Air fryer pierogies are a delightful dish that brings a taste of Eastern European cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. These stuffed dumplings, known for their tender dough and hearty fillings, cook quickly in the air fryer, giving you that crispy texture you crave without the excessive oil often used in traditional frying. Whether you are a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe will help you whip up a batch of satisfying pierogies in no time.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Pierogies
Air fryer pierogies combine the best of both worlds: the convenience of the air fryer and the deliciousness of homemade dumplings. The air fryer cooks them evenly, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the insides soft and flavorful. This method offers a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying, significantly reducing the fat and calories without sacrificing taste. Additionally, you can customize the fillings to suit your preferences, making this dish versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a party snack, or a comforting side dish, air fryer pierogies fit the bill every time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pierogies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and water. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the mashed potatoes and cheese until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the filling aside to cool.
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the pierogies with the remaining vegetable oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
Arrange the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the pierogies and serve warm with sour cream and chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pierogies
Serving air fryer pierogies is as simple as it is delicious. These dumplings shine as a main dish or a delightful side. If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a platter filled with crispy pierogies and a selection of dips. Sour cream works wonders, but you can also introduce various sauces, such as creamy ranch, a tangy yogurt dip, or even a herbed butter sauce for a gourmet touch. Pair them with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Consider using toppings like crispy fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavors. The versatility of pierogies allows you to switch up your serving style based on the occasion or your taste. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite combinations!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Pierogies
To make the best air fryer pierogies, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, ensure the dough is rolled out evenly and thin enough to allow for a crispy texture without tearing. If you’re new to making pierogies, practice crimping the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking. It’s also helpful to keep the dough covered, as it can dry out quickly. Another tip is to experiment with different fillings beyond just mashed potatoes and cheese. Try incorporating sautéed vegetables, spinach and feta, or even ground beef or chicken for a heartier option. Lastly, remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking them in batches guarantees even cooking and optimal crispiness.
How to Store Air Fryer Pierogies
You can store cooked air fryer pierogies for future enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. These pierogies can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Arrange the uncooked pierogies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pierogies can last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook straight from frozen in the air fryer for extra convenience, adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure they cook through.
Variations of Air Fryer Pierogies
The beauty of pierogies lies in their versatility, allowing you to switch up ingredients and flavors easily. For a twist, try different fillings. Use ricotta cheese and spinach for a fresh vegetarian option, or mix in roasted sweet potatoes and feta for a sweet and savory combination. You can also experiment with seasonal ingredients. For instance, during harvest time, incorporate butternut squash or pumpkin for a fall-inspired filling. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding jalapeños or spices like cumin for a kick. You can change the dough by using whole wheat flour or adding herbs to the mixture, giving your pierogies a unique flavor. Topping choices are equally varied, from crispy onions and sour cream to fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to adapt this comforting dish to suit your individual tastes or the flavors of the season!
FAQ about Air Fryer Pierogies
You might have some queries about air fryer pierogies, and that’s perfectly normal. One common question is whether you can use store-bought pierogies in the air fryer. Yes, you can cook frozen store-bought pierogies in the air fryer for a quick snack or meal. Simply preheat your air fryer, add the frozen pierogies, and cook until they turn golden brown. Another frequently asked question is regarding the cooking time. While the standard cooking time is about 10-12 minutes, this may vary depending on the air fryer brand and the size of your pierogies. So, keep an eye on them while cooking. Lastly, people often ask about the dough consistency. It should be soft but not sticky; adding flour as needed during kneading can help achieve the perfect texture. With these tips and answers, you’re well on your way to mastering air fryer pierogies!
Air Fryer Pierogies
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon for cooking onion, 1 tablespoon for brushing pierogies
Serving Suggestions
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and water.
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparation of Filling
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes and cheese until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the filling aside to cool.
Assembly of Pierogies
- After the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Cooking in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly brush the pierogies with the remaining vegetable oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
- Arrange the pierogies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the pierogies and serve warm with sour cream and chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
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