Air Fryer Perogies: Frozen To Fantastic In Minutes

Pierogies are small, pillow-like European dumplings that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually cooked in the oven, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the filling soft and tender on the inside. This introduction will explore how to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer, a quick and easy method that will result in delicious, golden-brown pierogies.

Cooking Frozen Perogies in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the process of cooking frozen perogies. It ensures that your perogies cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in the desired crispy texture on the outside and a soft, tender filling on the inside.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The specific temperature setting may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the level of crispiness you prefer. If your air fryer has a digital display, aim for 390 degrees Fahrenheit, as this temperature seems to be a sweet spot for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior.

During the preheating process, you can also prepare your perogies. Place the frozen perogies on a baking sheet or plate, ensuring they are in a single layer with ample space between each one. This arrangement allows for optimal air circulation during cooking. Generously coat each perogi with olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or butter. You can spritz or spray the oil directly onto the perogies or use a brush to apply it evenly on both sides.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, it's time to arrange the oiled perogies in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, leaving space between each perogi to ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer or are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the perogies in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

The preheating step not only ensures your perogies cook properly but also contributes to the overall cooking time. By preheating your air fryer, you can achieve the desired crispiness in the recommended cooking time of 10 to 12 minutes for full-size perogies and 6 to 8 minutes for mini perogies.

Coat perogies in oil

To cook frozen perogies in an air fryer, it is recommended to coat them in oil. This can be done by brushing them with oil, or tossing them in a bowl until they are well coated. You can also spritz the perogies with an oil spray. Using oil will help to achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking. It is important to ensure that both sides of the perogies are coated.

When coating perogies in oil, it is best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil. Olive oil is another popular option. The oil helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.

Once the perogies are coated in oil, they can be placed in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer with ample space between each perogy for optimal air circulation. Overlapping or stacking the perogies may result in uneven cooking.

After arranging the oiled perogies in the air fryer, they are ready to be cooked. The recommended temperature for cooking perogies in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 10-12 minutes for the perogies to turn golden brown and crispy. It is a good idea to check on them periodically to avoid overcooking or drying out.

Arrange perogies in the air fryer basket

When arranging perogies in your air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for optimal air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the perogies in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Begin by placing the frozen perogies on a baking sheet or plate. This creates a stable base and makes it easier to coat them with oil. Generously coat each perogi on both sides with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil. You can also use olive oil or even butter for extra flavour. Spraying the perogies with a nonstick cooking spray is another option, which will help them crisp up nicely.

Once the perogies are coated, carefully arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving ample space between each one. You can spritz them with olive oil spray or pour a little extra oil on top if you feel they need more coating. If you're using butter, you can melt it and brush it onto the perogies or directly onto the air fryer basket.

It's important to note that you should not stack the perogies in the air fryer basket. They should be arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispy texture on the outside while keeping the filling soft and tender.

Set the timer

When it comes to setting the timer for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the cooking time will depend on whether you are using frozen or slightly thawed pierogies. If they are frozen, they will typically need a couple of extra minutes. Most sources recommend cooking frozen pierogies for around 10 to 12 minutes. However, some suggest a shorter cooking time of 10 to 11 minutes or even as little as 6 to 8 minutes for mini pierogies.

The desired crispiness of your pierogies will also determine the cooking time. If you prefer your pierogies extra crispy, consider adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process and turning the pierogies can also help ensure even crisping.

It's important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on the brand of pierogies and your specific air fryer model. As a general rule, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your food when cooking with an air fryer to prevent overcooking or burning.

For slightly thawed pierogies, you can reduce the cooking time to around 10 minutes. This will ensure that the pierogies are cooked through but not overdone. Again, the specific timing may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of pierogies, so it's important to adjust the time as needed.

In summary, when setting the timer for cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, aim for a cooking time of around 10 to 12 minutes for full-size pierogies, and 6 to 8 minutes for mini ones. Adjust the time accordingly if you prefer your pierogies crispier or if you're using a different level of doneness. Always keep an eye on your food to prevent overcooking, and enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

Serve with a topping or dip

Pierogies are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, or main meal. They are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your dish with a topping or dip.

For a simple, classic option, serve your pierogies with a side of sour cream. This is a great, refreshing dip to balance out the crispy, fried texture of the pierogies. If you want to get more creative with your dips, you could try a herby ranch dip or a spicy salsa.

For a more substantial meal, pierogies are delicious topped with traditional Polish toppings like caramelized onions, mushrooms, sausage, or cabbage. You could also try a hearty goulash or a creamy, cheesy sauce. If you want to keep things simple, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or your favorite dried herbs, will add a kick of flavor.

Pierogies are a great, quick and easy meal, and with so many topping and dip options, you can enjoy them in a variety of ways.

Frequently asked questions