Air-Fryer Kielbasa: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking kielbasa in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, meaty snack. Kielbasa is the Polish word for sausage, and Polish sausage is often smoked, but it can also be found fresh or uncured. It is typically made with pork, but can be made with a variety of meats such as veal, beef, turkey or chicken.

To make kielbasa in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C. If you are cooking the kielbasa whole, you should cook it for around 9 minutes. If you are cooking slices, it will take around 7-8 minutes. You can serve your air-fried kielbasa with a variety of sides, or enjoy it on its own.

Choosing the right type of kielbasa

Fresh Kielbasa

Fresh kielbasa is typically made with pork and spices and is often sold uncooked. It is a versatile option as it can be cooked in multiple ways, including frying, grilling, or baking. Choosing fresh kielbasa gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to achieve your desired level of tenderness. It is a great choice if you want to boil your kielbasa, as it can be cooked to your preferred level of doneness.

Smoked Kielbasa

Smoked kielbasa has a distinctive smoky flavour, often achieved by smoking the sausage over wood chips. It is usually pre-cooked, making it a convenient option for quick meals. This type of kielbasa is perfect for air fryer recipes as it only needs to be heated and crisped up. Smoked kielbasa is often made with beef, pork, or a blend of both, resulting in a savoury and juicy sausage.

Spicy Kielbasa

If you enjoy a little heat, spicy kielbasa is the way to go. It is packed with chilli peppers and other spices, adding a kick to your dish. Spicy kielbasa can be a great choice for those who want to add some extra flavour and warmth to their meal. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be a tasty addition to recipes that need a little extra heat.

When selecting kielbasa, also consider the thickness of the sausage. Thinner kielbasa will result in a crispier exterior, while thicker kielbasa may take longer to cook and might not achieve the same level of crispness.

Additionally, if your kielbasa has a casing that cannot be eaten, it is best to remove it before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the need to remove it later.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean, especially as kielbasa is a fatty meat and fat can cause white smoke to come out of your air fryer. You can line the lower tray with foil if your air fryer manual permits.

If you are cooking sliced kielbasa, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. If you are cooking a whole kielbasa, you do not need to spray the basket with oil.

Set your air fryer to preheat. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 400°F (177°C to 204°C). Preheat your air fryer for 3-4 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your kielbasa will depend on whether you are cooking the sausage whole or in slices. If you are cooking the whole sausage, it will take longer than if you are cooking slices.

If you are cooking slices of kielbasa, you should preheat your air fryer to between 380°F / 190°C and 400°F/204°C. Place the slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each slice, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you like your kielbasa extra crispy, add a minute or two to the cooking time.

If you are cooking a whole kielbasa, preheat your air fryer to 380°F / 190°C and cook for 4 minutes, then flip the sausage over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

If your kielbasa is frozen, there is no need to thaw it before cooking. Place the frozen sausage in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F / 190°C for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Kielbasa is technically done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C-74°C. If you are reheating cooked kielbasa, heat it in the air fryer until it reaches a minimum safe temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Serving suggestions

Kielbasa is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack

Kielbasa can be enjoyed as a tasty, meaty snack on its own or with cheese, crackers, dips, and toothpicks.

With Sides

Kielbasa pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including French fries, Sauerkraut, sautéed peppers and onions, Mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, baked beans, col Slaw, and potato salad. It can also be served with your favourite dipping sauces, such as grain mustard, spicy mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or fry sauce.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Kielbasa can be added to other dishes to make a full dinner. It can be served over Parmesan and butter spaghetti, brown or white rice, couscous, or tossed with pierogies, soups, or stir-fries. It can also be included in salads, casseroles, and other meals as an ingredient.

For Breakfast

Kielbasa is suitable for a gluten-free, low-carb, or Keto breakfast, paired with eggs and bacon.

Storing and reheating

Storing

Leftover kielbasa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also wrap and freeze it for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat your kielbasa in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions