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

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe. They are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings, such as cheese, potatoes, or meat. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried, but can you put them in an air fryer?

How to cook perogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally 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. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking pierogies in an air fryer:

Ingredients and tools:

• Frozen pierogies (you can use either mini or full-sized ones)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or a high smoke point oil such as peanut or vegetable oil)
• Air fryer
• Optional: seasonings, toppings, or dips

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (around 200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to get the best texture.

Step 2: Prepare the pierogies

Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray or brush them with oil to help them get crispy and prevent sticking. You can also toss the pierogies with oil until they are fully coated.

Step 3: Cook the pierogies

Cook the pierogies for 8-12 minutes at 400°F. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The pierogies are fully cooked when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the pierogies immediately for the best taste and texture. They can be served as a snack or side dish with a variety of dips and toppings, such as sour cream, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheese, or bacon bits.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook the pierogies in batches.
• Lightly coat the pierogies with oil before cooking to make them crispier and prevent sticking.
• Check the pierogies regularly to prevent burning.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the pierogies and the model of the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

The benefits of cooking perogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a delicious snack, side dish, or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer has several benefits. Here are some reasons why using an air fryer is a great way to prepare this traditional Polish dish:

Speed and Convenience

Air fryers offer a convenient way to cook pierogies, with most recipes taking around 10 minutes to prepare this tasty treat. This makes them an excellent option for busy households, college students, or anyone looking for a quick and easy meal. The speed of cooking pierogies in an air fryer is significantly faster than traditional cooking methods.

Healthier Option

Air frying pierogies is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying. It requires little to no added oil, resulting in a dish with fewer calories and less waste. The air fryer's circulation of hot air cooks the food evenly, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, tender filling—a perfect balance of textures.

Easy Cleanup

With an air fryer, there is no messy stovetop or oven to clean afterward. The pierogies cook right in the air fryer basket, making cleanup a breeze.

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide consistent results, ensuring perfectly crispy pierogies every time. No more soggy or greasy pierogies! The even circulation of hot air in the air fryer means you'll get that ideal crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.

Versatility

Air-fried pierogies are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with various toppings and dips, such as sour cream, caramelized onions, bacon bits, herbs, cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite!

Ease of Use

Cooking pierogies in an air fryer is incredibly easy and straightforward. Simply preheat your air fryer, coat the frozen pierogies with oil, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy. It's a fuss-free cooking method that delivers delicious results.

What to serve with perogies

Perogies are delicious Polish dumplings that can be served with a variety of toppings, sides, and dips. They are typically filled with mashed potato, fried onions, sauerkraut, spinach, mushrooms, meat, or cheese.

Traditional Toppings and Sides

Perogies are commonly served with toppings such as sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, and melted butter. They are often accompanied by traditional sides like Borscht (a beetroot soup), salads, and classic stews.

Hearty Mains

Perogies can be served as a side dish to complement various mains. Here are some ideas:

• Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup
• Stuffed salmon
• Greek yogurt chicken
• Kielbasa sandwich (smoked Polish sausage with homemade BBQ sauce)
• Slow cooker gammon
• Braising steak with gravy

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables are a great way to round out a perogi meal. Here are some options:

• Pea and asparagus orzo
• Cavolo nero with lemon and garlic
• Ratatouille
• Roasted tenderstem broccoli
• Arugula and butternut squash salad
• Grilled asparagus in foil with lemon and olive oil
• Sauteed kale or other leafy greens
• Air-fried Brussels sprouts
• Seared mushrooms with thyme
• Sauteed zucchini and yellow squash
• Green beans
• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, squash, and beets)

Dips and Sauces

Perogies can also be served with various dips and sauces, such as:

• Sour cream
• Tzatziki
• Creamy cucumber salad
• Tomato chilli sauce
• Sweet paprika
• Salsa
• Cream cheese
• French onion dip
• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Tzatziki

How to store and reheat perogies

Storing perogies

Fresh, uncooked perogies can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent them from sticking together or drying out, lightly dust them with flour, ensuring both sides are covered. Then, place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Alternatively, separate layers of perogies with parchment or wax paper.

Cooked perogies can be stored in the fridge for three to five days. Before storing, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or sealable bag, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other.

Perogies can also be frozen for up to three months. When freezing, ensure they are cool and arranged in a single layer to avoid sticking.

Reheating perogies

Perogies can be reheated in a variety of ways, including boiling, pan-frying, or using an air fryer.

To reheat perogies by boiling, fill a large pot three-quarters full with salted water and bring it to a boil. Gently lower three or four perogies into the water and let them cook until they float to the surface. Allow them to boil for an additional 90 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and drain.

To reheat perogies by pan-frying, heat a frying pan on medium heat and add butter or oil. Arrange the perogies in a single layer in the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

To reheat perogies in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket and heat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through.

The history of perogies

Perogies, or pierogies, are dumplings with a long history. They are made by wrapping unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and then boiling or frying. The English word "pierogi" comes from the Polish word pierogi, which is the plural form of pieróg, meaning "dumpling". The word derives from the Proto-Slavic *pir* or Old Church Slavonic term "feast". While the exact origin of the dish is unknown, it likely originated in Central or Eastern Europe and has been consumed in these regions for centuries.

One legend states that in 1238, St. Hyacinth of Poland visited Kościelec, and told the people to pray after a storm destroyed all crops; by the next day, crops had grown back, and people made pierogi from them to honour Saint Hyacinth. Another legend claims that St. Hyacinth fed people pierogi during a famine caused by a Tatar invasion in 1241. Some believe that pierogi came from Asia via the Silk Road in the 13th century, brought to Kyiv by St. Hyacinth or Marco Polo.

Pierogi are considered a symbol of Polish heritage and are an important part of Polish culture and cuisine today. They are often served at festivals and are considered the national dish. In the past, they were considered peasant food, but they eventually gained popularity and spread throughout all social classes, including nobles. In the 17th century, cookbooks described pierogi as a staple of the Polish diet, with different shapes and fillings for various holidays and special events.

Pierogi are typically filled with mashed potatoes, fried onions, cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, or other ingredients. Sweet versions may be stuffed with fruit or sweetened quark. They are often served with toppings like sour cream, onions, butter, or bacon bits.

Pierogi were brought to the United States and Canada by Central and Eastern European immigrants, particularly to areas with large Polish populations such as Pittsburgh, Chicago, and New York City. They became a common supermarket item in the frozen food aisles during the 1960s and can still be found in grocery stores today.

Frequently asked questions