The curd has to be dry. If yours is wet, press it in cheesecloth first; otherwise you keep adding flour to compensate, and the extra flour turns these light little pancakes heavy and gummy.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineRussian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Farmer's cheese
Dry tvorog or pressed cottage cheese; wring out any liquid first. A dry curd is essential.
Can you make Syrniki in an air fryer? — Not really
Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.
Can you freeze Syrniki? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Syrniki ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Syrniki gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Syrniki vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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