Chef’s Speedy Trick to Crispy Kielbasa Sausage Links — Easy Air-Fryer Recipe

Kielbasa sausage links are an easy dinner option that hits its flavor peak when you make them in the air fryer. This machine evenly cooks the sausage, leaving you with a browned casing and tender, seasoned middle. The sausages also crisp up within 10 minutes, around the time it takes to pan-fry them, but you don’t have to worry about grease spilling everywhere. Keep reading to learn more about cooking kielbasa in the air fryer and five tasty accompaniments to serve with the sausage links!

What is kielbasa?

The word “kielbasa” translates to “sausage” in Polish, making it an umbrella term that several sausages can fall under. Individual kielbasa links made with pork are a popular option sold in the meat aisle. The reason: They’re thicker than a hot dog and have a strong garlic flavor. This makes the sausage good to pair with other flavorful sides and condiments. While kielbasa can be cooked in a variety of ways, using the air fryer produces sausages with the best flavor and texture.

Why the air fryer is best for cooking this sausage

Air fryers circulate hot air in the machine, which simultaneously cooks the meat’s filling and casing. This results in a fully browned and tender sausage in as little as 10 minutes. You don’t even need to coat the sausage in oil as the hot air draws out its natural fat during the cooking process. Because of this, air frying is a clear winner over pan-frying when it comes to preparing crispy Kielbasa.

Chef’s secret to air-fried sausage with less mess

To prevent the sausages from bursting open, be sure to poke them prior to cooking. “Before cooking, gently prick the sausages with a fork,” Lynne Just, consumer test kitchen manager and chef at Hamilton Beach, says. “This will keep them from splitting in the air fryer.” Pricking the sausages also not only maintains their shape, but it allows heat to get inside so they cook and crisp quicker. Additionally, this step ensures that just enough fat escapes the links so they’re moist instead of greasy.

How to cook kielbasa in the air fryer

Whether you’re enjoying kielbasa links on they’re own or placing them in a bun, try Chef Just’s simple method for air frying them. Once cooked, serve the meat with your favorite fix-ins. (For a similar recipe, try these bacon-wrapped air fryer hot dogs.)

Air-Fryer Kielbasa

Ingredients:

• One (14 oz.) package kielbasa links (any flavor)

Directions:

• Yield: 6 servings

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Remove sausages from packet and poke each one all around with fork. Place in single layer in air fryer basket with liner at the bottom, if desired.
3. Cook about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they’re browned and reach internal temperature of 160°F. Check halfway through and flip if needed.
4. Remove from air fryer basket and cool 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
5. Note: You can cook the sausages straight from frozen. Just be sure to extend the cook time by about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 160°F.

5 ingredients to enjoy with air fried kielbasa

To enhance the flavor of your cooked kielbasa, accompany it with any of these ingredients.

1. Mustard

Classic yellow or seeded whole-grain mustard give the sausage a sharp and hot flavor.

2. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut’s acidic taste complements the pungent sausage, creating a mouthwatering dish.

3. Sautéed peppers and onions

Satuéed peppers and onions are sweet and balance the smoked meat’s distinct garlic flavor.

4. Spiced ketchup

Combining ketchup with a dash of hot sauce produces a sweet and spicy condiment that’s tasty to dip the Kielbasa into.

5. Coleslaw

A side of coleslaw is the perfect creamy and tangy addition to your meal.

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