Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa Bites
32 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 12 min | 32 min |
Introduction
These air fryer bacon wrapped kielbasa bites are smoky, sweet, and perfectly crisp on the outside with juicy sausage inside.
They come together fast in the air fryer, so they’re ideal for game day, holiday parties, or an easy appetizer night.
A simple brown sugar and honey glaze adds irresistible caramelized edges, and the quick honey mustard dipping sauce pulls everything together.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients
Ingredients for Dipping Sauce
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How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa Bites
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Prep the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes, and lightly grease the basket if needed.
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Slice the kielbasa
Slice the kielbasa into 1½ inch rounds if not already done, and pat them dry with paper towels.
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Mix the sweet smoky coating
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, and black pepper until thick.
If the mixture feels very stiff, add a tiny drizzle of honey to loosen it slightly.
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Wrap the kielbasa in bacon
Wrap each kielbasa round with a half slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick pushed through the middle so it holds during cooking.
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Coat the bites in the glaze
Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat each bacon wrapped piece with the honey mixture.
You can also toss the pieces in a bowl with the mixture until evenly coated.
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Air fry the bacon wrapped kielbasa
Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece.
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway, until the bacon is browned and crisp.
If you like extra caramelization, brush with any remaining glaze during the last 2 minutes.
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Mix the dipping sauce
While the bites cook, stir together the honey mustard, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Taste and add an extra touch of Dijon if you want more tang.
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Serve the kielbasa bites
Let the bites rest 1 to 2 minutes so the glaze sets slightly and the juices settle.
Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Substitutions
- Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon
- Turkey bacon works well and cooks a little faster, so check for crispness a couple minutes early. The bites taste slightly leaner but still salty and smoky, which pairs nicely with the sweet glaze.
- Swap kielbasa for smoked chicken or turkey sausage
- Smoked chicken or turkey sausage gives a lighter bite with less fat but plenty of smoky flavor. Slice it the same way, and keep an eye on doneness since it can firm up faster.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze
- Maple syrup brings a deeper caramel flavor and a cozy breakfast vibe to the bites. Use the same amount, but watch closely, since maple can darken quickly in the air fryer.
Tips
- Space the bites out
- Crowding traps steam and keeps the bacon from crisping, so cook in batches for best texture.
- Use shorter toothpicks
- Shorter toothpicks fit better in most air fryer baskets and are less likely to scorch near the heating element.
- Line the basket for easier cleanup
- Use perforated parchment or a mesh liner designed for air fryers to catch drips without blocking air circulation.
- Adjust sweetness to taste
- For a less sweet bite, cut the brown sugar in half and add a pinch more smoked paprika.
- Keep a close eye near the end
- Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking a few minutes early to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 534 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 29 | g |
| Total Fat | 38 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why is my bacon not getting crispy in the air fryer?
- If the basket is crowded, steam builds up and the bacon will stay soft instead of crisp. Cook in batches and make sure each piece has a little space around it. You can also bump the temperature up to 390°F for the last couple minutes if needed.
- Can I make these bacon wrapped kielbasa bites ahead of time?
- You can assemble the wrapped, glazed bites up to a day ahead and refrigerate them tightly covered. Let them sit at room temperature about 15 minutes, then air fry just before serving. This keeps the bacon texture closest to freshly cooked.
- Can I bake these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, arrange the bites on a foil lined rack set over a sheet pan. Bake at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is browned and crisp.
- What kind of kielbasa works best for this recipe?
- Use fully cooked smoked kielbasa, either pork or a pork and beef blend, for the best juicy texture. Fresh uncooked kielbasa needs a longer cook time and can release more liquid.
- How do I keep the glaze from burning?
- Sugar can scorch if it sits too close to the heating element or cooks too long. Stick with 380°F and add any extra glaze during the last couple minutes instead of at the start.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer bacon wrapped kielbasa bites make an easy party centerpiece alongside chips, veggies, and your favorite drinks.
For extra flair, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley and add toothpicks in a fun serving glass.
You can also serve them over buttered rice or mashed potatoes to turn this appetizer into a cozy dinner.
Reviews
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Valerie, Philadelphia: These air fryer bacon wrapped kielbasa bites are a fantastic recipe---everyone loved the smoky sweet glaze and the dipping sauce, and we’re already sharing it with friends 😋.
: So happy these were a hit, Valerie! If you make them again, you can bump the smoked paprika a touch for extra smokiness or add the honey right at the end for an even shinier glaze.
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