Air-Fryer Pierogies: A Quick, Crispy Comfort Food

Pierogies are a type of Eastern European dumpling, usually filled with potatoes and cheese, but they can also be stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. This can be done with both frozen and fresh pierogies, and only requires a couple of basic ingredients.

How to Make Fresh Pierogies in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right oil for frying

When making pierogies in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils to achieve the desired crispy texture. Here are some tips on choosing the right oil for frying:

• Smoke Point: The smoke point of an oil is crucial when air frying. It refers to the temperature at which an oil starts to break down and smoke. Oils with a higher smoke point are better suited for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are examples of oils with high smoke points.
• Neutral vs. Fragrant Oils: Neutral oils, such as deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil, have a mild flavour and will not overpower the taste of your pierogies. Fragrant oils, like extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil, have a stronger flavour and can enhance the taste of milder dishes.
• Oil Quantity: When air frying, you only need a small amount of oil. A light coating or spray of oil is usually enough to achieve the desired crispiness.
• Food Type: Consider the type of food you are cooking. For pierogies, a neutral oil like avocado oil or a light olive oil may be preferable to maintain the dumpling's delicate flavour.
• Temperature: Different oils have different smoke points, so be sure to choose an oil suitable for the temperature you are cooking at. For example, extra virgin olive oil is best for temperatures below 375°F (190°C).
• Oil Spray: Using an oil spray bottle or mister is a great way to ensure an even coating of oil on your pierogies. You can also use a pastry brush to lightly brush the oil onto the pierogies and the air fryer basket.
• Non-Stick Basket: If your air fryer basket is non-stick, you may not need to use oil at all. However, oil will help achieve a crispier texture.

How to prepare the pierogies before frying

Preparing pierogies before frying is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, remove the frozen pierogies from their box and place them in a medium bowl or on a plate. Then, spray or brush them with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter until they are well coated. If you don't have any oil or butter to hand, you can cook the pierogies without it, but this will help them turn crispy.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (390°F is ideal, but not all air fryers are digital). While the air fryer is preheating, you can spritz or drizzle a little oil or butter onto the air fryer tray or basket to prevent sticking. However, for the best results, it's recommended that you coat the pierogies themselves rather than the air fryer basket.

Now you're ready to cook your pierogies! Place them in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one for optimal air circulation. It's okay if they overlap a little, but they may cook more evenly if they are kept in a single layer and cooked in batches.

The best temperature to fry at

The optimal temperature for cooking pierogies in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This temperature falls within the range of 380-400°F, which is considered suitable for achieving the desired crispy texture of the dumplings.

Cooking pierogies at 400°F for 10-12 minutes will result in a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, tender filling. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pierogies, with mini pierogies requiring less time, approximately 8 minutes, and fresh pierogies taking 8-10 minutes.

For those who prefer their pierogies extra crispy, increasing the temperature to 400°F and cooking for 8 minutes can be an option, but it is crucial to shake or flip the pierogies halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some air fryers may have different wattages, which can impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a lower temperature and time and adjust as needed until the desired golden and crispy texture is achieved.

How long to fry for

The cooking time for your pierogies will depend on whether they are frozen or fresh, and whether they are mini pierogies or full-sized.

For frozen pierogies, cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you want them extra crispy, you can cook them for 11 or 12 minutes. If you are cooking mini pierogies, they will only need 8 minutes in total.

For fresh pierogies, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time to suit your air fryer.

What to serve with pierogies

Pierogies are delicious on their own but are even better when served with sides and dips. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried pierogies.

Traditional Sides

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish, so why not lean into that heritage and serve them with traditional toppings and sides? Sour cream, chives, dill, fried onions, bacon, and melted butter are all common ingredients. You could also serve them with a classic stew or Borscht, a sour soup made with beetroots, meat stock, and vegetables.

Meat Sides

Pierogies are often served as a side dish to meat. Kielbasa, or Polish sausage, is a popular choice, as are Polish breaded pork chops. You could also serve them with slow-roasted spare ribs, pork buttons, or farmers' sausage.

Vegetable Sides

If you're after a vegetarian option, there are plenty of vegetable sides that go well with pierogies. Try pea and asparagus orzo, cavolo nero with lemon and garlic, ratatouille, roasted tenderstem broccoli, or a Greek salad. If you're looking for something warm, vegetable soup is a great option.

Dips and Sauces

Pierogies are often served with dips and sauces. Try sour cream, caramelized onions, horseradish, or your favourite dipping sauce. Alternatively, top them with butter, dill, and black pepper, or crumbled bacon and green onions.

Frequently asked questions