Air Fryer Frozen Pierogi: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Pierogies are a beloved comfort food, and cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, tender filling. The cooking time for frozen pierogies in an air fryer varies depending on the source, but most recipes recommend cooking them for 10–12 minutes at 390–400 °F, flipping them halfway through.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your frozen pierogies, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to create a crispy exterior. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.

Once preheated, the next step is to prepare the pierogies. Lightly coat them with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can spray the oil directly onto the pierogies or use a basting brush to ensure an even coating. This step is crucial as it helps to achieve that sought-after crispiness.

After coating the pierogies, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much to allow for proper air circulation. This arrangement will help ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Now, you are ready to cook your pierogies. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but on average, cook the pierogies for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the pierogies over to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them, as the difference between crispy and burnt can be a matter of seconds!

Finally, remove the pierogies from the air fryer once they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve them immediately to preserve that perfect crispy texture.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy frozen pierogies made right in your air fryer!

The best oils to use

When cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to around 390 degrees F (380-400 is fine if your air fryer is not digital). Then, toss the pierogies with oil until they are well coated. You can also spray them with a non-stick cooking spray for a lighter coating. Once coated, place the pierogies in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes before flipping them over. You can also cook them at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Now, for the best oils to use in an air fryer. It's important to keep in mind that not all air fryer recipes need added oil. However, if you are cooking something like pierogies, a light coat of oil can help your food crisp up nicely and keep it from sticking. When choosing an oil, it's important to understand the concept of a "smoke point." All oils have smoke points, and some are higher than others. The smoke point refers to the temperature the oil can withstand before it begins to burn and therefore smoke. If you cook with burnt oil, your food will taste charred and burnt. Therefore, it's best to choose oils with higher smoke points, like the following:

• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a very high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it one of the best options for air frying.
• Ghee or clarified butter: Ghee has a high smoke point and imparts a rich, buttery flavor to your food.
• Light olive oil: Refined or light olive oil has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil, making it suitable for air frying. However, it lacks the robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil.
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is a light, neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, perfect for high-temperature cooking like air frying.
• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point, but it will add a subtle flavor to your food.
• Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for frozen pierogies in an air fryer varies depending on the source. Some sources recommend cooking them for 10–12 minutes, while others suggest 8 minutes or even as little as 5–6 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model used, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the pierogies while they're cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

Before cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to between 380–400°F. It's worth noting that not all sources agree on the need for preheating, and some recommend simply setting the air fryer to the desired temperature and placing the pierogies inside.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the next step is to coat the pierogies in oil. This can be done by tossing them with olive oil or avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil until they are well coated. Alternatively, a cooking spray or non-stick cooking spray can be used to lightly coat the pierogies. This step is important as it helps to ensure that the pierogies get crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

After coating the pierogies in oil, they should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving ample space between each one to allow for optimal air circulation. Overlapping or stacking the pierogies should be avoided as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Once the pierogies are in the air fryer, the cooking time can be set. As mentioned earlier, the cooking time varies depending on the source and the air fryer model. A good starting point is to set the timer for 10–12 minutes, but it's important to keep an eye on the pierogies and adjust the timing as needed. Halfway through the cooking time, the pierogies should be flipped over to ensure even cooking on both sides.

The pierogies are fully cooked when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside. It's important not to overcook them as this can lead to hardening. Serve the pierogies immediately after cooking for the best texture and taste.

The best air fryer to use

Pierogis are a delicious snack, side dish, or meal on their own. They are a type of Eastern European dumpling, traditionally Polish, that can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings. The most common type of pierogi is stuffed with mashed potatoes and cheese, but you can also find them filled with beef, cheddar, sauerkraut, and onion, to name a few.

Cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, no-fuss meal. The air fryer enhances the texture of the pierogies, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft interior. It is also a healthier option, as air frying requires little to no added oil.

There are several air fryers on the market that you can use to cook frozen pierogies. Here are some recommended air fryers to consider:

• Cosori Air Fryer 5.8 Quart: This air fryer has a 5.8-quart basket style and is 1700 watts. It is a good option for cooking frozen pierogies, as they come out crispy and golden brown.
• Ninja Foodi Grill: This air fryer has an air crisp setting that is perfect for cooking pierogies. You can cook them for a longer time if you want them extra crispy.
• Mom Foodie Air Fryer: This air fryer has a temperature range of 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and is perfect for cooking frozen pierogies. The pierogies come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

When cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. However, the general cooking time for frozen pierogies is around 10-12 minutes at a temperature of 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to preheat your air fryer, coat the pierogies with oil, and spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with pierogies

Pierogies are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, or main. They are often served with toppings or dips and can be paired with a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and salads. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pierogies:

Toppings and Dips

Pierogies can be served with a variety of toppings and dips. Some popular options include:

• Sour cream
• Caramelized onions
• Mushrooms
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Chives
• Herbs such as dill, parsley, basil, and tarragon

Meat Dishes

Pierogies can be served as a side dish alongside meat. Some meat options that pair well with pierogies include:

• Kielbasa
• Steak
• Roasted chicken
• Beef gravy

Vegetable Sides

For a more plant-based option, pierogies can be served with roasted root vegetables, such as:

• Carrots
• Squash
• Beets
• Asparagus
• Leafy greens such as spinach, chard, or mustard greens

Salads

Pierogies can be paired with salads, such as:

• Beet pesto
• Polish cucumber salad (mizeria)
• Cabbage salad

Other Dishes

Pierogies can also be served with other dishes, such as:

• Mac and cheese
• French onion dip
• Nachos
• Vegan sausage and peppers

Frequently asked questions