Air Fryer Frozen Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, filled with sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually 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 just a few minutes, making them a quick and easy meal option.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your pierogies will cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture. To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F. Allow it to heat up for 3 to 4 minutes before adding your frozen pierogies. This step is key to ensuring your pierogies turn out perfectly.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen pierogies. Take them out of the box and place them on a baking sheet or plate. Coat each pierogi generously with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil. Make sure to cover both sides of each pierogi. This step will help you achieve that delicious crispy texture.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F and your pierogies are coated in oil, you can carefully place them into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving enough space between each pierogi for optimal air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your pierogies from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches.

With the air fryer preheated and the pierogies prepared, you are now ready to begin the cooking process. Set the timer on your air fryer and let the magic happen! The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pierogies and your desired level of crispiness. For full-size pierogies, cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. For mini pierogies, adjust the cooking time to 6 to 8 minutes.

During the cooking process, remember to flip your pierogies halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the pierogies from the air fryer. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and savory filling on the inside. Serve them immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste. You can also prepare your favourite toppings or dips while the pierogies are cooking, so they are ready to enjoy as soon as the pierogies are done.

Oil the pierogies

Oiling the pierogies is an important step in the air-frying process, as it helps to achieve a crispier texture and prevents sticking. You can use a cooking oil spray, brush, or toss the pierogies to coat them evenly on both sides. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options include avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter. The amount of oil used should be enough to lightly coat the pierogies without being excessive. This step is especially important if you want to avoid the pierogies sticking to your air fryer basket.

When oiling the pierogies, it is crucial to ensure an even coating to prevent splitting. Additionally, be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and affect the crispiness of the pierogies. It is recommended to arrange the pierogies in a single layer, leaving ample space between each one for optimal air circulation.

Once the pierogies are coated in oil, they can be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to the recommended temperature and time settings. For best results, it is advised to preheat the air fryer beforehand and flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking process.

Arrange pierogies in the air fryer basket

When arranging the pierogies in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are not overcrowded. Place the pierogies in a single layer, leaving enough space between each one to allow for optimal air circulation. This will help ensure even cooking and that delicious crispy texture we all love. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches.

Before placing the pierogies in the basket, lightly spray or brush them with oil. This step will help them achieve that extra crispiness and will also prevent them from sticking to the basket. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.

Once the pierogies are arranged in the basket, they are ready to be cooked! Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness, and don't forget to flip them halfway through for even browning.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F, it's time to cook your frozen pierogies. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or stack, so they cook evenly. Spray or brush them with olive oil or another cooking oil to help them crisp up. You can also use avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil.

Cook the pierogies for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

If you're using an air fryer model that requires shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process, you'll want to do that instead of flipping them.

Serve with toppings or dips

Pierogies are versatile, so you have plenty of options for toppings and dips. Here are some ideas:

Classic Toppings or Dips

• Sour cream and chives are always a hit.
• Caramelised onions add a rich, sweet touch.
• For a more traditional Polish topping, you can use caramelised onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or even vegetables.
• Bacon bits
• Butter
• Melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika

Sweet and Savory

• Apple sauce
• Cream cheese
• French onion dip

Bolder Flavors

• Salsa
• Cream cheese
• French onion dip
• Hot sauce
• Guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeno slices
• Green onions
• Bacon bits
• Crispy bacon bits with melted butter and a dollop of sour cream
• Fried onions with gravy
• Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta
• Salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro
• Caramelized onions, a side of French onion dip, and a dash of fresh chives
• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Chopped fried onions and butter
• Shredded cheddar
• Minced onions or onion powder
• Your favourite seasoning blend
• Taco seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

Frequently asked questions