How To Cook Kielbasa In Air Fryer? (Easy Way)

Do you know how to cook Kielbasa in air fryer? I’m sure you would not, then what are you waiting for? A miracle to happen?

Let’s start making this amazing recipe with me. In this guide, I will show you every tiny detail about this recipe.

Kielbasa, pronounced “kee-wah-sah,” is a type of sausage that originates from Poland. It is a popular and well-loved sausage variety known for its rich, smoky, and savory flavor.

Kielbasa is typically made from pork, although it can also include beef or a combination of meats, and is seasoned with a blend of spices, including garlic, salt, and pepper.

It comes in various forms, such as fresh (uncooked) or smoked, and can be found in different shapes and sizes.

Smoked kielbasa, in particular, is a favorite for its robust flavor and can be enjoyed in various dishes, from soups and stews to sandwiches, and as a stand-alone grilled or pan-fried sausage.

It’s a versatile ingredient in Polish and Eastern European cuisine and is appreciated for its hearty and satisfying taste.

How To Cook Kielbasa In Air Fryer

Craving smoky, flavorful kielbasa without the mess of traditional methods? Ditch the stove and embrace the magic of air frying! Here’s your simple guide to air-fried kielbasa perfection:

Prep: Pierce whole kielbasa for even cooking, or slice it to your desired thickness. Season generously with your favorite spices or marinate for extra oomph.

Preheat: Get your air fryer hot at 375°F for optimal results.

Air Fry: Arrange the kielbasa in a single layer, mist with cooking spray for crispness (optional), and cook! Whole kielbasa takes 10-15 minutes with a flip, while sliced pieces are ready in 8-10 minutes with an occasional toss. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and deliciousness.

Glaze (optional): In the final minutes, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce, honey glaze, or anything else that tickles your taste buds.

Rest and Serve: Let the kielbasa rest for a few minutes to lock in juices, then indulge! Pair it with sides like veggies or enjoy it solo – the flavor possibilities are endless.

INGREDIENTS:

The exact ingredients used in kielbasa can vary depending on the specific recipe and regional variations. However, here are the typical ingredients you might find in traditional kielbasa:

Meat: Kielbasa is typically made from pork, but it can also include beef, veal, or a combination of these meats.

Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, marjoram, and other spices. These seasonings contribute to the sausage’s savory and smoky flavor.

Curing Salt: Curing salt, also known as Prague Powder #1, is sometimes used to preserve the sausage and give it a characteristic pink color.

Water: Water is often added to help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture in the sausage.

Other Additives: Depending on the recipe and regional variations, additional ingredients like sugar, coriander, paprika, and other spices may be used to enhance flavor.

It’s important to note that different types of kielbasa, such as fresh and smoked, may have variations in ingredients and preparation.

Additionally, there are regional differences in kielbasa recipes, so ingredients may differ from one place to another.

If you have a specific type or recipe of kielbasa in mind, the ingredients can vary accordingly.

HOW TO MAKE AIR-FRIED KIELBASA

To make kielbasa in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Preheating ensures that the sausage cooks evenly.

Prepare the Kielbasa: If your kielbasa is fresh (uncooked), you may want to brush it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. If your kielbasa is smoked and fully cooked, you can skip this step.

Cut and Score (Optional): You can cut the kielbasa into smaller pieces for even cooking. Additionally, you can score the sausage by making diagonal cuts on its surface to allow heat to penetrate and create a slightly crispier texture.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the kielbasa pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure that there is some space between the pieces to allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking Time: Cook the kielbasa for about 10-12 minutes, turning it halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary based on the thickness of the sausage and the air fryer’s temperature.

Check for Doneness: The kielbasa is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for smoked sausage or 165°F (74°C) for fresh sausage. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Additionally, the surface should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.

Serve: Once the kielbasa is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve hot.

Optional Seasoning: You can season the kielbasa with spices or herbs of your choice before cooking to add extra flavor.

Why We Love It

The love for cooking kielbasa in an air fryer is rooted in several compelling reasons, making it a beloved cooking method for many. Here’s why we adore air-frying kielbasa:

1. Perfect Crispiness:

The ability to achieve the perfect level of crispiness is a primary reason for our affection.

Air frying produces kielbasa with a wonderfully crispy and browned exterior, mirroring the delightful texture of deep-frying.

This contrast between the crispy outside and tender inside is immensely satisfying.

2. Healthier Enjoyment:

We love the fact that air frying is a healthier cooking option. By using significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, air-fried kielbasa allows us to indulge in this delectable sausage with fewer calories and less saturated fat.

It’s a guilt-free pleasure, and we appreciate the opportunity to enjoy our favorite flavors without compromising our health.

3. Speed and Efficiency:

Our busy lives often demand quick and efficient meal preparation, and the air fryer delivers precisely that.

With its rapid preheating and shorter cooking times, it allows us to savor a satisfying kielbasa meal in a fraction of the time required by other methods.

The convenience of speedy cooking fits seamlessly into our hectic schedules.

4. User-Friendly Operation:

Air fryers are incredibly user-friendly. Their straightforward operation and minimal preparation requirements make them accessible to everyone, from seasoned home cooks to beginners.

It’s a hassle-free way to cook kielbasa, as preheating, setting the timer, and letting the appliance do the work is all that’s needed.

5. Effortless Cleanup:

We appreciate the ease of cleanup after air frying kielbasa. Most air fryer components, including the basket and tray, are designed for easy removal and are often dishwasher safe.

Additionally, the reduced use of oil means there are no messy oil spills or lingering odors to contend with, simplifying the post-cooking cleanup.

6. Versatile Cooking:

The versatility of the air fryer is another reason for our affection. It accommodates various types of kielbasa, from fresh sausages that require cooking from scratch to precooked and smoked varieties.

We have the flexibility to tailor the cooking time to our preferences, achieving the desired level of crispiness and flavor.

FAQs

Air Fryer Kielbasa

Amy Nicholson

Air Fryer Kielbasa is a flavorful and delicious dish that can be prepared in minutes! Air frying makes them juicy and crispy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1 15 package Kielbasa 

Instructions

 

• To make this kielbasa dish, remove sausage from the packaging, and then cut it into bite-size pieces (about ½ inch-sized coin size pieces.)Transfer to the air fryer basket, and air fry at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. I tossed the pieces of sausage halfway through air frying. Remove from the basket and serve! 

Notes

To make a kielbasa sandwich: Get an Italian sub roll, smear spicy brown mustard on the inside, and add the cooked kielbasa, and some sauerkraut. Pop it in the air fryer and toast for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy!! If your sauerkraut is straight from the fridge, you’ll might want to heat it a bit in the microwave first.

 

More serving ideas: Kielbasa appetizer, use for cabbage and kielbasa, in fried rice, or serve whole kielbasa as the main dish with roasted potatoes and your favorite veggie side dish.

 

Nutrition facts are estimated for a 4-oz serving of kielbasa and will vary depending on the brand of kielbasa used. If making subs/sandwiches, I can get 2-3 subs from a pound of kielbasa, so the subs will have substantially more calories!

Keyword air fry polish sausage, Kielbasa, Kielbasa in Air Fyer