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 a variety of sweet or savoury fillings, such as cheese, potatoes, meat, or fruit. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in a few simple steps, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

How to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, with a dough exterior and a soft filling. They can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings, such as cheese, potatoes, beef, sauerkraut, or onion.

Ingredients

• Frozen pierogies
• Oil (olive, avocado, peanut, or vegetable)
• Optional: Seasoning, sauces, or dips

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (380-400°F is fine if your air fryer is not digital).
• Toss the frozen pierogies with oil until well coated. You can also spray them with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, so the hot air can circulate.
• Air fry the pierogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip each one over.
• Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes. They are done when they are light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favourite sauce or dip.

Tips

• If you want to avoid the pierogies 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.
• If you want to reheat pierogies, keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for 3-4 minutes until hot.

The benefits of air frying pierogies

Air-fried pierogies are a convenient, tasty, and healthier alternative to traditionally cooked pierogies. Here are some benefits of air-frying pierogies:

Speed and Convenience

Air frying is a faster cooking method than traditional options such as boiling or pan-frying. It is also a fuss-free way to cook frozen pierogies, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup.

Consistency

Air fryers ensure consistent results, delivering perfectly crispy pierogies every time. You can also avoid the issue of sogginess, which is common with takeout pierogies.

Health Benefits

Air frying requires little to no added oil, making it a healthier option than deep frying. It also reduces waste by using less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior.

Versatility

Air-fried pierogies can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish or even a full meal. They are also dorm-friendly and can be easily prepared in a college dorm room. Additionally, you can experiment with various toppings and flavor combinations to suit your taste.

Taste and Texture

Air frying enhances the texture of pierogies by creating a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and tender filling. This combination of crispy and fluffy textures is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods.

What to serve with air fryer pierogies

Air fryer pierogies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They are delicious on their own, but there are also plenty of toppings and dips to serve with them.

For a classic pairing, serve your air fryer pierogies with sour cream and chives, or try them with caramelized onions for a rich, sweet touch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try bolder flavors like salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip. For a sweet and savory twist, apple sauce is a fun addition, or you can keep it simple with melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

If you want to make it a meal, air fryer pierogies go well with Polish sausage, kielbasa, and cabbage. You can also serve them with a side salad or sautéed vegetables.

• The All-American: Start with Mrs. T’s American Cheese Pierogies, then add a drizzle of melted butter, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
• The Mediterranean: Use Feta and Spinach Mrs. T’s Pierogies, and top them with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
• The Mexicali: Cook Mrs. T’s Classic Cheddar Pierogies and serve them with salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
• The French Dip: Enjoy Classic Onion Pierogies with caramelized onions, French onion dip, and fresh chives.
• General Tso’s Mini Pierogies: Try this tangy, slightly spicy dish for a fun twist on pierogies.
• Game Day Buffalo Pierogies: Add buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dip on the side.
• Bacon-Wrapped Onion Pierogies: Wrap pierogies in crispy bacon and cook with caramelized onions for a savory dish.
• Masala Pierogies: Give your pierogies an Indian twist with aromatic spices and a touch of heat.

How to store and reheat air fryer pierogies

To store air fryer pierogies, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, place the pierogies in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat pierogies in the microwave.

How to prevent pierogies from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent pierogies from sticking to the air fryer basket, you should first ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket. Arrange the pierogies in a single layer, allowing space for hot air to circulate. You can always cook in batches if your air fryer basket is not big enough.

Next, you should lightly coat the pierogies with oil. You can brush the oil on, or you can toss the pierogies to coat them. This will help to achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, or you can spray them with non-stick cooking spray.

Finally, remember to flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions