Air Fryer Kielbasa (Polish Sausages)

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Every bite of this air fryer kielbasa is a dream! It’s sweet, savory, crispy, and juicy, and it’s made in just 10 minutes! Make it for a game-day appetizer or for any weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

This air fryer kielbasa recipe is absolutely incredible. It’s so fast and easy to make, with hardly any cleanup. Best of all, everybody (and I mean everybody) loves it!

Here’s why you’ll love it, too:

• Fast and easy: This dish is ready in just 10 minutes! It’s great for a quick dinner.
• Only 2 ingredients: Just grab your kielbasa and some oil, and you’re ready to go.
• Super versatile: Serve it with toothpicks as an appetizer or with veggies to make a full meal. I even pack it in my kids’ lunch boxes!
• Great for crowds: Kids and grown-ups alike love these tasty bites of deliciousness! We love to serve it on game day or for a holiday appetizer.

👉 If you’re new to air frying or just love your air fryer (like me), get my printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you only need two ingredients: kielbasa and some kind of oil. Avocado oil is best for the air fryer because it has a higher smoke point, but you can use other oils such as olive oil.

Best Kind of Kielbasa

Kielbasa (aka Polish Sausage) is typically made with pork and/or beef, but it’s sometimes made with turkey, too. They can all be used interchangeably in this recipe, so choose whichever variety you prefer.

In most US grocery stores, kielbasa is smoked and fully cooked, however, it does occasionally come raw. The instructions and recipe here is for fully-cooked kielbasa.

Instructions

Ready to make this easy air fryer recipe? Let’s get to it!

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (20°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, turn it on and wait about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice the kielbasas into ½-inch thick rounds.

Step 2: Toss the kielbasa with the oil, turning to coat fully.

Step 3: Add the kielbasa and spread into a single layer as best you can. It’s okay if the pieces overlap a little, but air needs to be able to flow in order to cook and crisp the pieces.

Step 4: Cook in the air fryer for 9-10 minutes, stopping halfway to shake the basket or use a silicone spatula to flip the pieces.

Near the end of cooking time, open the basket to check on the kielbasa pieces. Once they’re hot and caramelized as much as you like them, carefully transfer them to a plate and serve.

👉 Note: You can cook the slices until they’re as crispy as you like! Add 1-2 minutes for extra crispy pieces, or subtract 1-2 minutes for less crispier pieces.

Expert Tips & Info

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! If you’re cooking more than one sausage, work in batches. You want to leave enough room in the basket for the air to be able to flow around each piece of sausage.

Always preheat the air fryer! If you don’t preheat it, it will take longer for the kielbasas to get caramelized, which will make the sausage dry.

Use the drippings at the bottom of the air fryer to roast vegetables. Simply pour the drippings over sliced vegetables and roast them. Hello, flavor!! I do this with the rendered fat from when I make Pork Belly Bites, too!

You can air fry the kielbasa whole (without slicing it first). Follow the same instructions to cook the kielbasa whole, but poke a few holes in the kielbasa with a fork before cooking to keep it from bursting. After it’s cooked, allow the sausage to cool slightly before slicing.

Kielbasa goes great with grainy mustard and sauerkraut, crusty rolls, potatoes, dipped in horseradish aioli, or with any of your favorite vegetables like spaghetti squash, baby potatoes, roasted broccoli, or roasted beets.

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