Air Fryer Frozen Pierogies: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, with either a sweet or savoury filling. They can be boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried, or air-fried. Air-frying pierogies is a quick and easy way to get a crispy exterior and soft interior, without the mess of deep-frying. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer, but it is not recommended for homemade fresh pierogies.

How long to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer is a straightforward process, and a great way to get crispy pierogies without the mess of deep frying.

How to Cook Frozen Pierogies in an Air Fryer:

First, remove the pierogies from their box and place them in a bowl or on a plate. Spritz or toss them in olive oil or another high smoke point oil, ensuring an even coating. Next, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C). Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one.

Cooking Time:

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. They are ready when they are light golden brown and crispy.

Tips:

• For extra crispy pierogies, cook for an additional minute or two.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent splitting and ensure even cooking.
• Check the pierogies at the minimum cooking time to avoid drying them out.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.
• If you want to reheat any leftovers, place them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until warm.

Serving Suggestions:

Frozen pierogies are usually unflavoured, so you can customise them with your choice of toppings and dips. Try serving them with sour cream, caramelised onions, bacon, sautéed vegetables, or salad. For a more adventurous take, add jalapeño slices, green onions, or bacon bits to your pierogies.

Oil spray or brush for frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Frozen pierogies can be cooked in an air fryer, and oil is often used to help achieve a crispy texture. You can use cooking oil spray, brush the pierogies with oil, or toss them in oil to coat both sides.

Oil spray

If you want to use oil spray, spritz the frozen pierogies with olive oil spray and toss them until they are coated. You can also spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, but for the best results, it is recommended to coat the pierogies themselves.

Oil brush

To brush the pierogies with oil, use a brush to cover both sides of each pierogi with a thin layer of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high smoke point oil.

Toss in oil

Another option is to toss the pierogies in oil. Place them in a medium bowl or on a plate and pour a small amount of oil over them. Then, toss them until they are coated.

Using oil will help to achieve a crispy texture and prevent sticking. While some air fryer baskets are non-stick, and you can cook pierogies without oil, oil is recommended for the best results.

The amount of oil you use will depend on the number of pierogies you are cooking. A light coating of oil on each pierogi is usually sufficient. You can also follow specific recipes for more precise measurements.

Other options

In addition to oil, you can also use melted butter to coat the pierogies before air frying. This will add a rich, buttery flavor to the dish.

Air fryer temperature for frozen pierogies

Pierogies are small, pillow-like European dumplings that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are a traditional Polish food, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe for generations.

Yes, you can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer. It is a fuss-free, healthier way to cook them, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. It is also a lot faster than traditional cooking methods and creates less mess.

The recommended temperature for cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). However, if your air fryer is not digital, a range of 380-400°F (around 190-200°C) is fine.

The cooking time for frozen pierogies in an air fryer is typically 10-12 minutes. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended that you check for doneness at the minimum cooking time and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.

How to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate.
• Coat each pierogi generously with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil, on both sides.
• Arrange the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving ample space between each for optimal air circulation.
• Set the cooking time for 10-11 minutes.
• Halfway through cooking, flip the pierogies over.
• Cook until the pierogies are puffed up slightly and golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your favourite toppings or dips.

Tips:

• To avoid 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.
• Cooking spray can be used instead of oil, but be aware that some sprays can damage your appliance.

Frozen pierogies in an air fryer: pre-boiling or not

Pierogies are small, pillow-like European dumplings that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually cooked by boiling or frying, but can you cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer?

Cooking Frozen Pierogies in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen pierogies, as they create a crispy exterior and soft interior. The speed and ease of cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer make it a convenient and tasty meal option.

To cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer, first, lay them out evenly in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap or stack. Then, brush or spray both sides with oil to help achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking. Finally, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Pre-Boiling Frozen Pierogies Before Air Frying

While it is not necessary to pre-boil frozen pierogies before air frying, some people recommend this additional step to achieve a lighter, crispier texture. Boiling the pierogies first hydrates the wrapper, and tossing them in butter helps with browning. The high heat of the air fryer will then quickly evaporate the water, resulting in a thin, bubbly sheet of pasta.

To pre-boil frozen pierogies, simply boil them in a pot of water for 5-8 minutes, or until they float, before draining and tossing in butter. Then, follow the air frying instructions above.

Whether you choose to pre-boil your frozen pierogies or not, cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a delicious, crispy result. So, the next time you're craving pierogies, why not give it a try?

Frozen pierogies in an air fryer: how to serve

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, with either sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried, or air-fried. Air-frying pierogies is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook them, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook and serve frozen pierogies in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Pierogies

Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate. You can use any variety of frozen pierogies, such as potato, cheese, beef, sauerkraut, or onion. If you want to add extra flavour, brush the pierogies with a thin layer of oil, such as avocado, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil. This will help achieve a crispier texture. However, it is not necessary, and you can choose to omit this step.

Step 2: Air Fry the Pierogies

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C). Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for optimal air circulation. Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the pierogies over. The pierogies are ready when they are puffed up slightly and golden brown.

Step 3: Serve Immediately

For the best texture, serve the pierogies immediately after cooking. They can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Sour cream and chives: A classic combination that pairs well with pierogies.
• Caramelised onions: For a rich, sweet flavour.
• Apple sauce: Adds a fun, sweet and savoury twist.
• Melted butter and paprika: A simple yet delicious option.
• Salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip: For those who want to be more adventurous.
• Bacon, sautéed vegetables, or a salad: Great side dish options to accompany the pierogies.

You can also get creative and experiment with various toppings and flavour combinations. For a more traditional Polish topping, try serving the pierogies with caramelised onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or other vegetables.

Troubleshooting:

• Splitting: To avoid this issue, ensure an even coating of oil and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Drying out: Check for doneness at the minimum cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Hardening: Serve the pierogies immediately after cooking to maintain the best texture.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy pierogies!

Frequently asked questions