Cooking Kielbasa sausages in the air fryer is my new favorite way. Whether I’m cooking these whole or cut up in slices, this Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe is quick and easy to make and if you’ve been wondering how to cook Kielbasa, this easy semi hands free method will keep you away from standing over the stove top or heating up your house with an oven.
These smoked sausages are suitable for a gluten free, low carb and Keto diet. They make an amazing breakfast of eggs and sausages or a great side dish to cubed potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables or rice and pasta
Crispy Air fryer Kielbasa recipe.
Air fried Kielbasa always turns out with crispy skin and juicy insides. The air fryer basket helps to drain off the fat that oozes out of these polish sausages as they cook. This is a huge bonus because it’s not cooking in its fat like it would when cooked in a skillet.
The good thing is that you will still get very similar results. We enjoy our breakfast sausages better because of our air fryer.
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What is Kielbasa?
Kielbasa is the polish word for Sausage. This Polish sausage is tasty and is used in a variety of recipes including adding it to variety of dishes including the famous New Year’s black eyed peas recipe, making air fryer sausage and peppers or this air fried sausage and potatoes recipe.
Traditionally Kielbasa is made with Pork or Veal. However it can be made with a variety of meats which include Turkey, Beef or chicken. It is then seasoned with garlic and other spices. This polish sausage can be boiled, pan fried, baked or grilled and it sure does taste great. In the United States it’s usually found in the refrigerator aisle of your favorite grocery store
Related recipes: Spicy Air fryer Chicken Sausages, How to cook sausages in air fryer appliances, Air fryer Italian sausages.
Why you’ll love this
Quick and Easy: Gets ready in minutes and is an easy beginner friendly recipe. Are you intimidated by your air fryer? Try this recipe today and in no time you’ll be using your air fryer like a pro.
Family friendly: These smoked Kielbasa sausage finish off really fast. Kids and adults love it especially with scrabbled eggs and bacon if you’re feeling extra.
Delicious: These are really good and tasty. They can be simply irresistible if you try them.
Versatile: Can be eaten on it’s own or served with a variety of side dishes. These can be paired with almost anything.
How long do you cook Kielbasa in an air fryer?
This will depend on if it’s being cooked whole or sliced up. If cooking whole, it can take up to 9 mins and if cooking slices, it will take 7 to 8 minutes.
How to cook Kielbasa in the air fryer
This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to end of post for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.
Like any sausage, Kielbasa cooks up nicely in the air fryer and takes less than 10 mins to get that delicious crispy and slightly charred exterior we love.
How to make kielbasa sausage rope in whole
Place the whole kielbasa sausage in the air fryer basket or rack. Set temp to 380°F / 190°C and cook for 4 mins then flip over and cook for another 5 mins or till your desired level of crispy.
Cooking it when chopped into slices
Place sliced sausages in the air fryer basket and set timer to 380°F / 190°C and cook for 4 mins, shake basket then cook for another 4 mins. Let it rest for 2 minutes then serve.
How to cook Frozen kielbasa in air fryer
Place frozen kielbasa in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F / 190°C and cook for 12 to 15 mins flipping half way through cooking time. No need to thaw before air frying.
Kielbasa brands (Polish sausage brands)
- Hillshire farm
- Boar’s head
- Butterball
- Jennie-O Hardwood
- Dietz & Watson
- Hatfieid
- Johnsonville
You can use Kielbasa sausages in
- Air fryer sausage and potatoes
- Easy air fryer Sausage and peppers
- Kielbasa Pasta
How to store and how to reheat
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or air fryer.
Tips
- No need to poke the sausages if cooking the whole rope.
- Add extra 1 or 2 minutes to the recommended time if you like it super crispy.
- The sliced sausages will cook faster than the whole sausage. Try to cut them into equal slices so they cook evenly. However remember not to cut them too thin so they don’t burn.
- Let the sausage rest for about 2 mins before serving.
FAQs
Can you boil Kielbasa?
Yes you can boil Kielbasa. In fact the stovetop method recommends you start with boiling with a little bit of water which is allowed to dry up and the sausages begin to char. You can also decide to boil without letting the water dry out.
What should I serve with Kielbasa?
These can be served with your favorite dipping sauces like grain mustard, spicy mustard, ketchup, bbq sauce or Fry sauce. These can also be served with a side of French fries, Saukernaut, sautéed peppers and onions, Mac and cheese. Brussels sprouts, baked beans, coleslaw, see how options are endless
Is Kielbasa cooked?
Are you wondering if these polish sausages are precooked. Though these sausages come in fresh, and smoked or cooked, most of them are usually fully cooked just like hot dogs are. However they still need some heating up before eating.
More Air fryer breakfast recipes to try
- Air fryer toast
- How to make Air fryer French toast
- Air fryer Turkey bacon
- Eggs, bacon and toast in the air fryer.
- Air fryer Garlic Asiago chicken sausages
Check out all our >>>Air fryer Recipes!
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Air fryer Kielbasa (Polish Sausages)
Ingredients
- 1 Rope Smoked Kielbasa sausage (or cut into even slices)
Serving suggestions
- ¼ cup Ketchup or Barbecue sauce (substitute with your favorite dipping sauce)
- Scrambled eggs
- Potatoes and peppers.
Instructions
cooking the whole rope of sausage
- Place sausage rope in air fryer basket and set temperature to 380F / 190C and cook for 4 mins then flip over with a pair of kitchen tongs and cook for another 5 minutes.
for sliced Kielbasa
- Place sausage slices in the air fryer and air fry at 380F / 190C for 4 mins then shake the basket and continue cooking for 3 to 4 mins or until you reach your desired level or browned.
Nutrition
NUTRITION DISCLAIMER
Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used. Please read full nutrition disclaimer here.
As far as sauces, the traditional is grainy mustard, such as Pulaski or Maille. never heard of anyone using any of the other sauces for Polish sausage.
Hi Glen,
Thank you for this helpful info! I’ll include them in the list above. The listed sauces are the common sauce used here in the US and the ones my kids love. Enjoy!
This was delicious! I will never make kielbasa any other way again. No more greasy splattered cooktop or standing over the stove. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Delicious with spicy mustard and kraut!
Yay!! Jessica!
I couldn’t agree more. We love it this way and don’t do it any other way. Thank you for taking time to leave a feedback!
What do u put under basket to catch grease I have the ninja foodi oven
Hi Lesia,
Does your come with a bottom tray. If yes that should suffice. Check your manual to see if your brand permits the use of foil. If it does you can line the lower tray with foil.
Okay,that's it ,this is all my favorite stuff,you guys gotta come to my casa and just start cooking LOL
You can boil this and green cabbage in the same pot. We love it that way. Will have to try the air flyer.
Hi Louise!
I think you’d love it in the air fryer too. Thanks for the tip! I’ll give it a go. I love cabbage.