Air Fryer Pierogies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Pierogies 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. You can cook frozen pierogies in an air fryer in just 10–15 minutes, and they come out golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft, savoury filling on the inside.

Choosing your pierogi fillings

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings that can be stuffed with either sweet or savoury fillings. The most common filling is mashed potatoes, but other popular options include cheese, sauerkraut, meat, or fruit.

When making your own pierogi fillings, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Savoury Fillings:

• Cheese and potato: Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar, cream cheese, or feta, and add some chopped green onions or chives for extra flavour.
• Meat and potato: You can use ground beef, pork, or a mixture of both. Make sure the meat is well-seasoned and cooked before filling the pierogies.
• Sauerkraut and sausage: This combination is a classic Polish flavour pairing. Finely chop the sauerkraut and sausage, and mix them together with some caraway seeds and black pepper.
• Spinach and feta: This is a great option for a vegetarian filling. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach before mixing it with the crumbled feta. You can also add some chopped onions or garlic for extra flavour.

Sweet Fillings:

• Fruit and cheese: Try using sweet fruits such as apples, blueberries, or cherries, and mix them with a soft, mild cheese like ricotta or cream cheese. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the sweetness.
• Chocolate and peanut butter: This is a decadent and indulgent filling option. Mix together creamy peanut butter with melted chocolate chips, and add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Sweet cream cheese: Fill your pierogies with a sweetened cream cheese mixture. You can add flavours such as vanilla, lemon, or orange zest to the cream cheese for a more complex flavour profile.

Oil or cooking spray?

When making pierogies in an air fryer, you can use either oil or cooking spray. The choice is yours!

If you decide to use oil, you will need about one tablespoon of olive oil, or any other high-heat oil such as avocado oil. You can also use melted butter instead of oil. Brush the oil or butter onto both sides of the pierogies, or toss them in oil to coat them.

If you use cooking spray, spritz the pierogies with the spray until they are lightly coated. You can also spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. However, for the best results, it is recommended to coat the pierogies themselves.

Air fryer settings

To make pierogies in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or brush the pierogies with oil to help them crisp up.

Cook the pierogies for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces.

The exact cooking time may vary between different air fryer brands and models. If you are using the Ninja Foodi Grill, select the air crisp setting.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer pierogies vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, the size of the pierogies, and the desired level of crispiness. However, here is a general guide:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C). Place the frozen pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap or stack. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray or brush the pierogies with olive oil or cooking oil to help them crisp up and prevent sticking.

Cook the pierogies for 8-12 minutes at 380-400°F (200°C), turning them over halfway through the cooking time. The pierogies are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

For mini pierogies, the cooking time is reduced to about 8 minutes total. If cooking fresh pierogies, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the settings to ensure perfect results.

Serving suggestions

Pierogies are a versatile dish, and there are endless possibilities for what to serve with them. Here are some serving suggestions for your air-fried pierogies:

As a Side Dish or Appetizer

Pierogies can be served as a side dish or appetizer, especially if they are on the smaller side. They go well with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• Sour cream
• Horseradish
• Your favourite dipping sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Tzatziki
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• French onion dip
• Cream cheese
• Apple sauce
• Melted butter
• Sweet paprika

As a Main Dish

Pierogies can also be served as a main dish, paired with your favourite vegetables or a salad. Some options include:

• Sauerkraut
• Frozen peas
• Green beans
• Cucumber salad
• Breaded pork chops
• Kielbasa and sauerkraut
• Sautéed cabbage
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Caramelized onions
• Bacon

Traditional Polish Toppings

For a more traditional Polish meal, pierogies can be served with:

• Caramelized onions
• Mushrooms
• Sausage
• Cabbage
• Vegetables

Creative Toppings

If you want to get creative, you can add some non-traditional toppings to your pierogies, such as:

• Jalapeño slices
• Green onions
• Bacon bits
• Bread crumbs
• Melted butter
• Chopped fried onions
• Shredded cheddar
• Minced onions
• Onion powder
• Taco seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Frequently asked questions