Air Fryer Pierogi: The Quick, Crispy, Delicious Way

Pierogies are a type of dumpling that originated in Eastern Europe and are now popular worldwide. They are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. Mrs. T's Pierogies is a well-known brand that was started by Ted Twardzik in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, in 1952. The company sells a variety of pierogi flavours, including the classic combination of creamy whipped potatoes and aged cheddar cheese. This paragraph will discuss how to cook frozen Mrs. T's pierogies in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your appliance is nice and hot before adding your food, helping to speed up the cooking time and improve the texture of your food.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by turning on the appliance and ensuring it is clean, plugged in, and ready to use. If you notice anything unusual, consult your air fryer's manual for guidance.

Next, look for a preheat button on your air fryer. If it has one, simply press it, set the temperature to 400°F, and enter the cooking time. The air fryer will let you know when it has reached the desired temperature.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it by heating it at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This will get the hot air moving before you start cooking, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is especially beneficial when cooking frozen foods like Mrs. T's Pierogies, as it helps them cook more quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, savory filling.

Remember, always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines on preheating, as different models may have varying recommendations.

Add oil to the pierogies

Adding oil to the pierogies before air frying is an important step in achieving the perfect texture and colour. It is also necessary to prevent the food from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Firstly, you can use a basting brush to apply an even, thin layer of oil to the pierogies. Alternatively, you can put the oil in a mister or spray bottle and spritz the pierogies from a couple of inches away. This will give them a light coating of oil, which is all that is needed to achieve the desired crispy texture.

It is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil. Oils with a low smoke point will burn at the high temperatures of the air fryer, creating off flavours and destroying nutrients.

You should also ensure that you do not add too much oil to the pierogies. A minimal amount of oil is sufficient and will not add significantly to the calorie count of the dish.

Place pierogies in the air fryer basket

When you're ready to cook your pierogies, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It's important to give them enough space so that the hot air can circulate and cook the pierogies evenly. You can cook them in a single layer, or if your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook them in batches.

Before placing the pierogies in the basket, lightly spray or brush them with oil. This will help them to crisp up and turn golden brown. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil spray. If you don't have any oil, you can also use melted butter. Make sure they are well coated.

Once the pierogies are in the basket, you can preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (around 200°C). If your air fryer is not digital, don't worry too much about the exact temperature; a range of 380–400°F will work.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Now it's time to cook your Mrs. T's pierogies! Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, after around 5-6 minutes, you'll need to turn the pierogies over so they cook evenly.

The pierogies are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. You can even cook them for an extra minute or two if you want them extra crispy.

Serve with toppings or a dipping sauce

Mrs. T's pierogies are a great option for a quick and delicious meal. You can serve them with a variety of toppings or dipping sauces to elevate your dish. Here are some ideas for toppings and sauces to take your pierogies to the next level:

Toppings

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill on top of your pierogies for a burst of flavour and colour.
• Grated cheese: Add some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese for a savoury and creamy touch.
• Bacon bits: For a smoky and savoury touch, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over your pierogies.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy pierogies.
• Caramelized onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs perfectly with the savoury pierogies.
• Fried onions: For a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness, top your pierogies with some fried onion strings or crisps.
• Gravy: Pour some delicious gravy over your pierogies for an indulgent and hearty meal.

Dipping Sauces

• Marinara sauce: A classic tomato-based marinara sauce can add a tangy and savoury touch to your pierogies.
• Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is a creamy and flavourful option that pairs well with the pierogies.
• Tzatziki: For a refreshing and tangy twist, dip your pierogies in tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
• Sour cream: If you prefer a simpler option, sour cream makes a great dipping sauce on its own, offering a creamy and slightly tangy flavour.
• Hot sauce: For those who enjoy a kick of spice, a drizzle of hot sauce or your favourite chilli sauce can take your pierogies to the next level.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings and dipping sauces to find your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions