Air Fryer Pierogies: How Long To Fry?

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, commonly filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, although they can also be stuffed with 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. The cooking time depends on the type of pierogi and the air fryer model, but generally, they take about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook.

How long to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative, as it requires little to no oil.

The cooking time for frozen pierogies in an air fryer depends on the brand and size of the pierogies, as well as the model of the air fryer. Typically, they take around 10-15 minutes to cook at 400°F (200°C). However, it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn.

Step-by-step guide to cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
• Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Lightly spray or brush the pierogies with oil to help them crisp up and prevent sticking.
• Cook the pierogies for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

Tips for cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the pierogies.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – make sure there is enough room for the hot air to circulate.
• Brush the pierogies with oil before cooking to make them crispier and prevent sticking.
• Flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the pierogies immediately for the best texture.

Common issues when cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer

• Splitting: To avoid this, ensure the oil coating is even and don't overcrowd the basket.
• Drying out: Check the pierogies at the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Hardening: Serve the pierogies immediately after cooking to avoid hardening.

Recipes for frozen pierogies in an air fryer

• The All-American: Start with Mrs. T’s American Cheese Pierogies, then add melted butter, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream.
• The Mediterranean: Use Feta and Spinach pierogies, and top with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
• The Mexicali: Cook Classic Cheddar Pierogies and serve with salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
• The French Dip: Enjoy Classic Onion Pierogies with caramelized onions, French onion dip, and fresh chives.

What to serve with pierogies

Pierogies are versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings and side dishes. Here are some popular options:

• Sour cream and chives
• Caramelized onions
• Bacon
• Sautéed vegetables
• Salads
• Applesauce
• Melted butter and sweet paprika
• Salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your pierogies, follow these steps:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before adding your pierogies to the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F/200°C. This is an important step as it ensures your air fryer is nice and hot, helping you achieve the best texture.

Prepare the Pierogies

Place the frozen pierogies on a baking sheet or plate. Then, coat each pierogi generously with oil such as avocado, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil. You can brush the oil on with a basting brush or even use your hands to ensure an even coating. This step will help you achieve a crispier texture and prevent sticking.

Arrange the Pierogies in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the oiled pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each one for optimal air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the Pierogies

Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes at 400°F/200°C. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the pierogies to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time as needed, as air fryer models may vary.

Serve Immediately

For the best texture, serve your air-fried pierogies immediately while they're still hot and crispy. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings or dips!

What temperature to cook pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer.

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

The cooking time will depend on the size of the pierogies and whether they are frozen or fresh. Frozen pierogies will take around 10-12 minutes to cook, while fresh pierogies will take 8-10 minutes. Mini pierogies will cook the fastest, taking around 8 minutes in total.

How to cook pierogies in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, place the frozen pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up, then cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served hot with your desired toppings or dipping sauces.

How to cook pierogies from scratch in an air fryer

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• Pierogies (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes.
• Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• 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 the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before placing the pierogies inside.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – there needs to be enough room for the hot air to circulate.
• Lightly brush the pierogies with oil before air frying to make them crispier and to prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• For even cooking, flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time, or shake the air fryer basket.
• Enjoy your pierogies while they're hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.

How to reheat pierogies in an air fryer

Pierogies are a delicious snack, side dish, or meal. They are small, pillow-like European dumplings with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or air-fried.

If you have leftover pierogies, you can reheat them in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) or 375°F (190°C). Preheating is important to ensure even cooking and to achieve the best texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Pierogies

Place the leftover pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will allow for better air circulation and more even cooking.

Step 3: Add Oil (Optional)

Lightly brush or spray the pierogies with oil. This step is optional but will help to crisp up the pierogies and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Step 4: Reheat

Cook the pierogies for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. Use tongs to flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.

Step 5: Serve

Once the pierogies are heated to your desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Reheating pierogies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftovers. They will come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like freshly cooked pierogies.

Frequently asked questions