies with caramelized onions, French onion dip, and fresh chives.
• General Tso’s Mini Pierogies: A tangy and slightly spicy dish.
• Game Day Buffalo Pierogies: Add buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dip.
• Bacon-Wrapped Onion Pierogies: Wrap the pierogies in crispy bacon and cook with caramelized onions.
• Masala Pierogies: Add aromatic spices and a touch of heat.

The benefits of air frying perogies

Air-fried pierogies are a quick and easy meal option, perfect for busy households, college students, and anyone looking for a tasty, no-fuss dinner. Here are some benefits of air-frying pierogies:

Speed and Convenience

Air frying is significantly faster than traditional cooking methods, making it a convenient option for those short on time. There is no need to thaw frozen pierogies before air frying, and the cooking process is simple and fuss-free.

Consistent Results

With air frying, you can achieve perfectly crispy pierogies every time. The even circulation of hot air in the air fryer ensures that your pierogies cook evenly, resulting in a consistent texture and taste.

Healthier Option

Air frying requires little to no added oil, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods like deep frying. It uses less fat, resulting in a reduced-calorie meal without sacrificing taste.

Easy Cleanup

Unlike stovetop or oven cooking, air frying pierogies results in minimal mess and an easy cleanup process. There are no greasy pans or splatters to deal with, making it a low-maintenance cooking option.

Versatility

Air-fried pierogies can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They pair well with various toppings and dips, allowing you to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can also use any type of pierogi, whether frozen, fresh, or homemade, and fill them with either sweet or savory fillings.

How to store and reheat perogies

Perogies can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to be enjoyed another day. When it comes to reheating perogies, there are several methods you can use, including boiling, pan-frying, using an air fryer, or even microwaving them. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat perogies to perfection:

Storing Perogies

Leftover perogies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Storing perogies in the refrigerator will alter their taste and texture, making them soggy or rubbery. Freezing perogies is a better option if you want to retain their original taste and texture.

Reheating Perogies:

Boiling:

Boiling is a traditional and effective way to reheat perogies, especially if you want to maintain their original texture and flavour. This method works best for perogies that have been previously cooked or frozen. To reheat perogies by boiling, follow these steps:

• Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
• Using a slotted spoon, gently lower 3-4 perogies into the boiling water to ensure even heating.
• Allow the perogies to boil until they float to the surface, then continue boiling for an additional 90 seconds.
• Remove the perogies with a slotted spoon, letting the water drip off to avoid sogginess, and place them on a serving dish.
• Repeat the process for any remaining perogies, ensuring the water is boiling each time.
• Garnish and serve with toppings or dips such as sour cream, sautéed onions, or apple sauce.

Pan-Frying:

Pan-frying is a popular method that adds a delightful texture to your perogies. This method is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of crunch. Here's how to reheat perogies by pan-frying:

• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. You can also use a regular pan with a bit of butter or oil.
• Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and arrange the perogies in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Pan-fry the perogies for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your choice of toppings or dips.

Air Frying:

Air frying is a fuss-free way to cook frozen perogies, resulting in a crispy texture outside and a tender filling inside. It is also a healthier alternative to pan-frying, using less oil and producing fewer calories. Here's how to reheat perogies in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (or 380-400°F if your air fryer is not digital).
• Toss the frozen perogies with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil until well coated. You can also use cooking spray or melted butter.
• Place the perogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure proper air circulation.
• Air fry the perogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over.
• Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favourite sauce or dip.

Microwaving:

Although not the ideal method, you can also reheat perogies in the microwave if you have limited access to other kitchen equipment. This method may work better for boiled perogies, as fried perogies can become soggy. To reheat perogies in the microwave:

• Place the perogies flat on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave the perogies for around 3 minutes, checking and turning them every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
• Remove the perogies from the microwave once they have reached the desired temperature. Do not overheat.

The best toppings and dips for perogies

Pierogies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with toppings and dips. Here are some ideas for the best toppings and dips to serve with your pierogies:

Savoury Pierogies:

• Fried pork fatback– a traditional Polish topping called 'skwarki'
• Sauteed onions– another traditional topping, often served with melted butter
• Bacon– smoked thick-sliced or cubed bacon is a tasty addition
• Sour cream– a classic Eastern European choice, especially with potato and cheese fillings. Sour cream with chives is also delicious
• Mushroom sauce– a creamy mushroom sauce goes well with pierogies, especially a meat filling
• Garlic sauce– pungent and aromatic, garlic sauce or garlic aioli is the perfect complement to savoury pierogies
• Tomato-based sauces– move on from ketchup to a more sophisticated tomato-based sauce like salsa, marinara, or pasta sauce
• Pesto– the right flavour combination for any savoury pierogi
• Béchamel sauce– a creamy dip for pierogies
• Ranch dressing– this popular salad dressing goes surprisingly well with pierogies
• Fried breadcrumbs– a simple but luxurious topping, especially with butter or pork lard
• Melted cheese– a gooey topping loved by kids and adults alike
• Herbs– chopped chives, parsley, cilantro, dill, and other herbs add a dash of freshness
• Kielbasa sausages– a meaty accompaniment to any pierogi

Sweet Pierogies:

• Honey– a natural, gluten-free, and sweet topping
• Jam– plum, blueberry, strawberry, cranberry, or raspberry jam will complement the sweetness of the pierogi
• Whipped cream– a tasty alternative to sour cream
• Fruit– almost any fresh fruit can be diced and used as a topping, or fried in butter
• Cinnamon and sugar– an easy and tasty way to enjoy sweet pierogies
• Sweetened sour cream– a traditional topping for sweet pierogies
• Granulated sugar and buttered breadcrumbs– cook the breadcrumbs in butter until golden and add sugar to taste
• Fruit sauce– for example, a strawberry sauce made from pureed strawberries with sugar
• Chocolate sauce– a sweet indulgence, made from melted chocolate combined with heavy cream
• Sweetened yoghurt– such as vanilla yoghurt

The best brand of frozen perogies for air frying

Pierogies are a type of European dumpling that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are often made with potatoes and cheese, but can also be stuffed with other ingredients like beef, sauerkraut, and onion. While they can be made from scratch, frozen pierogies are a convenient option for those looking for a quick snack or simple meal.

When it comes to the best brand of frozen pierogies for air frying, one popular option is Kasia's. According to a user on AirFryingFoodie.com, Kasia's brand pierogies crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Another popular brand mentioned by users is Mrs. T's, which can be found in the frozen food aisle of many supermarkets.

When cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. However, a general guideline is to cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Some people also recommend boiling or steaming the pierogies before air frying to ensure a softer texture.

In terms of serving, pierogies can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of toppings and dips. Sour cream is a classic choice for dipping, while traditional Polish toppings include caramelized onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or vegetables.

Frequently asked questions