Air-Fryer Kielbasa: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook a variety of foods, including kielbasa. Kielbasa is a Polish sausage, usually made from a mixture of pork and beef, but can also be made with turkey or other meat combinations. It is a versatile food that can be served as an appetizer, in sandwiches, or as part of a main course. Cooking kielbasa in an air fryer is a simple process that can yield delicious results.

Cooking Kielbasa in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. While some recipes and air fryer models may not require preheating, doing so for kielbasa can improve the overall outcome of your dish. Preheating your air fryer ensures that your kielbasa cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of caramelization. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F (204°C).

If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, there is a simple solution. Turn on your air fryer and wait for about 5 minutes. This will allow the appliance to heat up and simulate the preheating process. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your kielbasa by slicing it into your desired thickness. It is generally recommended to cut the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds or slices. However, you can adjust the thickness according to your preference. Thinner slices will require a shorter cooking time, while thicker slices may need a couple of extra minutes.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next step of the cooking process. Place the kielbasa slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. It is important to ensure that the slices do not overlap too much or stack on top of each other. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can hinder proper air circulation and affect the cooking process. If you are cooking multiple sausages or have a smaller air fryer, consider cooking in batches to maintain proper airflow.

By preheating your air fryer, you create an optimal cooking environment for your kielbasa. This step helps ensure that your kielbasa cooks evenly, develops a desirable caramelized exterior, and maintains moisture. Preheating may seem like an optional step, but it can make a noticeable difference in the final texture and taste of your air-fried kielbasa.

Slice the kielbasa

Slicing the kielbasa is a great way to prepare this Polish sausage for the air fryer. You can slice it into coins or short lengths, or even cut it in half lengthwise. The benefit of slicing the kielbasa before air frying is that it will cook faster and more evenly.

When slicing the kielbasa, aim for a thickness of around 1/2 an inch. This will give you a nice balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. However, you can adjust the thickness of the slices to your preference. Thinner slices will cook faster and be crispier, while thicker slices will be softer and juicier.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your kielbasa, you can toss the slices in oil before placing them in the air fryer. Avocado oil or olive oil are great choices due to their high smoke points. You can also sprinkle spices or seasonings on the slices before cooking. For example, a blend of garlic powder and paprika will give your kielbasa a delicious kick.

Another option for preparing the kielbasa slices is to create a crosshatch pattern on the surface of the sausage. You can use a sharp paring knife to create diagonal cuts across the surface of the sausage, being careful not to cut all the way through. This technique will give your kielbasa a beautiful crispy texture.

Toss with oil

To cook kielbasa in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to 375°F–400°F (204°C). While the air fryer is preheating, slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If you want crispier slices, cut them thinner; for softer slices, cut them thicker. You can also cook the kielbasa whole, but be sure to prick the sausage several times with a fork before placing it in the air fryer to prevent it from bursting.

Now it's time to toss the kielbasa with oil. Place the sliced kielbasa in a bowl and drizzle your oil of choice over them. Avocado oil is best for the air fryer because it has a higher smoke point, but you can also use olive oil or another oil of your preference. Turn the kielbasa slices to ensure they are fully coated in oil.

Next, place the kielbasa in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if the pieces overlap a little, but avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket. Air fry at 375°F–400°F (204°C) for 7–12 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. For crispier slices, add another minute or two to the cooking time; for softer slices, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. If cooking a whole kielbasa, it will take about 10–12 minutes.

During cooking, shake the basket or use a silicone spatula to flip the pieces halfway through. For even browning, you can also toss the slices midway through the cooking process. Near the end of the cooking time, open the basket to check on the kielbasa. Once the kielbasa is hot and caramelized to your liking, carefully transfer the slices to a plate and serve.

Cook for 7-12 minutes

Once you've sliced your kielbasa and tossed it in oil, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. But how long should you cook it for? Well, it depends on how crispy you like it. If you like your kielbasa slices with a little snap, then cook them for around 7-8 minutes. But if you're looking for something a bit softer, then take off a minute or two. If you're cooking a whole kielbasa, it will likely take a couple of minutes longer, so aim for around 10-12 minutes.

During the cooking process, it's a good idea to toss or flip your kielbasa halfway through. This will help ensure even browning and prevent the slices from sticking to the air fryer basket. If your air fryer doesn't have a non-stick coating, you may want to give the basket a quick spray with some cooking oil first. Depending on your air fryer model, you may also need to shake the basket every minute or so to prevent the slices from sticking.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your kielbasa slices. If you cut them thinner than the recommended 1/2-inch thickness, they will likely cook faster, so keep an eye on them. On the other hand, if you cut them thicker, they may need a minute or two more.

Finally, don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. It's important to give the air space to circulate around the kielbasa so that it cooks evenly. If you're cooking more than one sausage, you may need to work in batches.

Serve with sides or sauces

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that is typically made with pork and/or beef, but can also be made with turkey. It is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways.

If you're serving it as an appetizer, you can put out some toothpicks and a side of your favourite dipping sauce. Some sauce options include horseradish sauce, remoulade sauce, barbecue sauce, or a combination of mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. You can also serve it with some mustard or ketchup on the side. For a bit of spice, add a dash or two of Frank's Red Hot to your sauce.

Kielbasa also goes well with vegetables. You can roast vegetables in the drippings collected at the bottom of the air fryer for added flavour. You can also serve it with any of your favourite vegetables, such as potatoes, or a potato salad, and greens like spinach, kale, or sorrel. It is also delicious when served with sauerkraut and crusty rolls.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can serve kielbasa with pasta, baked pasta, or casseroles. It can also be added to fried rice, quiches, frittatas, omelets, or scrambled eggs.

Frequently asked questions