Air-Fryer Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy exterior and a soft interior. To make pierogies in an air fryer, first preheat the appliance to 380–400°F (around 200°C). Then, place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and coat them with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook for 8–12 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with toppings or dips such as sour cream, caramelised onions, or bacon bits.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your appliance is hot enough to cook your pierogies evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat up for 3-4 minutes before adding your pierogies. This timing is crucial, as it ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, guaranteeing consistent cooking results.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pierogies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate. This ensures they cook evenly and don't overlap or stack, which can lead to uneven cooking. You can also coat your pierogies with a thin layer of oil at this stage, which will enhance the crispiness of your final dish.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, carefully place the prepared pierogies into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This step is crucial, as overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation, impacting the cooking process and the final texture of your dish.

With the preheating and preparation steps complete, you are now ready to proceed with cooking your pierogies in the air fryer, following your preferred recipe instructions.

Use frozen or fresh pierogies

Using frozen pierogies is a quick and convenient way to make a delicious snack or meal. You can use any variety of frozen pierogies, whether they are mini or full-sized, and with any filling of your choice. Frozen pierogies are typically par-cooked, so they will only need a short time in the air fryer.

To make frozen pierogies in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, place the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You can spray or brush the pierogies with oil to help them crisp up, but this is not essential. Finally, cook the pierogies for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

If you are using fresh pierogies, simply reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

Oil the pierogies

Oiling the pierogies is an important step in the air-frying process. It ensures that the pierogies will not stick to the air fryer basket and helps to achieve the desired crispy texture. You can use a basting brush to brush the oil onto the pierogies, or you can toss them in a bowl with oil until they are well coated. If you prefer, you can also use cooking spray to lightly coat the pierogies. This will help you control the amount of oil used and ensure even coverage.

When oiling the pierogies, it is best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil. Olive oil is also a popular choice and can be brushed on or sprayed onto the pierogies. Avoid using butter or other oils with a low smoke point, as they may not withstand the high heat of the air fryer.

Once the pierogies are evenly coated in oil, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each one for optimal air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

After arranging the oiled pierogies in the basket, it is time to air fry! Be sure to preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (198-204°C) before adding the pierogies. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pierogies and your air fryer model, but on average, they will take about 10-12 minutes to cook. For best results, flip the pierogies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

With these simple steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy pierogies straight from your air fryer!

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), it's time to cook your pierogies. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which will ensure they cook evenly. Spray or brush the pierogies with oil to help them crisp up and stop them from sticking to the basket.

Cook the pierogies for 8-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best texture.

Serve with toppings or dips

Pierogies are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your pierogi-making experience:

Classic Toppings and Dips

Pierogies are often served with sour cream and chives, or caramelised onions for a rich, sweet flavour. You can also try them with melted butter and a sprinkle of sweet paprika or serve them with a side of horseradish.

Sweet and Savoury Combinations

For a sweet and savoury twist, serve your pierogies with a side of apple sauce. This combination will surprise your taste buds and add an unexpected flavour to the dish.

Bolder Flavours

If you're feeling adventurous, go for salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip. These bold flavours will take your pierogi experience to the next level and offer a unique and exciting dining experience.

The All-American Way

Start with American cheese pierogies and add a drizzle of melted butter, crispy bacon bits, and a generous dollop of sour cream. This combination is comfort food at its finest!

The Mediterranean Twist

Try Feta and Spinach pierogies, topped with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. This option brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

The Mexicali Fusion

Cook some classic cheddar pierogies and serve them with salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro. It's a perfect blend of cheesy and zesty flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

The French Dip

Enjoy onion pierogies with caramelised onions and a side of French onion dip, garnished with fresh chives. Bring a fancy bistro snack to the comfort of your home with this elegant combination.

Frequently asked questions