Crispy and juicy Air Fryer Kielbasa made two ways—sliced or whole! Ready in under 10 minutes and perfect for bowls, salads, or dipping sauces.
This Air Fryer Kielbasa is fast, flavorful, and effortlessly crispy! Whether you slice it into bite-sized rounds or throw the whole sausage in the basket, you’ll get deliciously browned kielbasa with minimal effort and maximum taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something tasty in minutes.
🎥Video Tutorial
💛 Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Kielbasa
This one is a total keeper, and here’s why:
- Two ways to cook it – Air fry it whole or sliced, depending on your preference.
- Fast and easy – Just 7–8 minutes in the air fryer and dinner is ready!
- Crispy, juicy, and delicious – The air fryer gives kielbasa that perfect caramelized edge.
- Customizable – Serve it over grains, veggies, or toss it in your favorite bowl.
- Meal prep-friendly – Great for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners.
🥖 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Kielbasa – Use 1 lb. of your favorite kielbasa (Polish sausage) or as much as fits in your air fryer. Any variety works: pork, beef, turkey, or chicken sausage. You can learn how to make it here: How to Make Polish Kielbasa.
- Grains & Veggies (optional) – Serve the cooked kielbasa over quinoa, rice, roasted veggies, or in a hearty bowl. (See pairing tips below.)
👩🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Kielbasa
1. Choose Your Cut
Decide how you want to prepare the kielbasa:
- Sliced – Cut into ½-inch rounds for even crisping and faster cooking.
- Whole – Air fry it whole for a juicier inside and a dramatic presentation. If going this route, pierce a few holes with a fork to prevent bursting (it will still split slightly, which is normal).
You can cook both sliced and whole kielbasa at the same time in the air fryer—great for feeding a crowd or mixing textures!

2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
3. Air Fry
Place the kielbasa (sliced, whole, or both) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the kielbasa is nicely browned and heated through to your liking.

4. Serve
Enjoy it warm with your favorite sides, in bowls, or over salad!

🔄 Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy – Use spicy kielbasa or add a sprinkle of chili flakes before air frying.
- Glaze it – Toss the kielbasa in BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or mustard glaze during the last 1–2 minutes of air frying.
- Make it a meal – Add cooked grains or roast veggies while the kielbasa cooks. It’s a perfect meal-prep bowl combo.
- Use any sausage – This method works for smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegan sausage—just adjust the cook time as needed.
🧊 Storage & Reheating of Air Fryer Kielbasa
This air-fried kielbasa keeps well and reheats like a dream.
🥶 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔁 Reheating
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes, but note it won’t stay as crispy.
Tip: Slice and store in meal-prep containers with grains and roasted veggies for easy lunches all week!

🍽️ What to Serve with Air Fryer Kielbasa
This crispy kielbasa pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes and makes a great addition to bowls or hearty meals:
🍚 Grains – Serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling meal. Try it with my flavorful Rice and Beans for a satisfying combo.
🥗 Salads – Add it on top of a fresh salad like my Tomato Avocado Salad or Creamy Cucumber Salad for contrast and protein.
🥔 Potatoes – Pair with roasted baby potatoes, or for extra comfort, try it with my cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
🥬 Vegetables – Serve alongside sautéed green beans, broccoli, or a big helping of my savory Fried Cabbage for a rustic, hearty plate.
🌯 Wraps & Bowls – Toss the slices into wraps, grain bowls, or even over a flatbread like my Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a fast and flavorful lunch.
🥬 Cabbage – Kielbasa and cabbage are a classic combo! Serve it with tangy sauerkraut or try my zesty Pickled Cabbage recipe for a crunchy, flavorful side.
🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas for Air Fryer Kielbasa
Looking to take your kielbasa to the next level? Try serving it with one (or more!) of these tasty and simple dipping sauces:
- Spicy Mustard – A classic choice with a little heat and tang.
- BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Garlic Aioli – Mix mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil.
- Honey Mustard – A mix of Dijon mustard and honey makes a perfect sweet-and-savory dip.
- Sriracha Mayo – Combine mayonnaise with a splash of sriracha for a creamy, spicy kick.
These are all quick to whip up and complement the crispy, smoky flavor of air-fried kielbasa beautifully.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I cook frozen kielbasa in the air fryer?
Yes! Just add 2–4 extra minutes to the cooking time and flip halfway through for even crisping.
❓ How do I know when kielbasa is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F and be browned on the outside. If slicing, it should be hot and juicy inside.
❓ Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
Not necessarily — kielbasa releases its own fat. But a light spray of oil can help if you want a crispier finish.
❓ What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooked kielbasa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
❤️ Why I Love Air Frying
I’m a huge fan of air frying because it makes cooking so much faster and way less messy. With barely any oil, you still get that golden, crispy texture you’d expect from pan-frying or roasting—without having to heat up the whole kitchen. Plus, the air fryer is easy to clean and lets you cook everything from proteins to veggies in minutes. Once you try air frying kielbasa, you’ll see exactly why it’s my go-to for busy days!
⭐ Final Thoughts
Whether you air fry it whole or sliced, this air fryer kielbasa recipe is fast, fuss-free, and seriously delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that fits into your life whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something quick and satisfying.
Tried it? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made it whole, sliced, or both. Find the printable recipe card with all the details below. Enjoy!
More air fryer recipes:

Air Fryer Kielbasa
Crispy and juicy Air Fryer Kielbasa made two ways—sliced or whole! Ready in under 10 minutes and perfect for bowls, salads, or dipping sauces.
Instructions
-
Slice the kielbasas into ½ inch thick rounds. Or if keeping it whole, add some cuts with a sharp knife to prevent from bursting while cooking.
1 lb. kielbasa
-
Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for a few minutes. Place the kielbasa (sliced, whole, or both) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the kielbasa is nicely browned and heated through to your liking.
-
Enjoy it warm with your favorite sides, in bowls, or over salad!
Notes
🔄 Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy – Use spicy kielbasa or add a sprinkle of chili flakes before air frying.
- Glaze it – Toss the kielbasa in BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or mustard glaze during the last 1–2 minutes of air frying.
- Make it a meal – Add cooked grains or roast veggies while the kielbasa cooks. It’s a perfect meal-prep bowl combo.
- Use any sausage – This method works for smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegan sausage—just adjust the cook time as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 16gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 993mgPotassium: 269mgVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 2mg