Air Fryer Kielbasa

Air Fryer kielbasa is so easy to make! Slice up the kielbasa, air fry, and toss in a homemade sauce or with mustard. This Polish sausage gets perfectly cooked in the air fryer every time.

I love kielbasa. It's just that perfect amount of smoky, and is so easy to cook and eat as an appetizer or for dinner. I love tossing the air fried kielbasa sausage in a homemade sauce, but it's also delicious straight out of the air fryer -- no sauce needed.

Air fried kielbasa also pairs so wonderfully with a spicy mustard... just like we would serve it in Central Texas! Or maybe with some sauerkraut and a side of good old potato salad. Now that's a feast right there.

The kielbasa gets a little crispy when sliced and cooked in the air fryer, just how I like it! I also like to tell my kids it's like a giant hot dog when I make this a meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• Kielbasa - This recipe uses a u-shaped kielbasa sausage that is sliced into rounds. However, you can also use kielbasa links.

Sauce ingredients - These ingredients are used to make a sauce for the kielbasa. However, if you plan to enjoy the kielbasa in another way, you will not need the ingredients below!

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar

How to make air fryer kielbasa

Slice the kielbasa into ½ inch pieces.

Add the kielbasa slices to the air fryer basket in a single layer. My slices all fit in my air fryer at the same time, but if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to air fry in batches.

Cook for 5 minutes in the air fryer, then flip the slices and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, until sausage is done to your liking.

After kielbasa is done cooking, make a quick sauce by adding the mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to a pan.

Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until combined and hot.

Add the kielbasa and stir to coat.

Enjoy! I love serving mine with fancy toothpicks, but of course, many times just eat the kielbasa slices with a fork.

Recipe tips

• Unless your air fryer specifically calls for it, you do not need to preheat your air fryer for to make the kielbasa.
• There is no need to spray your air fryer before adding the kielbasa. The fat in the kielbasa keeps it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• For a bit of spice, you can always add a dash or two of Frank's Red Hot to the sauce.

What is kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a Polish smoked sausage that comes in a variety of meats. You can get pork, turkey, beef, etc.

It's used as an umbrella term for sausage that comes from Poland, but is commonly found in the United States as links or in the "U-shape" as shown below. We eat it a lot in Central Texas, and it is served as many of my family gatherings!

For this recipe, I used the kielbasa smoked sausage below.

How to store air fried kielbasa

After cooking, air fried kielbasa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This can be stored either before coating in a sauce or after, both work!

If you want to freeze, I do recommend freezing before making a sauce for the air fryer kielbasa. The kielbasa can be stored in the freezer for two months. (Thaw before cooking).

To reheat, simply reheat in a skillet or in your air fryer until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Can you air fry a whole kielbasa?

Yes! If you don't want to cut into slices before cooking, you can air fry a whole kielbasa, then slice afterwards. It will need a couple of additional minutes per side.

Serving ideas

Air Fryer Kielbasa can be served in so many ways!

You can make a homemade sauce, like I did here. Or just toss the cooked kielbasa in your favorite bbq sauce. It makes a great appetizer!

Kielbasa is also delicious served alongside some sauerkraut or with a potato salad. Air fried kielbasa can easily be stirred into pasta and would be great with a cajun pasta!

Or served with some peppers and onions. My mouth is watering just thinking about the possibilities.