If you’re craving a crispy, golden-brown snack with a savory, satisfying filling, then air fryer pierogies are the way to go! This recipe takes those classic, hearty dumplings and makes them even more delicious by cooking them in an air fryer, cutting down on oil and making the perfect crispy texture. Pierogies are a great comfort food, whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish, and with the air fryer, they’re quicker and easier than ever.
In this recipe, you’ll discover how to make perfectly crispy pierogies with a golden exterior and a tender, flavorful filling inside. The air fryer does all the magic, ensuring the pierogies come out crispy without deep frying. Serve them with a simple dip or alongside a fresh salad for a delicious meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for making these delicious air fryer pierogies!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Frozen Pierogies: Frozen pierogies are the easiest way to go when making this recipe. They come in a variety of fillings, including potato, cheese, or even meat. Opt for your favorite or mix and match to suit your taste. You can find them in most grocery stores’ frozen food sections.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: A light coating of olive oil or a spritz of cooking spray will give the pierogies a nice crispy finish. The oil helps the surface of the pierogies crisp up without the need for deep frying.
Seasoning (Optional): Depending on your taste, you can add a sprinkle of seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to give the pierogies an extra burst of flavor. A little salt and pepper to taste also helps bring everything together.
Ingredients List
- 12 frozen pierogies (choose your preferred filling)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Pierogies
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pierogies cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pierogies
Take the frozen pierogies out of the package and give them a quick rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess ice crystals. Lightly coat the pierogies with olive oil or give them a quick spritz of cooking spray to help them crisp up during the cooking process. You can also add some seasoning to the pierogies at this point if desired.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pierogies
Place the prepared pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them so that they cook evenly. Air fry the pierogies for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pierogies are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch, or a tangy mustard dip. Enjoy your crispy, delicious pierogies!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest pierogies, make sure they’re not touching each other in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook them in batches for best results.
- Experiment with Fillings: While potato and cheese is the classic filling, don’t be afraid to try other flavors like sauerkraut, meat, or even sweet fillings like fruit for a dessert twist!
- Flipping is Key: To ensure an even golden color on both sides, flip the pierogies halfway through cooking. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Spray for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy pierogies, give them another light spritz of oil halfway through cooking.
- Serve with a Variety of Dips: Pierogies are versatile and pair well with a range of dips like sour cream, garlic butter, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies for this recipe?
While this recipe is best with frozen pierogies, you can use fresh ones. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I cook frozen pierogies directly without thawing them?
Yes, you can cook frozen pierogies directly in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw them, just follow the same steps for preparation and cooking time.
How do I know when my pierogies are done?
Pierogies are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. They should have a slight crunch when bitten into, and the filling should be hot throughout.
Can I make this recipe with homemade pierogies?
Yes, homemade pierogies can be air fried too! Just make sure they are fully sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking.