Air-Fried Kielbasa: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook kielbasa, look no further than your air fryer! Kielbasa, also known as Polish sausage, is a fatty, flavourful, and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Cooking it in an air fryer gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and only takes a few minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making kielbasa in an air fryer depend on whether you are cooking the sausage whole or in slices.

If you are cooking the kielbasa whole, set the temperature to 380°F / 190°C and cook for 4 minutes, then flip over and cook for another 5 minutes or until your desired level of crispiness.

If you are cooking slices, place them in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 380°F / 190°C. Cook for 4 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Let the sausage rest for about 2 minutes before serving.

You can also cook frozen kielbasa in an air fryer. Place the frozen kielbasa in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F / 190°C for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. There is no need to thaw the kielbasa before air frying.

For uncooked Polish sausage, set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 9 to 12 minutes. Ensure the sausage reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C for pork or beef, or 165°F / 74°C for chicken.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the kielbasa, so it is important to keep an eye on it while it is cooking.

How to serve kielbasa

Kielbasa is a type of smoked sausage that originates from Poland and has a distinct garlic taste. It can be served in a variety of ways and is a versatile food that can be eaten from breakfast to dinner. Here are some ideas for how to serve kielbasa:

As a Main Course

• Kielbasa can be served with starches such as scalloped potatoes, rice, or pasta.
• It can be served with a side dish like mac and cheese, coleslaw, fried cabbage with bacon, potato salad, cucumber salad, or green bean casserole.
• For a traditional Polish meal, serve it with sauerkraut.
• Kielbasa also goes well with vegetables like corn on the cob, rosemary and garlic potatoes, green beans, crispy asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• It can be added to soups and stir-fries.
• Serve it on a hoagie bun with sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a drizzle of spaghetti sauce.
• Make it into a sandwich with a crusty roll, grilled onions, and pungent mustard.
• For a Chicago-style Maxwell Street Polish, serve it on a sausage roll (not a hot dog bun) with caramelized onions and yellow mustard.
• Make an ersatz currywurst by using curry ketchup.
• Try it with a side of French fries, sauerkraut, sautéed peppers and onions, Mac and cheese, or baked beans.
• Add it to a kielbasa skillet with potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
• Serve with a side of potato pancakes.
• Make a kielbasa Philly Cheese Sandwich with hoagie rolls, spicy mustard, a touch of mayo, and standard cheesesteak toppings.
• Grill or fry slices of kielbasa with potato, onion, and peppers.
• Toss grilled kielbasa with rice, pasta, or quinoa, and olive oil and cilantro.
• Boil the kielbasa and serve it on a bun with your favorite hot dog toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, and onions.
• For a heartier meal, serve with parmesan and butter spaghetti, brown or white rice, or couscous.
• Add it to breakfast hash skillet with eggs, potatoes, and cheese.
• Serve with red beans and rice.
• Make a kielbasa and pepper pasta with tomatoes.
• Air fryer the kielbasa and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as grain mustard, spicy mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or fry sauce.

For Breakfast

• Kielbasa is a great breakfast sausage and can be served with eggs and hash browns or scrambled eggs, spinach, and toast.
• It also goes well with creamed corn and rice.

How to store leftovers

When storing leftovers, it is important to note that cooked kielbasa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. It is best to use an airtight container to ensure the kielbasa remains fresh and safe to consume. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it; this can extend its shelf life by a few months.

To properly store your leftover kielbasa, follow these steps:

• Allow the cooked kielbasa to cool to room temperature.
• Place the kielbasa in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
• Store it in the coldest part of your fridge, usually at the back, away from the door.
• Consume within 3–5 days.

It is important to maintain proper hygiene and prevent cross-contamination when handling and storing kielbasa. Wash your hands before and after handling the meat, and ensure all kitchen surfaces are sanitized.

When reheating your leftover kielbasa, you can use the microwave, oven, stovetop, or even the air fryer. Enjoy your leftovers cold or reheated!

What to serve with kielbasa

Kielbasa, a Polish word for sausage, is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried kielbasa:

Traditional Polish Sides

These sides will give you an authentic Polish meal experience:

• Sauerkraut is a classic pairing with kielbasa, offering a tart contrast to the salty, smoky sausage. You can make it from scratch or use a shortcut version that's ready in 30 minutes.
• Haluski, a popular Central European dish of cabbage and egg noodles tossed in butter, is simple and inexpensive to prepare.
• Pierogies, either store-bought or homemade, are a great comfort food option to serve with kielbasa. Experiment with different fillings like sauerkraut, mushrooms, or traditional potato and cheese.
• Polish potato pancakes have crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. They are similar to latkes or hash browns but use different ingredients like onion and egg. Serve them immediately with a dollop of sour cream.

Fresh and Light Sides

These sides add a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty kielbasa:

• Cucumber salad is a summertime treat, with paper-thin cucumber slices and onions drenched in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.
• Apple fennel slaw is a unique take on traditional coleslaw, with granny smith apples, fennel, onion, and a lemon vinaigrette for a tarter flavor.
• Lemon herb pasta salad is a healthy, mayonnaise-free option for outdoor parties. It's filled with classic flavors and fresh herbs that everyone will love.
• Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect pairing if you're grilling your kielbasa links. Jazz it up with a garlicky cilantro-lime butter for a crowd-pleasing side.
• French potato salad is a bright and herby twist on the classic, flavored with a lemon-garlic vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the kielbasa.

Hearty Comfort Foods

These sides are perfect for when you're craving something warm and indulgent:

• Boston baked beans take time to cook, but the result is worth it—a pot of rich, sweet, and salty beans.
• Sautéed peppers and onions is a simple, healthy dish that packs a flavorful punch. It's a one-skillet meal, so there's less mess to clean up afterward.
• Green bean casserole adds some variety to your holiday spread, with crisp-tender green beans smothered in a decadent cheesy cream sauce and topped with crispy onions.
• Broccoli cheddar frittata is a cheesy, filling option for brunch. It's also great for making ahead and reheating throughout the week.

International Fusion

Introduce an international twist to your kielbasa with these global flavors:

• Shrimp and pineapple skewers are a sweet and elegant barbecue treat. Add a few chunks of smoky kielbasa for a surf-and-turf twist.
• Sun-dried tomato and feta couscous is a hearty yet light dish loaded with Mediterranean flavors. It's a great base for your savory kielbasa and takes just 10 minutes to make.
• Kimchi fried rice fuses Korean and Polish cuisine. The umami-rich flavors of gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil pair surprisingly well with kielbasa. Top it off with a fried egg for a hearty meal.
• Braised red cabbage is a traditional German side dish that balances the richness of the kielbasa. It has a long cooking time but can be made in advance and reheated when needed.

How to cook frozen kielbasa

Place the frozen kielbasa in the air fryer basket. You don't need to worry about thawing it first; it can go straight into the air fryer! Set the temperature to 380°F / 190°C and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to flip the kielbasa halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

You can serve the kielbasa as a main dish or get creative and add it to other dishes. It goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, vegetables, or rice and pasta. If you're looking for some extra crispiness, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that is typically made with pork, veal, beef, or turkey and seasoned with garlic and other spices. It is a versatile ingredient that can be boiled, pan-fried, baked, or grilled. In the US, it is usually found in the refrigerator aisle of grocery stores, already smoked and fully cooked. However, occasionally, it may be sold raw, so make sure to check the label before cooking.

Cooking kielbasa in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and semi-hands-free method that delivers delicious results. The air fryer basket helps drain the excess fat, making it a healthier option compared to cooking in a skillet.

Frequently asked questions