Who doesn’t love the taste of juicy, flavorful smoked sausage? And what if we told you that you could cook it in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes? Yes, you read that right! In this article, we will show you how to make the perfect pre-cooked smoked sausage in an air fryer, whether it’s beef and pork kielbasa or turkey kielbasa.
Air Fryer Smoked Sausage: Quick and Easy
Cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer is not only convenient, but it also adds a unique crispiness to the sausage. Plus, it’s healthier since you don’t have to fry it in oil. The best part is, you can prepare it as an appetizer or include it in your main course. The possibilities are endless!
What Makes This Recipe So Good!
Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try:
- Cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer is faster than using a skillet, and you can just set it and forget about it.
- The Polish sausage turns perfectly crisp without the need for frying in its own grease.
- Smoked kielbasa is a versatile sausage that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a topping.
- With just one ingredient, you can create a delicious meal that cooks in less than 8 minutes!
- This recipe works well with any type of kielbasa, whether it’s pork, turkey, or even a low-carb option.
Cooking Smoked Sausage in Air Fryer: Ingredients and Equipment
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
- 1 package of pre-cooked kielbasa (10 oz-12 oz), such as beef and pork kielbasa or turkey kielbasa.
For equipment, you’ll need:
- An air fryer (we recommend a Cosori XL basket-style air fryer, Instant Pot Omni Plus oven-style air fryer, or a Ninja Foodi air fryer grill).
- Rubber-tipped tongs to handle the sausage.
How to Cook Smoked Sausage in Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to cook the perfect smoked sausage in your air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is heating, cut the Polish sausage into 1-1 ½” sections.
- Place the sausage in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the sausage for a total of 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer a brown and crispy texture, you can cook it for longer.
Remember, Polish sausage is already pre-cooked, so you only need to heat it up and give it a nice browned finish. Serve this delightful dish with mustard as an appetizer or as the main course alongside your favorite sides.
Tips and Substitutions
Here are a few tips to enhance your Polish sausage air fryer experience:
- Add sliced onions and peppers to the air fryer for a one-dish meal.
- If you cut the kielbasa into larger pieces, it may take longer to cook.
- Spacing out the sausage will ensure even browning.
- No need to add oil or additional seasoning since kielbasa is already pre-seasoned.
- If you only need to heat the kielbasa for another recipe and don’t want it crispy, feel free to add more than one pack and shake the basket every few minutes until heated through.
FAQs: Air Fryer Polish Sausage
What to Serve with Kielbasa?
Looking for the perfect pairing for your air fryer Polish sausage? Here are some popular ideas:
- Fried cabbage
- Pierogies
- Mustard or sour cream
- Potatoes cooked in various ways
- Sauerkraut
- Sausage and peppers
- BBQ sauce
- Grilled onions
Are Smoked Kielbasa and Polish Sausage the Same Thing?
Yes! Smoked kielbasa and Polish sausage are actually the same thing. The term “kielbasa” is simply the Polish word for sausage. So, when someone mentions Polish sausage, they’re referring to kielbasa.
Polska Kielbasa: What is It?
“Polska Kielbasa” is another way of saying kielbasa smoked sausage. It can be used interchangeably with terms like air fryer Polka kielbasa, fully cooked smoked sausage, or kielbasa sausages.
How Do You Store Smoked Sausage in an Air Fryer?
You can keep air fryer smoked sausage in the fridge for up to 4 days after cooking, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Polish Sausage
Here are some creative ideas to enjoy your air fryer kielbasa:
- Serve it as an appetizer in slices with mustard.
- Pair it with eggs and toast for a delicious breakfast.
- Use it as a sandwich filling with sauerkraut and mustard.
- Add it to a stir-fry with sautéed cabbage and onions.
- Include it in a soup with white beans and veggies.
- Mix it into macaroni and cheese.
- Create a kielbasa and sauerkraut casserole topped with melted cheese.
How to Reheat Smoked Sausage in an Air Fryer
If you have leftovers or want to enjoy your smoked sausage again, follow these steps to reheat it in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380F for 5 minutes.
- Add the smoked sausage slices to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for a total of 6-8 minutes until the sausage is heated to at least 165F. Remember to shake the basket every couple of minutes for even browning. Enjoy!
More Air Fryer Sausage Recipes
If you’re a fan of sausage and want to explore more air fryer recipes, here are a few suggestions:
- Breakfast sausage in an air fryer
- Air fryer frozen meatballs
- Ninja Foodi Bratwurst (air fryer)
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