Directions for how to make frozen pierogies in air fryer are here! Perfectly soft and tender on the inside but a bit of crisp on the outside, this is the best mashed potato side dish ever.

Air Fryer frozen Perogies
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Have you wondered how to make air fryer frozen pierogies? Well we experimented for you and figured out the perfect cook time so you can make them perfectly next time too. Just one of many easy air fryer recipes here on The Typical Mom blog. (affiliate links present)

How to Cook Frozen Pierogies in Air Fryer

We are going to focus on how to air fry these in your Ninja Foodi or cosori this go around. Yes you can steam them on the stovetop covered with some water but they won’t get crispy like this. Get ready for your new favorite way to make these pasta filled with mashed potatoes.

Frozen Pierogies in Ninja Air Fryer

It doesn’t matter what brand you might have, the biggest step to this is warming them first. I will explain it more in detail below but you will want to use your microwave for a few minutes before crisping this way. You’ll want the mashed potatoes to soften initially.

If you love extra crispy food and quick recipes, here are some resources to start with:

A close-up photo of a hand pulling out the basket of an open air fryer on a light-colored surface. The interior of the air fryer basket is empty and features a mesh design, perfect for cooking your favorite dishes like bang bang shrimp. The edge of the air fryer has a latch mechanism for securing the basket.

Air Fryer Pierogies

Mrs. Ts brand is the most common of them all but there are others. Most are either cheese with the potato or onions and garlic. If you need a dairy free version use the latter.

What are pierogies made of?

If you’ve never heard of such a thing they’re like little pasta dumplings filled with garlic, cheesy, or onion mashed potatoes. Sounds odd but boy are they amazing!!

Use any brand machine you have, just make sure you don’t overlap then when they’re cooking. That way the outsides will get nice and crispy with just enough crunch to make you want another, and another.

Are Pierogies Polish or German?

Many countries have their own variation of this dish though it did originate in Poland. There these potato dumplings actually considered to be a National dish featured at local fairs and events.

You can of course make them homemade, but I never do. Let’s keep it simple I say, so I find them in the frozen section of our grocery store.

pierogies in air fryer

Pierogies in Air Fryer

Ours has an onions and cheddar cheese variety you see here. We enjoy both but we will feature this one this time.

  • Box of frozen perogies, any flavor you want
  • 4 paper towels that you will wet + a plate that can be microwaved
  • You’ll need a can of olive oil spray or vegetable oil works too
  • If you like the butter flavor on the outside of yours then have a bit melted for later

I just sprinkle with salt and pepper but seasonings are of course up to you and your taste buds. ๐Ÿ˜‰

how to cook Frozen Pierogies

Air Fryer Frozen Pierogies

To make these perfectly we followed the same steps as we did when making frozen potstickers in air fryer. You’ll need 4 paper towels for this step. Fold them in half so you have 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom so it’s thicker.

Run it under some warm water so it’s soaked, then gently squeeze most, not all, of the liquid out. You need to essentially steam it so the insides are no longer rock hard.

Don’t skip this step. It is easy enough, only takes 2 minutes and will make them the texture overall you want. Much easier than boiling them in a large pot on the stovetop!

microwave frozen pierogies

Ninja Foodi Pierogies

Once you have them wrapped up just put into your microwave for about 2 minutes. Then lift the top and touch. If the middle is soft then you’re set. If not put them in for another 30 seconds…..

During this time go ahead and preheat your machine to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes so it’s hot and ready when you are.

Not only will this get the insides tender but the outside dumpling pasta will get damp so your seasonings will stick nicely.

ninja foodi pierogies

Frozen Pierogies in Ninja Air Fryer

It doesn’t matter what brand you have at home, I always like to spray the air fryer basket with non stick spray, just in case. Then give them a trip inside for about 6 minutes. The total cook time will depend on how crispy you want them to be.

If you just want to cook it but not necessarily be crunchy then 4 minutes flipped halfway might serve you better. For more of a deep fry texture 6 is better. Just test it out and see for yourself.

THIS is the best way to cook frozen pierogies ever I tell you. We’ve tried it all since we love pierogies so much and everyone agrees this is the winner.

pierogies air fryer

Air Fry Pierogies Mrs T

Frozen food is a game changer in this “magic machine” I tell you. Other favorites are tater tots, frozen french fries in air fryer and air fryer corn dogs are game changers!!

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Fold 4 paper towels in half and run under water until soaked. Squeeze most of liquid out but leave it quite wet. Lay these on a plate.
  2. Put up to frozen pirogies in the middle. Fold it over the top. Use your hand to put a little bit more water on top of paper towels that are overlapped over the top.
  3. Place into the microwave for about 2 minutes until the middle has softened. Open air fryer basket and spray inside with olive oil spray.
  4. Put into basket without overlapping. Spray tops liberally with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper or seasonings of choice.
  5. Close drawer and cook for total of 4 minutes. Open and flip over after 2 minutes. Then spray tops again with olive oil spray and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.
  6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until they’re as golden brown as you’d like.

Air fried perfection here. We dip ours in soy sauce (may be weird but like it), or you can pour melted butter on the top.

What are Pierogies Traditionally Served With?

Many serve mushrooms and a quick sauerkraut with them. Instant Pot brats are probably a favorite around here. Toppings are usually; butter, sour cream, fried onions, or crushed pork rinds.

Frozen Pierogies Air Fryer
Golden brown frozen pierogies in an air fryer basket, lightly seasoned with pepper.
5 from 1 vote

Frozen Pierogies in Air Fryer

By The Typical Mom
How to make frozen pierogies in air fryer so they're soft and tender on the inside but a bit of crisp on the outside. Best mashed potato dish.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 minutes
Servings: 4
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Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 box pierogies, frozen, about 8 – 10 will fit into a 5 qt basket at a time
  • olive oil spray
  • salt and pepper, sprinkle

Instructions 

  • Preheat air fryer at 400 for 5 minutes.
  • Fold 4 paper towels in half. Run under warm water until soaked. Squeeze most of liquid out but leave quite wet. Lay on a plate.
  • Put up to 10 frozen pierogies in middle and fold over the top. Use your hand to put a little bit more water on top of paper towels that are overlapped over the top.
  • Put into microwave for 2.5 minutes so the middles have softened.
  • Open air fryer basket and spray inside with olive oil spray.
  • Put pierogies into basket without overlapping them. Spray tops liberally with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Close and cook for total of 4 minutes.
  • Open and flip over after 2 minutes. Spray tops now with olive oil spray again and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until they're as golden brown as you'd like.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz, Calories: 274kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 527mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, german
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
air fryer pierogies frozen

About The Typical Mom

Justine is the creative mind behind The Typical Mom and The Typical Family on YouTube. She began blogging about easy recipes, budget friendly activities for kids, and fun family travel destinations in September 2012.

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5 from 1 vote

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3 Comments

  1. Justine, thank you for this recipe. I love Pierogies and always keep a box of frozen ones in my freezer. But I have tried making them in the air fried but they were TOO crispy. So I just continued to sautรฉ them in butter on the stove. I love the idea of microwaving in a wet paper towel before air crisping. I will definitely try this method as I think it will resolve my issue.