Cody Casey
Turkey kielbasa is a great option if you're looking for a leaner sausage option. And cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious results. The air fryer gives the sausage a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. You can cook turkey kielbasa in the air fryer in under 10 minutes, and it's a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Cooking Turkey Kielbasa in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Timing | 6-12 minutes |
| Preheat Air Fryer | No, but if you do, lower the cooking time by a minute or two |
| Cooking Method | Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket, flip halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Dipping sauce, sandwiches, pasta dishes, potato salad, fried rice, omelette, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for turkey kielbasa in an air fryer depend on whether you are cooking the sausage whole or sliced into pieces.
If you are cooking the whole sausage, pierce a few holes in it with a fork to prevent it from bursting. Then, place it in the air fryer and cook at either 375°F for 7-8 minutes, 380°F for 10-12 minutes, or 400°F for 6-8 minutes.
If you are slicing the sausage into pieces, cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at either 350°F, 375°F, or 380°F for 8-10 minutes, tossing or flipping halfway through. You can also cook the sausage slices at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing them every few minutes.
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. Some air fryers do require pre-heating, so be sure to check your user manual. If you have a few extra minutes, it may be worth pre-heating your air fryer to ensure your turkey kielbasa cooks evenly and efficiently.
To pre-heat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to your desired temperature. Most recipes recommend pre-heating to temperatures between 375°F and 400°F. The time required for pre-heating will depend on your air fryer, but it usually takes around 5 minutes. While your air fryer is pre-heating, you can prepare your turkey kielbasa by slicing it into your desired thickness.
If you choose not to pre-heat your air fryer, that's fine too! Your turkey kielbasa will still cook through, but it may take an extra minute or so. Simply place your sliced kielbasa in the air fryer, set the temperature, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes at 380°F.
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How to cut the kielbasa
To cut kielbasa, you can use a sharp knife to slice it into rounds or coins. These can be anywhere from half an inch to an inch thick, depending on your preference. Slicing the sausage diagonally at a 45-degree angle will give you more surface area for better searing and a more interesting presentation. You can also try spiral cutting the kielbasa by securing it on a skewer and slicing it into a spiral pattern down to the centre. This method exposes the flesh of the sausage, allowing it to spread out and caramelize on the grill.
If you want smaller pieces, you can dice the kielbasa by first slicing it lengthwise and then slicing it down the middle again so that you have four equally sized pieces. Slice these pieces sideways until you have many small cubes. You can also cut the kielbasa into pieces about three inches long and then slice it sideways to create an "octopus sausage" with four or eight "legs".
Kielbasa is typically sold pre-cooked, so it may be easier to cut if you heat it up first. You can also try partially cooking the sausage before slicing, as this will make it firmer and easier to cut. However, keep in mind that if you cut the kielbasa before cooking, you may end up with odd edges around the casing.
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Dipping sauces
To cook turkey kielbasa in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. Place the kielbasa in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you are cooking sliced kielbasa, it will take less time than cooking a whole kielbasa.
Now, for the dipping sauces! Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried turkey kielbasa:
Mustard-Based Dipping Sauces
Kielbasa is often served with mustard, and you can easily turn this into a dipping sauce. Try a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper. You can also brush the kielbasa with a mustard sauce before cooking and serve it with a creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based dip.
Horseradish Sauce
If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, horseradish sauce is a great option. It pairs well with the smokiness of the kielbasa.
Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade sauce is a classic condiment that can add a tangy and creamy dimension to your kielbasa.
Barbecue Sauce
For a sweet and smoky dip, barbecue sauce is a perfect match for the juicy kielbasa.
Spicy Brown Mustard and Sauerkraut
If you're serving your kielbasa in an Italian sub roll, spread on some spicy brown mustard and add a generous pinch of sauerkraut.
There are plenty of other dipping sauces you can experiment with, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a custom blend of your favorite flavors!
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What to serve it with
Turkey kielbasa is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and in different ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with turkey kielbasa cooked in an air fryer:
Sandwiches and Rolls
You can serve turkey kielbasa in an Italian sub roll with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, and a pinch of dill pickles. Alternatively, you can make an air fryer Italian sausage sandwich with cooked kielbasa, or assemble sliced kielbasa bites as a snack or appetizer.
Side Dishes
Turkey kielbasa pairs well with polenta, mac and cheese, applesauce, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, cabbage soup, potato salad, shepherd's pie, cauliflower cheese soup, fried onions, potato pancakes, bigos, cucumber salad, coleslaw, and grilled vegetables.
Stir Fry and Soup
Turkey kielbasa can be added to a stir fry with onion and cabbage, using the grease from the sausage to cook the vegetables. It can also be added to a soup with potatoes, cabbage, noodles, or beans, along with greens such as kale, spinach, or sorrel.
Rice and Pasta
Turkey kielbasa can be served with rice, such as in a fried rice dish with diced onions, frozen vegetables, and soy sauce. It can also be added to pasta, especially with aromatics, chicken broth, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and scallions.
One-Pan Meals
Turkey kielbasa can be cooked with baby potatoes, avocado oil, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt in a sheet pan dinner. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, or substitute the potatoes for cauliflower florets or rutabaga for a lower-carb option.
Other Ideas
Turkey kielbasa can be served with eggs, such as in an omelet or frittata, or with shrimp and rice. It also goes well with lentils, kale, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the kielbasa and the air fryer model. On average, sliced turkey kielbasa takes 7-10 minutes to cook at 380°F. Whole kielbasa takes about 10-12 minutes.
The ideal temperature to cook turkey kielbasa is 380°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F or 400°F.
Preheating the air fryer is not necessary, but if you choose to do so, adjust the cooking time accordingly by reducing it by a minute or two.
Turkey kielbasa is typically cooked when it is hot throughout with a firm, crispy exterior. You can also use a temperature probe to check the internal temperature, which should be 160°F for medium and 170°F for well-done.
Yes, you can cook frozen turkey kielbasa in an air fryer. Increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes at 380°F.
