Enjoy crispy Air Fryer Kielbasa in under 20 minutes! This recipe combines the smoky richness of Polish sausage with a zesty homemade mustard dip. It’s perfect for hearty breakfast spreads or as a no-fuss appetizer.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Air fryer or oven: Whether you prefer the quickness of an air fryer or the traditional method of oven baking, I have instructions for both! It turns out perfect, no matter what.
- Easy to make: This recipe requires very little hands-on effort. Add the sausage to the air fryer or oven, toss it once, and mix the mustard dip.
- Perfect party favor: Serve air fryer kielbasa at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes the star of the party! Both adults and kids love snacking on it.
Easy air fryer kielbasa
I always love cooking with any type of sausage. It adds a hearty element to recipes like chicken and sausage pasta, puff pastry sausage bites, and wild mushroom and sausage stuffing. Ever since I started making air fryer kielbasa, it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen repertoire!
The sausage turns out beautifully browned and crispy on the outside while maintaining a succulent and juicy interior. I love using my air fryer, but you can just as easily make this recipe in the oven with my instructions outlined below.
Plus, the Dijon mustard marinade and dip both add a zesty tang that perfectly complements the savoriness of the sausage. This recipe makes a great appetizer, but I often find myself snacking on it straight from the air fryer! You’ve been warned.
Ingredients & substitutions
- Kielbasa: This Polish sausage brings a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. If kielbasa isn’t available, try any smoked sausage like Andouille or Spanish chorizo.
- Stone ground mustard: Offers a robust, tangy flavor and rustic consistency that complements the kielbasa. Regular Dijon mustard can be used as an alternative for a smoother texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the mustard’s tanginess. You can also use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds a complex, umami flavor to the marinade. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar will also work as substitutes if needed.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter version if you prefer.
- Whole grain Dijon mustard: Provides a spicy kick to the sauce. You can swap whole grain Dijon for regular Dijon or even honey mustard to create a different flavor profile.
- Chives: Add a mild, onion-like flavor and a pop of color to the sauce. Green onions or parsley make great alternatives.
How to make air fryer kielbasa
- Cut the sausage: Start by slicing 2 rings of kielbasa into 1-inch pieces. Then, score them a couple of times, but not all the way through!
- Season the slices: Combine the sausage pieces with the mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss everything together until the sausage is nicely coated.
- Air fry or oven-bake: If you’re using an air fryer, arrange half the kielbasa pieces in the basket and air fry at 400F for 9-11 minutes, shaking halfway through. If you’re using an oven, spread them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425F for 18-20 minutes.
- Mix the mustard dip: While the sausage cooks, mix the creamy mustard sauce by combining the mayonnaise, whole grain Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a tablespoon of finely chopped chives.
- Assemble: Remove the bites from the air fryer and set them on a large serving platter. Top them with chives, then serve your crispy kielbasa pieces with the mustard dip.
Serving suggestions
There are so many ways to use air fryer kielbasa! Try your hand at some of these ideas:
- With crusty bread: Dip the pieces, then add them to a slice of warm, crusty bread.
- Breakfast: Serve your sausage with your morning scrambled eggs, Italian baked eggs and sausage, or this easy sausage and cabbage skillet for a hearty breakfast.
- In a wrap: Roll them in a tortilla with some greens as a quick snack.
- As a main dish: Pair a serving of sausage with a delicata squash salad, salt roasted potatoes, or potato galette to create a light meal.
Other dips
Looking for more dip inspiration instead of creamy mustard? Check out some of my favorites:
- Chipotle sauce
- Honey mustard dip
- Sriracha mayo
- Chimichurri sauce
- Caramelized onion dip
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- BBQ sauce dip
Frequently asked questions
Look for a golden-brown color and a slight crispiness on the edges.
Yes, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and sausages are certified gluten-free.
Aim for shallow scores. Cutting too deeply can cause the sausages to fall apart during cooking. A light score is enough for flavor penetration and even cooking.
Storage & reheating
Keep your air fryer kielbasa fresh for longer with these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Although the texture will change slightly, you can freeze cooked kielbasa for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: Reheat pieces in the oven or air fryer at 350F until warm and crispy. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.
Top tips
- Quality sausage matters: Use high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor. I recommend sourcing it from your local butcher rather than the grocery store.
- Even coating: Ensure all the sausage pieces are well-coated with the marinade before adding them to the air fryer basket or baking tray.
- Preheat your cooker: Whether you’re using an oven or air fryer, preheating is essential for even cooking. Most air fryers have a preheat function nowadays, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the sausage in batches if necessary for even crisping, especially if you’re air frying them.
Looking for more sausage recipes?
If you enjoyed this air fryer kielbasa recipe, be sure to check out some more of my favorite sausage dishes like these:
If you try this Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Easy Air Fryer Kielbasa
Equipment
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 rings kielbasa, cut into 1” size pieces
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Creamy mustard sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cut the kielbasa into 1” pieces. Then score one or two times in the middle, not cutting all the way through. Add to a mixing bowl.
- Add the mustard, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce into a small bowl and mix well to combine, then toss it with the kielbasa to combine.
- Arrange the Kielbasa pieces into the basket of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, or until browned, shaking the basket of the air fryer halfway through cooking. (See oven instructions below)
- Remove the bites from the air fryer and set them on a large serving platter. Repeat with the second batch if needed to split into two batches.
- Make the creamy mustard sauce by adding all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing well to combine.
- Serve the sauce with the crispy kielbasa pieces, top with chives and enjoy.
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