Air Fryer Pierogies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish of dumplings filled with sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier, quicker, and easier option. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in just 10-15 minutes, and they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pierogi-making process. You'll want to heat it up to 400°F/200°C for 3-4 minutes. This will ensure your air fryer is nice and hot before you put the pierogies in, giving you the best texture.

Preheating is necessary because you're cooking the pierogies from frozen, and you want to make sure they're cooked evenly all the way through. By preheating your air fryer, you're giving the appliance a head start on thawing and cooking the pierogies. If you don't preheat, it may take a few minutes longer to cook them.

It's also important to note that not all air fryers are the same. Wattages can vary, so it's a good idea to do a cooking time trial the first time you make air fryer pierogies. Start with 7-10 minutes, and then add an additional 2-4 minutes until you've reached the desired level of crispiness and doneness.

Additionally, different brands and models of air fryers may have different temperature ranges. If your air fryer doesn't have a digital display, a temperature range of 380-400°F/200°C is fine.

So, to summarise, preheating your air fryer to 400°F/200°C is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your frozen pierogies. This step, along with the right tools and ingredients, will ensure your pierogies turn out crispy and delicious!

Oil the pierogies

Oiling the pierogies is an important step in the air-frying process. It helps to ensure that the pierogies come out crispy and don't stick to the air fryer basket. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil.

There are a few different methods you can use to apply the oil. One way is to brush the oil onto the pierogies with a basting brush. You can also use your hands to rub the oil onto the pierogies, ensuring they are lightly coated. Another option is to toss the pierogies in a bowl with the oil until they are fully coated. Alternatively, you can spray the oil onto the pierogies using cooking spray. If you don't have cooking spray, you can put the oil in a spray bottle and spray it onto the pierogies yourself.

Make sure that both sides of the pierogies are coated with oil. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so that the hot air can properly circulate. You may need to cook the pierogies in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once the pierogies are coated in oil, you can place them in the air fryer basket and cook them according to the instructions for your particular air fryer model.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F/200°C, lightly coated your pierogies with oil, and placed them in the fryer basket, it's time to cook them.

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even cook. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy.

If you're using a Ninja Foodi, cook the pierogies for 10 minutes at 170°C/340°F, shaking the basket halfway through.

Flip halfway through

Flipping the pierogies halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure even cooking. This technique allows both sides of the pierogies to cook evenly, resulting in the desired crispy texture on the outside and a soft, tender filling inside.

When cooking frozen pierogies in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the desired temperature is reached, the pierogies can be placed in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to allow for even cooking.

After placing the pierogies in the air fryer, they should be coated with a thin layer of oil. This can be done by brushing, tossing, or spraying the pierogies with oil. Using oil will help to create a crispy texture and prevent sticking.

At this point, the air fryer can be turned on, and the pierogies will cook for a total of 10-12 minutes. However, it is essential to flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking process. This can be done using tongs or by shaking the air fryer basket.

By flipping the pierogies, you ensure that both sides cook evenly and achieve the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture. It is normal for air fryer models to vary, so it is recommended to check on the pierogies after 8 minutes to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy on the outside, they can be removed from the air fryer and allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving. It is best to serve them immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and taste.

Serve with toppings or dips

Pierogies are a versatile dish and can be served with a variety of toppings and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried pierogies:

Classic Toppings

Pierogies are often served with sour cream and chives, or you can try them with caramelised onions for a rich, sweet flavour.

Sweet and Savoury Combinations

For a fun twist, serve your pierogies with applesauce, or keep it simple with melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Bolder Flavours

If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping your pierogies in salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip.

Traditional Polish Toppings

For a more traditional take, serve your pierogies with toppings such as caramelised onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or other vegetables.

Dipping Sauces

Pierogies also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some suggestions:

• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Tzatziki
• Melted garlic butter
• Carrot Top Chimichurri
• Non-fat Greek Yogurt
• Carrot or pea hummus

Other Serving Suggestions

You can also serve pierogies as part of a larger meal. They make a great side dish to Polish sausage or Kielbasa and cabbage. For a hearty salad, serve them with a helping of Braised Red Cabbage or Cabbage Salad. Mushroom Stroganoff is another delicious option to accompany your pierogies.

Frequently asked questions