Air-Fried Pierogi: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, made from unleavened dough and stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. They are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative. The air fryer gives pierogies a crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and tender. They can be cooked from frozen in as little as 8-12 minutes, and you can use store-bought frozen pierogies or make your own.

Choosing your pierogi

Pierogi are traditional Polish dumplings, made from unleavened dough and stuffed 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.

When choosing your pierogi, you can opt for either frozen or fresh. Frozen pierogi are convenient and can be cooked straight from the freezer, making them a quick and easy option for a snack or a meal. They are available in different flavours, including potato, potato and cheese, beef, cheddar, sauerkraut, and onion. If you are short on time, look for frozen pierogi that are pre-coated in oil, which will save you a step in the cooking process.

If you prefer to make your own pierogi from scratch, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the freezer. Homemade pierogi will give you more control over the ingredients and fillings used, allowing you to customise them to your taste preferences.

Whether you choose frozen or fresh pierogi, you can cook them in an air fryer by following these simple steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly coat the pierogi with oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, or another high smoke point oil. This step will help achieve a crispy texture.
• Place the pierogi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation.
• Cook the pierogi for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Serve immediately. Pierogi are best enjoyed hot and crispy!

Preparing your air fryer

Before you begin cooking your pierogies, you will need to prepare your air fryer. This will ensure that your pierogies cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in the desired crispy texture. Here are the steps you should follow:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to cook the pierogies effectively. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly, but it should be within the range of 380-400°F.

Next, you will need to prepare your pierogies for cooking. Take your frozen pierogies and place them in a medium-sized bowl or on a plate. If they are stuck together, you can gently separate them. Then, coat the pierogies with a thin layer of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. Spraying the pierogies with oil or tossing them in a bowl with oil are both effective methods for ensuring an even coating.

Once your pierogies are coated in oil, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It is important to leave enough space between each pierogi to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pierogies in batches.

After your pierogies are arranged in the air fryer basket, you can add any desired seasonings or spices. Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning are some popular choices. You can also add a light sprinkling of salt and pepper if desired. However, be mindful of the salt content in the pierogies and any other ingredients you may be using.

Now your air fryer and pierogies are ready for cooking! Proceed to follow your chosen recipe for cooking instructions, and enjoy your delicious, crispy pierogies.

Cooking your pierogi

Now that you've assembled your ingredients, it's time to cook your pierogi.

First, remove the pierogi from their packaging and place them in a medium bowl or on a plate. Then, spray or coat them with olive oil or another high smoke point oil such as avocado or peanut oil. You can also melt butter and toss the pierogi in it. Make sure each pierogi is well-coated.

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C). Place the pierogi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the pierogi for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve immediately with your chosen toppings or dips.

Serving your pierogi

Pierogies are a versatile dish, and there are many ways to serve them. They can be a side dish, a snack, an appetizer, or a main course.

For a simple side dish, you can serve your air-fried pierogies with a variety of toppings and dips. Sour cream is a classic choice, and you can also try horseradish, salsa, cream cheese, or French onion dip. If you want to get more creative, try topping your pierogies with fried onions, bacon bits, caramelized onions, or butter. You can also serve them with a side of vegetables, such as sauerkraut, frozen peas, green beans, or cucumber salad.

If you're serving pierogies as an appetizer or snack, they are perfect with your favorite dipping sauce. Try them with a spicy dip, ranch dressing, or ketchup. For a more substantial snack, serve them on a platter with cocktail sticks, alongside other appetizers like Mac n Cheese Balls, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Polenta Fries.

When serving pierogies as a main course, they can be paired with various dishes. Polish breaded pork chops and kielbasa and sauerkraut are traditional choices. You can also serve them with a salad, such as a hearty Green Salad or Cabbage Salad. If you're looking for something more filling, try them with Mushroom Stroganoff or Braised Red Cabbage.

No matter how you serve your air-fried pierogies, they are sure to be a delicious and crispy treat!

Storing your pierogi

Storing Fresh Pierogi

Fresh, uncooked pierogi can be delicate, so it is essential to take some precautions to prevent them from sticking together or drying out. Here's what you need to do:

• Dust with Flour: Lightly sprinkle flour on both sides of the pierogi after shaping them. This creates a barrier that prevents sticking. Avoid using too much flour, as it can affect the texture of the dough when cooked.
• Separate the Layers: When storing multiple layers of pierogi in one container, use parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store the pierogi in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags to prevent drying and absorb fridge odors. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Storing in the Fridge: Fresh pierogi is best cooked within a few days, ideally up to 3 days. Keep your refrigerator at a consistent, cool temperature to avoid bacterial growth. Place the container in a part of the fridge with a consistent temperature to avoid inadvertent freezing.

Storing Cooked Pierogi

After enjoying a meal of pierogi, you might have some leftovers. Here's how to store cooked pierogi to maintain their flavor and texture:

• Cool to Room Temperature: Spread the cooked pierogi on a plate or wire rack and let them cool to room temperature. Ensure they are not piled on top of each other to prevent steam and moisture.
• Separate the Pierogi: Even when cooked, pierogi can stick together, especially if they have a soft filling. Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers when storing in a container.
• Use Airtight Storage: Choose a container that fits the amount of pierogi you're storing. Use airtight containers or sealable bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing, to prevent drying and absorb fridge odors.
• Storing in the Fridge or Freezer: Cooked pierogi can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. They can be preserved in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your pierogi remain delicious and retain their authentic flavors and textures, whether they are fresh or cooked.

Frequently asked questions