Air Fryer Kielbasa: Easy, Quick, Delicious

Air fryer kielbasa is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in just 10 minutes! Kielbasa, also known as Polish sausage, is typically made with pork and/or beef but can also be made with turkey. It is usually fully cooked when bought, so you just need to heat it up and crisp it to your liking. By using an air fryer, you can get juicy and flavourful kielbasa without the mess and grease of traditional frying.

How long does it take to cook kielbasa in an air fryer?

Air fryer kielbasa is a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a busy weeknight or a game-day appetizer. The cooking time will depend on whether you want to cook the kielbasa whole or sliced into pieces, and also your desired level of crispiness.

If cooking whole, air fry kielbasa at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot throughout with a firm exterior. If cooking sliced kielbasa, place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot throughout and firm with a bit of crispiness on the outside. You can also cook sliced kielbasa at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes.

For a softer texture, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes. For crispier kielbasa, add another minute or two to the cooking time. It is recommended to shake or flip the kielbasa halfway through the cooking process to promote even cooking.

Always check that your kielbasa is fully cooked before consuming it. Most kielbasa is sold pre-cooked, but it is important to verify this before cooking to ensure food safety.

How to serve air-fried kielbasa

Air-fried kielbasa is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Main Course

Air-fried kielbasa can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some options include:

• Potatoes: Pair it with roasted potatoes or air-fried baby potatoes.
• Vegetables: Serve with air-fried veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or corn on the cob. You can also roast vegetables using the drippings from the kielbasa at the bottom of the air fryer for added flavor.
• Salads: Try it with a fresh salad of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers seasoned with salt and raw onion slices.
• Bread: Enjoy it with crusty rolls or an Italian sub roll.

As an Appetizer or Snack

Air-fried kielbasa also makes a great appetizer or snack. Here are some ideas:

• Bites: Serve the kielbasa as bite-sized slices or cubes with toothpicks. You can also toss them in a sweet and sour sauce or serve with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, horseradish sauce, remoulade sauce, or barbecue sauce.
• Sandwiches: Create delicious kielbasa sandwiches by spreading spicy brown mustard on an Italian sub roll, adding the cooked kielbasa, and a generous pinch of sauerkraut. Pop it back into the air fryer for a minute or two to heat through and enjoy!

In Other Dishes

You can also use air-fried kielbasa as an ingredient in other dishes:

• Stir-Fry: Add air-fried kielbasa slices to a stir-fry with cabbage and cook it using the grease that drips out of the kielbasa.
• Soup: Chop up the kielbasa and add it to a soup with potatoes, cabbage, noodles, or beans, along with some greens like kale, spinach, or sorrel.
• Breakfast: Include finely diced cooked kielbasa in breakfast dishes like mini quiches, frittatas, omelets, or scrambled eggs.
• Fried Rice: Add diced kielbasa to your fried rice along with diced onions, frozen veggies (corn, peas, carrots), and a splash of soy sauce.

What to do if you're cooking from frozen

If you're cooking kielbasa from frozen, there are a few extra steps you need to take to ensure it's cooked safely and effectively. Here's what to do:

Firstly, check the type of kielbasa you have. If it's raw, it's best to avoid cooking it from frozen in an air fryer. Instead, allow it to defrost before cooking. This is because raw meat can be dangerous if not cooked thoroughly, and the outside may burn before the inside is cooked. If your kielbasa is pre-cooked, then it's safe to cook from frozen.

Next, preheat your air fryer to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer or the packaging of the frozen food. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.

Now, prepare your kielbasa. If it's pre-cooked and frozen, remove it from its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket—leave enough room for air to circulate and cook the kielbasa evenly. If your kielbasa is raw, it's best to defrost it first and cook it according to the instructions for fresh kielbasa.

For pre-cooked kielbasa, set the timer for 6-12 minutes at a medium temperature of 360°F (180°C). Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If your kielbasa is sliced, it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it.

Once the kielbasa is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve. If you're cooking raw kielbasa that has been defrosted, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached a safe internal temperature. For example, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the type of kielbasa, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and use your best judgment. Enjoy your delicious, crispy kielbasa!

What to serve with air-fried kielbasa

Air-fried kielbasa is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

As a Main Course

If you want to serve the kielbasa as the main dish, try pairing it with some traditional sides like dill pickles, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard. Potatoes are also a great option, as they pair well with Slavic food. You can also slice some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, season them with salt, and add some raw onion slices for a refreshing side dish.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Air-fried kielbasa can be a delicious addition to a larger meal. Try serving it with air fryer vegetables like potatoes, corn on the cob, pierogies, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If you're looking for something more substantial, kielbasa sandwiches are a great option. Get some Italian sub rolls, spread spicy brown mustard on the inside, add your cooked kielbasa, and a generous pinch of sauerkraut. Pop it in the air fryer and toast for 1-2 minutes for a delicious, hearty sandwich.

As an Appetizer or Snack

Kielbasa slices make a great snack or appetizer and can be served on their own or with a dipping sauce. For a simple snack, serve the kielbasa slices as-is, or toss them in a sweet and sour sauce for extra flavour. If you're looking for a more interactive appetizer, serve the kielbasa with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, horseradish sauce, remoulade sauce, or barbecue sauce.

As Part of a Hearty Breakfast

Kielbasa is a great way to add some protein to your breakfast. Try adding finely diced cooked kielbasa to mini quiches, frittatas, omelets, or scrambled eggs. The salty, savory flavour of the kielbasa goes especially well with eggs. For a heartier option, add kielbasa to your fried rice. Cook the kielbasa with diced onions, frozen veggies (corn, peas, carrots), and a splash of soy sauce for a delicious and filling breakfast.

How to cook kielbasa in different ways

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage, usually made from pork or a combination of pork and beef, and seasoned with garlic, peppercorns, and other spices. It is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways, such as in an air fryer, on a stovetop, in an oven, or over a grill. Here is a guide to cooking kielbasa in each of these ways.

Air Fryer

Kielbasa can be cooked in an air fryer in two ways: sliced into 0.5-inch thick pieces or whole. If cooking sliced kielbasa, preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a whole kielbasa, preheat the air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 12 minutes, or until hot throughout with a firm exterior. Prick the sausage several times with a fork before placing it in the air fryer to prevent it from bursting.

Stovetop

To cook kielbasa on a stovetop, slice the sausage into rounds or bias-cut pieces. Heat a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until browned and heated through. You can also add sliced peppers and onions to create a kielbasa, peppers, and onions dish.

Oven

Preheat the oven to between 375°F and 425°F. Cut the kielbasa into 5 or 6 pieces and slice through the center lengthwise so that the sausage can lay flat. Place the pieces on a greased baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes, then turn the sausages and broil for another 4 to 5 minutes until lightly crispy.

Grill

Heat a grill to between 400°F and 425°F. Cut the kielbasa into 5 or 6 pieces and slice through the center lengthwise so that the sausage can lay flat. Place the pieces on the grill, cut-side down, and grill each side for 4 to 5 minutes.

Other Methods

In addition to the methods outlined above, kielbasa can also be boiled, baked, or slow-cooked. Boiling involves placing the sausage in a pot of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Baking and slow cooking are both hands-off methods that involve placing the kielbasa in the oven or slow cooker and leaving it to cook for a longer period.

Frequently asked questions