Air Fryer Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe. They are dumplings made from unleavened dough and stuffed with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in around 10-12 minutes, and they can be served as a snack, side dish or main.

How to cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen pierogies (any filling)
• Olive oil or cooking oil spray
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (380-400°F is fine if your air fryer is not digital).
• Place the frozen pierogies in a medium bowl or on a plate.
• Drizzle or spritz the pierogies with oil and toss until they're well coated. Alternatively, spray them with nonstick cooking spray until lightly coated.
• Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for hot air to circulate. It's okay if they overlap a little.
• Air fry the pierogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip each one over.
• Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, or until they're light golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favorite sauce or dip.

Tips:

• If you're using mini pierogies, they will take about 8 minutes total to cook.
• If you're cooking fresh pierogies, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• You can add seasonings like onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper to your pierogies before air frying.
• For extra crispy pierogies, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

How long to cook fresh pierogies in an air fryer

Fresh pierogies can be cooked in an air fryer in 8 to 12 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the pierogies and the air fryer model. For example, mini pierogies will take around 8 minutes to cook, while standard-sized pierogies will take 10 to 12 minutes. It's important to note that air fryer cooking temperatures vary by brand and model, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

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

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (390°F is also mentioned often).
• Lightly coat the fresh pierogies with olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil. This can be done by brushing or tossing the pierogies with oil.
• Place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. It's important to avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the pierogies for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over.
• Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favorite toppings or dips.

Tips for cooking fresh pierogies in an air fryer:

• If you want to add seasonings to your pierogies, choose options like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
• To prevent sticking, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the pierogies with oil before placing them in it.
• For even cooking, remember to flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time. Alternatively, you can shake the air fryer basket.
• Serve the pierogies immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your air fryer pierogies, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures your air fryer is nice and hot before adding the pierogies.

Next, you'll want to prepare your pierogies. Place them on a baking sheet or plate and coat them with oil such as avocado, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil. You can use cooking spray or brush the oil on with a basting brush. Make sure they are evenly coated for that crispy texture.

Now it's time to arrange the pierogies in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each pierogi for optimal air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pierogies over to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfect, crispy air fryer pierogies!

What to serve with pierogies

Pierogies are delicious little dumplings that can be served as a snack, side dish, or main course. They are traditionally topped with sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, or melted butter. They can also be served with a classic stew or Borscht, a sour soup made with beetroots, meat stock, and vegetables.

As a Side Dish

• Cucumber salad, also known as mizeria in Polish
• Kielbasa, a smoked Polish sausage
• Sauerkraut
• Green beans
• Beetroot
• Greek yogurt dipping sauce
• Kimchi
• Fried onions and sour cream
• Bacon bits
• Horseradish
• Peas
• Green beans
• Cucumber salad
• Sauerkraut
• Liver and onions
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Polish breaded pork chops
• Kielbasa and cabbage
• Polish salad
• Regular lettuce salad
• Carrot salad
• Beets with horseradish
• Mac and cheese
• Vegetable soup

As a Main Course

• Baked chicken with cream of chicken
• Stuffed salmon
• Greek yogurt chicken
• Chicken salad
• Kielbasa sandwich
• Slow cooker gammon
• Braising steak with gravy
• Pea and asparagus orzo
• Cavolo nero with lemon and garlic
• Ratatouille
• Cheesy 'nduja slider
• Fried greens
• Vegetable soup

How to store and reheat leftover pierogies

When storing leftover pierogies, it is important to use a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. They should be refrigerated and can be kept for 2-4 days. For longer preservation, they can be stored in the freezer.

To reheat leftover pierogies, there are several methods you can use:

Stovetop:

Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Put the pierogies in the pan, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pierogies evenly, leaving a small gap between each one. Cover with foil and bake for about 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through.

Microwave:

Place the pierogies in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot throughout.

Air Fryer:

Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer and coat them lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry at 390-400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Frequently asked questions