Air Fryer Kielbasa

Smoky, crispy, and done in under 15 minutes, this air fryer kielbasa with onions and peppers is your weeknight dinner (or breakfast!) lifesaver.

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Kielbasa was a staple in my house growing up — smoky, garlicky, and always the star of a simple, hearty meal. This recipe brings that nostalgic flavor into a modern kitchen using the air fryer for maximum ease and speed.

Kielbasa is a type of Polish smoked sausage (we have a similar one in Ukraine), already cooked and wonderfully rich, and it pairs perfectly with sweet onions and red bell peppers. The air fryer crisps the sausage just right while caramelizing the veggies, and a simple seasoning blend ties it all together.

This air fryer kielbasa dish works for everything: weeknight dinners, lazy brunches, even game-day snacks. With around 15 minutes of cooking time and plenty of protein, it’s as practical as it is satisfying.

👩‍🍳 You might like this smoked sausage, broccoli and shrimp skillet or this chorizo and roast vegetable salad, and also try my air-fried chicken popcorn bites (or bake them) and air fryer BBQ chicken wings.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for this air fryer kielbasa recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

• Polish kielbasa – smoky, savory, and already cooked. Look for good-quality ones with simple ingredients, usually in the deli section You can use similar smoked sausage, like Kransky sausage.
• Onion – adds sweetness when cooked, perfect contrast to the sausage.
• Red bell pepper (capsicum) – sweet and slightly crisp when air-fried.
• Olive oil – helps everything roast evenly, you only need a little bit.
• Seasoning mix – smoked paprika (brings that cozy, wood-fired flavor, garlic powder for a quick, punchy flavor without mincing garlic, dried oregano (earthy and herby), plus a little black pepper and optional salt (based on kielbasa’s saltiness)
• Fresh parsley – a little green to brighten it all up.
• Dijon or spicy brown mustard – tangy, sharp, and the perfect dipping sauce.

Swap suggestions: Use yellow or orange peppers instead of red, or add green for more contrast. Turkey kielbasa also works great if you’re looking to lighten it up.

How To Make Air Fryer Kielbasa

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for air fryer kielbasa.

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Toss sliced onions and bell peppers with olive oil and seasonings.
• Slice kielbasa on a diagonal for crisper edges.
• Add everything to the air fryer basket in a mostly even layer.
• Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until sausage is browned and veggies are tender.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot with mustard or in sandwich rolls.

Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Slice everything the night before and store in the fridge. Great for breakfast prep!
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or skillet to crisp things up again.
• No Air Fryer? You can roast everything at 400°F (200°C) in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Add Heat: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or serve with hot mustard if you like a kick.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or zucchini for more bulk and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This kielbasa dish is super versatile. Serve it over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for dinner. Or keep it breakfast-y with some scrambled or fried eggs and toast. It also makes a mean sandwich—just pile it into a crusty roll with a smear of mustard and maybe some melted cheese.

💬 If you’ve tried this air fryer kielbasa or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

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