Air Fryer Perogie Perfection: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, with either a savoury or sweet filling. They can be made at home or bought frozen and are usually boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried. However, cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to these traditional cooking methods, as it requires little to no added oil. The air fryer method is also faster, easier, and produces a crispier texture.

How long to cook frozen perogies in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen perogies in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

How to Cook Frozen Perogies in an Air Fryer:

Firstly, remove the frozen perogies from their box and place them in a medium bowl or on a plate. Spritz them with olive oil spray, or toss them in olive oil until they are well coated. This will help to ensure that they have a crispy texture.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Place the perogies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer with space for the hot air to circulate.

Cook the perogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over. Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are a light golden brown colour and crispy.

Your perogies are now ready to serve! They go well with a variety of dips and sauces, such as sour cream, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or sausage.

Cooking Time:

The total cooking time for frozen perogies in an air fryer is around 10-12 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook.

Tips:

If you are using mini perogies, they will likely only need around 8 minutes of cooking time. If you are cooking fresh perogies, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

Some people also recommend boiling or steaming the perogies before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they are soft and fully cooked. However, this is not necessary, and you can place them straight in the air fryer from frozen.

Other Flavours:

Although potato and cheese perogies are the most common, you can also find frozen perogies stuffed with other ingredients such as beef, sauerkraut, or onion. These can also be cooked in the air fryer using the same method.

Should you defrost perogies before putting them in an air fryer?

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, with either a savoury or sweet filling. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, pan-frying, deep frying, and air frying.

Air frying pierogies is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook them, and it is possible to put frozen pierogies straight into the air fryer. However, some people prefer to defrost them first, or to boil or steam them before air frying. This is because, while air frying produces a crispy exterior, it can also result in pierogies with a hard or dry texture.

To defrost pierogies before air frying, you can either leave them to thaw at room temperature or defrost them in the microwave. If you want to cook them from frozen, it is recommended to brush or spray them with oil before air frying, to ensure they don't stick to the basket and to help achieve a crispy texture.

The cooking time for frozen pierogies in an air fryer is around 10-12 minutes, but this may vary depending on the air fryer model. It is recommended to flip the pierogies halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

What temperature to cook frozen perogies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen perogies in an air fryer. It is a fuss-free way to cook perogies and a healthier alternative to most other cooking methods. The air fryer makes fried food a healthy daily option as it uses little oil, which results in fewer calories and reduces waste.

To cook frozen perogies in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (380-400°F is fine if your air fryer is not digital). Then, toss the frozen perogies with olive oil until they are well coated. You can also spray them with non-stick cooking spray. Next, place the perogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that the hot air can circulate well around them.

Cook the perogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip each over. Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes. They will be cooked when light golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with your favourite sauce or dip.

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time to get the best results.

What to serve with air-fried perogies

Perogies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or main course. They can be paired with a variety of toppings, dips, and sauces, as well as other dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried perogies:

Dips and Sauces

Perogies can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• Sour cream
• Horseradish
• Seasoned sour cream dip
• Creamy sweet chilli dipping sauce
• Garlicky butter

Toppings

Try sprinkling some toppings on your perogies to add extra flavour and texture:

• Bacon
• Onions (caramelised or fried)
• Butter
• Cheddar cheese
• Minced onions or onion powder
• Breadcrumbs

Main Dishes

Perogies can be served as a side dish or appetiser with a main course. Some main dish options include:

• Polish breaded pork chops
• Kielbasa and sauerkraut
• Polish sausage
• Cabbage

Vegetables

Perogies can also be paired with a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Sauerkraut
• Frozen peas
• Green beans
• Cucumber salad

Seasonings

For an extra kick of flavour, try adding some seasonings to your perogies:

• Taco seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• Jalapeño slices
• Green onions
• Bacon bits

How to stop perogies from sticking to the air fryer

Perogies are delicious European dumplings that can be cooked in an air fryer. However, they can sometimes stick to the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Use Oil

Coat the perogies in oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil spray. This will help to crisp up the perogies and prevent them from sticking. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray, but it is best to coat the perogies themselves.

Avoid Overlapping

When placing the perogies in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and prevent them from sticking. Cook in batches if necessary.

Flip Halfway Through

Cook the perogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Flipping them halfway through will ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick to the basket.

Try Boiling or Steaming First

Some people find that boiling or steaming the perogies before placing them in the air fryer helps to soften them and prevent sticking. You can try boiling them on the stovetop or steaming them in the microwave before air frying.

Adjust Timing

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer brand and model, as well as the size of the perogies. For mini perogies, cook for about 8 minutes total. For fresh perogies, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. Adjust the timing as needed to prevent overcooking, which can cause sticking.

Frequently asked questions