Air-Fryer Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, usually filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, but they can also be stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They are typically boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy exterior and a soft interior. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

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

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. You want your air fryer to be nice and hot before you add the pierogies. The optimal temperature is 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your pierogies come out with the perfect texture.

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) is a crucial step that should not be skipped. By preheating, you create the ideal environment for your pierogies to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. This step ensures that your air fryer is at the right temperature from the moment your pierogies start cooking, promoting even cooking and the formation of a delicious, crispy exterior.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), it's important to give it enough time to reach the desired temperature. Depending on your air fryer model, this process can take a few minutes. It's a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

While preheating, you can prepare the pierogies by arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking. You can also lightly spray or brush the pierogies with oil at this stage to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking.

Once your air fryer reaches 400°F (200°C), you can proceed with the cooking process, confident that your pierogies will turn out perfectly. Remember to cook them for the recommended time, flipping them halfway through, to ensure even browning and a delightful texture.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), you are setting the stage for delicious, crispy pierogies. This simple yet essential step ensures that your pierogies cook evenly and attain the desired texture. So, don't skip the preheating step and enjoy the tasty results it brings!

Oil the pierogies

Oiling the pierogies is an important step in the air-frying process. It ensures that the pierogies will not stick to the air fryer basket and helps to make them crispier. You can use cooking oil spray, brush the pierogies with olive oil, or toss them in a bowl with oil to coat them. Make sure to coat both sides of each pierogi.

If you don't want to use oil, you can skip this step as most air fryer baskets are non-stick. However, the oil will help to give the pierogies a crispy texture.

Arrange the pierogies in the air fryer basket

When arranging the pierogies in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure they are not overcrowded. Place them in a single layer, with ample space between each pierogi, to allow for optimal air circulation. This will ensure even cooking and help you achieve that desirable crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches.

Before placing the pierogies in the basket, lightly coat each one with oil or cooking spray. This will help to achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or any other high smoke point oil. Brush the oil on with a basting brush, or spray with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can toss the pierogies in a bowl with the oil until they are well coated.

Once the pierogies are arranged in the basket, it's time to start cooking! Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature of 400°F (380-400°F is fine if your air fryer is not digital). The cooking time will vary depending on the brand and size of the pierogies, but generally, they will take about 10-15 minutes at 400°F. For best results, flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Once you've sprayed your pierogies with oil and placed them in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the pierogies to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Depending on your air fryer model, the pierogies should be done when they are puffed up slightly and golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the pierogies. Be sure to keep an eye on them periodically to prevent burning.

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. You can also try them with caramelised onions for a rich, sweet touch. If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, try pairing your pierogies with salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip.

Sweet and Savoury Combinations

For a fun twist, serve your pierogies with applesauce or keep it simple with melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Bolder Flavours

If you're feeling adventurous, try something like salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Traditional Polish Toppings

For a more traditional Polish experience, serve your pierogies with toppings such as caramelised onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or other vegetables.

Custom Creations

Get creative and experiment with different dips and toppings to find your favourite combinations. You can also try adding seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to your pierogies before cooking them.

Frequently asked questions