If you're looking for a quick dish that is both flavorful and effortless, this Air Fryer Kielbasa is for you!
With under 15 minutes of combined prep and cook time, there is literally no reason you can't get this sausage on the table any night of the week.
Using an air fryer to cook kielbasa yields a slightly crispy edge and a juicy smoked sausage center that is not short on flavor.
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The main reason I love kielbasa so much is that is it so quick and easy for dinners but I also love that it works perfect for an easy appetizer while entertaining, game-day snacks or as part of a BBQ.
Polish sausage (kielbasa) isn't the only sausage that works well in the air fryer. I also make my Italian Sausage in the air fryer too and it comes out perfect every time!
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🔪Ingredients
You can actually make this kielbasa recipe with just kielbasa and omit the rest of the ingredients. However, if you want to add a bit more flavor then go ahead and use the ingredients listed below. These are my go-to seasonings for just about everything.
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage) or any type of smoked sausage
- Olive oil
- Seasoning - garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
🥘Instructions
If you are a visual learner, these instructions are for you. If you do not require instruction photos, feel free to skip down to the recipe card where you can print the kielbasa recipe.
- Step 1: Slice the kielbasa into ½ inch slices.
- Step 2: Toss the kielbasa slices in a bowl with oil and spices.
- Step 3: Transfer to air fryer basket and cook in air fryer.
- Step 4: If desired, sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve.
Hint: Use a quick-read thermometer to make sure kielbasa reaches 160 F. This is the safe temperature per the USDA.
🍽️Variations
Kielbasa can be served many different ways and with many different flavor profiles. Here are just a few ways you can make it your own.
- Saucy - halfway through cook time, brush with your choice of BBQ or favorite sauce.
- In a bun - instead of slicing in rounds, you can slice the long way and serve in a toasted bun, similar to a hot dog.
- Lighten it up - Cut some calories out of the recipe by subbing in Turkey Kielbasa or any kind of pre-cooked Chicken Sausage!
🌭What to serve with Kielbasa
If preparing Kielbasa as a main dish, I prefer simple side dishes like Jalapeno Rice, a simple side salad, French fries or Zucchini Fries if it is in the summer months. Sometimes I serve with Sweet Potato Cubes (because I'll use any excuse to eat those) or Air Fryer Broccoli.
If serving Air Fryer Kielbasa as an appetizer or snack, I keep it simple and use a simple Dijon or Grainy mustard for dipping and put some tooth picks out for grabbing.
If you are preparing the Polish sausage for sandwich / roll style. Keep it in links and serve in a bun with pickled onion, sauerkraut or top with mustard.
🍳Equipment
Obviously, you need an air fryer to make air fryer kielbasa. I have sampled a few air fryers and my favorite brand over and over has continued to be the Cosori. This particular model, I have been using since July 2022 and I still can confidently recommend it - Cosori 5 qt.
❓FAQ
No, it isn't necessary. However, preheating can help the edges crisp up better so it is personal preference. I always do for a recipe like this.
Yes! The kielbasa can be prepared in the air fryer and simply add a few extra minutes. If the kielbasa is frozen solid, air fry for a few minutes to partially thaw, then slice and continue cooking as directed in recipe.
Most kielbasa will be labeled fully cooked or smoked. These are pre-cooked and need only to be heated. Raw kielbasa, less common, needs to fully be cooked. In either event, you should always heat your kielbasa to an internal temperature of 160 F to be safe.
🍴More Air Fryer Favorites
Looking for other air fryer recipes? Try these:
Printable Recipe Card
Air Fryer Kielbasa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa (Polish sausage) or other smoked sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnishes
- fresh chopped parsley
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 °F
- Slice Kielbasa into ½ inch rounds (or preferred size and shape).
- In a bowl, toss the Kielbasa with oil, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. (NOTE 1)
- Transfer Kielbasa to air fryer basket and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are slightly crispy and internal temperature reaches 160 °F (NOTE 2)
- Garnish if desired and serve.
Notes
- Swap Polish sausage out for lower calorie smoked turkey sausage
- Skip the seasonings and use a flavored chicken sausage - there are many flavors out there now.
- Mustard as a dipping sauce (grainy or dijon)
- Horseradish for dipping
- Picked onions
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