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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Kielbasa

    Published: Feb 21, 2022 · Modified: May 25, 2022 by Kate

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    Kielbasa in an air fryer, with text: Air Fryer Kielbasa.
    An air fryer full of smoked sausage, with text: Air Fryer Kielbasa.

    This Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe makes the most deliciously crispy yet tender smoked sausage! In just a few minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked sausage that you can serve as an appetizer, with side dishes, or use in a recipe.

    Cooked kielbasa in air fryer.

    Air Fryer Kielbasa is a super easy way to cook up the smoked sausage.

    It's ready in minutes and you can use it in so many ways - as an appetizer, breakfast, side dish or in another recipe.

    Kielbasa in air fryer is by FAR my favorite way to cook it up. It's just so quick and easy and the results are perfect every time.

    It's perfect served with some sauerkraut and air fryer baby potatoes, along with some melted leeks and a dollop of donair sauce!

    Be sure to also check out this list of 44 Kielbasa Recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Tools
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Ways To Use Air Fried Kielbasa
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • More air fryer recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Kielbasa is a generic Polish term for sausage, and the recipe originated in Poland. It's similar to other European sausages like bratwurst or bockwurst.

    The key difference is that it's typically made of pork, beef, turkey, or lamb and contains garlic as well as other spices such as black pepper, coriander, or marjoram.

    There are many ways to cook this Polish sausage, but the best way to cook it, in my opinion, is in the air fryer!

    Using the air fryer to cook kielbasa is easy because all you have to do is put it in the air fryer basket, start the timer and you'll have perfectly cooked Kielbasa in under 10 minutes.

    Use it in any recipe that calls for sausage like sandwiches, egg scrambles, or serve it over your favorite grains!

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Kielbasa is budget-friendly meat that can be found in most grocery stores.
    • You'll have a cooked protein on the table in 10 minutes or less.
    • Air Fryer smoked sausage is versatile and can be used to make many different meals.
    • The air fryer cooks with dry circulating heat making the sausage browned on the outside and warmed through on the inside. Kielbasa in air fryer is perfect!

    Ingredients & Tools

    • Kielbasa - A 10-ounce Polish sausage is a perfect amount for your average size air fryer. You can find them at a butcher shop or in your local grocery store alongside the cured meats.
    • Air Fryer - Any air fryer will work for this recipe, just make sure the basket is big enough to fit the entire sausage without any overlapping.
    • Tongs - The air fryer gets very hot, kitchen tongs come in handy to handle the food while keeping yourself safe.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Preheat the air fryer: Turn the air fryer on to a temperature of 380-degrees-F for 3-5 minutes to allow it to preheat.

    Cutting kielbasa on a cutting board.

    Prepare the kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1-inch pieces that are all roughly the same size and thickness. I like to cut them on an angle slightly - for no reason other than to make it look a little fancier!

    Kielbasa rounds in the basket of an air fryer.

    Brown the sausage: Add the slices to the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes or until they begin to brown.

    Ready to flip the sausage.

    Flip and serve: After they've started to brown, use tongs to flip them over or shake the air fryer basket. Air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove with tongs and serve while hot with your favorite recipes.

    A plate of cooked kielbasa in air fryer.

    Top tips

    It's important to make sure the air fryer is preheated before cooking the sausage. This will ensure it gets a crispy browned outside.

    Cut the pieces of sausage all roughly the same size to ensure they cook fully and evenly.

    Ideally, remove the sausage from the fridge 10-12 minutes before cooking to allow the chill to come off the sausage in order to prevent the pieces from curling in the air fryer.

    Always use tongs when flipping the meat to ensure you won't get burned.

    Ways To Use Air Fried Kielbasa

    Toss air fried kielbasa into some Melted Leeks for a protein and vegetable dish.

    Add it to scrambled eggs for a high-protein breakfast.

    Add toothpicks and serve as an appetizer for a party or game day.

    Chop into small pieces and add them to a Taco Bell Cheesy Roll Up.

    Make a deconstructed Kielbasa Reuben Sandwich.

    Toss it into Spinach & Artichoke Pasta.

    Serve it over some cooked grains like farro or quinoa for a hearty main dish.

    A plate of onions and potatoes, sauerkraut and air fried kielbasa.

    Storage

    Storing: To store any leftovers, make sure they are cooled completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to four days.

    Freezing: Kielbasa can be frozen for up to two months. Make sure they are cooled completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Reheating: To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 325F.

    FAQs

    Is Kielbasa already cooked?

    Kielbasa is a pre-cooked sausage, so it doesn't need to be cooked all the way through. You're just looking to get a crispy outside while warming the sausage through.

    Can I use another type of sausage?

    Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages in this recipe including Italian sausage, smoked sausage, bratwurst, and more. Just make sure you cut everything evenly and adjust the cooking time.

    Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer?

    Depending on the air fryer model you have, you can use aluminum foil UNDER the basket to help with clean up. Using it on the basket will prevent the airflow needed to cook the kielbasa properly.

    A plate of kielbasa appetizers with toothpicks in them.
    Air Fried Kielbasa makes an easy appetizer!

    More air fryer recipes

    We hope that you love this tasty kielbasa in air fryer! Be sure to also check out these other side dishes too!

    • Salmon Bites
    • Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Pesto Chicken
    • Turkey Patties

    Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    An air fryer of kielbasa rounds.

    Air Fryer Kielbasa

    This Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe makes the most deliciously crispy yet tender smoked sausage! Super easy and ready in just a few minutes.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Dinner
    Cuisine: American, Polish
    Keyword: air fryer kielbasa, kielbasa in air fryer
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 231kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Tongs

    Ingredients

    • 10 oz Kielbasa Polish sausage

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for a few minutes.
    • Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1-inch pieces.
    • Add the slices to the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd them) and cook for 4 minutes or until they begin to brown.
    • Shake the pan, or turn each one with tongs, and cook for a further 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. If you like them crispier, cook for a few minutes more.
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 168mg | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. wilhelmina

      February 22, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great way to get the perfect cook on bites of smoked sausage! We were so impressed with how well it turned out and how easy it was. Two thumbs up!!

      Reply
    2. Brandy

      February 23, 2022 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      Never thought of making it like this but the kielbasa cooked up perfectly in the air fryer. So glad I gave it a try. Perfect way to cook it while it's too cold to grill!

      Reply

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