Air Fryer Pierogies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, usually filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, but there are many variations, both sweet and savoury. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried, but air-frying is a healthier option that gives a crispier texture. It's also a quick and easy way to cook frozen pierogies, with most recipes taking less than 15 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your appliance is hot enough to cook the food properly and helps to achieve the desired texture. When making frozen pierogies, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Depending on your model, this should take around 3-4 minutes.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pierogies. Take them out of the freezer and place them 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. This will help to achieve a crispy texture.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can carefully place the oiled pierogies into the basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for optimal air circulation and even cooking.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and the pierogies are prepared and placed inside, you can set the timer and let them cook. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of the pierogies, but generally, they take about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook. Don't forget to flip them halfway through for even browning and crispiness!

Oil the pierogies

Oiling the pierogies is an important step in achieving the desired crispy texture. You can use a cooking oil spray, brush, or toss the pierogies to coat them in oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil or melted butter. Make sure the pierogies are well coated by tossing them in a bowl with oil, or spraying or brushing them until lightly coated. This step will also prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.

If you don't want to use oil, it is possible to cook the pierogies without it, as most air fryer baskets are non-stick. However, oil will help you achieve the signature crispy texture of air-fried pierogies.

Arrange the pierogies in the air fryer basket

When arranging the pierogies in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are laid out in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly around them and ensure consistent cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

When placing the pierogies in the basket, try to maintain some space between each one to further facilitate even cooking. You can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil beforehand to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispier texture. Alternatively, you can toss the pierogies in oil before placing them in the basket, ensuring they are lightly coated on both sides.

Once the pierogies are arranged in the basket, you can proceed to set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature and cooking time. Depending on the desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes for a golden brown and crispy finish.

Remember to flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve perfectly cooked pierogies with a crispy exterior and soft, savoury filling.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), it's time to cook your frozen pierogies. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space for the hot air to circulate. Lightly spray or brush the pierogies with oil to help them crisp up.

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

While cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, you should be able to achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and soft interior in around 10-12 minutes. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's both delicious and convenient, air-fried pierogies are an excellent option!

Serve with toppings or dips

Pierogies are a versatile dish, and there are plenty of options for toppings and dips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings and Dips

A traditional way to serve pierogies is with sour cream and chives. For a richer flavour, try them with caramelised onions. You could also keep it simple with just some melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Sweet and Savoury Combinations

For a sweet and savoury twist, serve your pierogies with applesauce.

Bolder Flavours

If you're feeling adventurous, try something like salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip.

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 pierogies, and top them with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

The Mexicali

Cook up some classic cheddar pierogies and serve them with salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

The French Dip

Enjoy onion pierogies with caramelised onions, a side of French onion dip, and a dash of fresh chives.

Other Topping Ideas

Pierogies also go well with toppings such as sautéed vegetables, salads, and grated cheese.

Frequently asked questions