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Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 40 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a deliciously smoky and sweet appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Sliced in a hasselback style and coated in a tangy barbecue sauce infused with maple syrup and mustard, then air-fried to crispy perfection, these bite-sized sausages are bursting with flavor and easy to make in under 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Kielbasa

  • 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) kielbasa

Sauce

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup (79 g) maple syrup

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Slice kielbasa hasselback style. Slice the kielbasa into ¼-inch slices about two-thirds down without cutting all the way through. Use two chopsticks or skewers on either side of the kielbasa as a cutting guide to prevent slicing completely through.
  2. Cut into bite-sized sections. Slice the hasselbacked kielbasa crosswise into 1-inch pieces, resulting in about 3-4 rings per bite-size piece. This should make approximately 20 bites per ring or 40 bites total.
  3. Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
  4. Coat kielbasa in sauce. Pour half a cup of the sauce over the kielbasa bites in a large bowl and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later use.
  5. Arrange bites in air fryer. Place the coated kielbasa bites in a single layer inside the basket of an air fryer. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F. Cook the kielbasa bites at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
  7. Brush with remaining sauce. After cooking, transfer the bites to a platter or baking sheet. Brush or pour about ¼ cup of the reserved maple barbecue sauce over the top and toss gently to coat all the pieces.
  8. Garnish and serve. Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the bites for a fresh color contrast and serve warm alongside the remaining maple barbecue sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Be careful not to slice all the way through the kielbasa when making hasselback cuts—using chopsticks as a guide helps prevent this.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the bites in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • The recipe can be doubled or halved easily depending on serving needs.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a dip or glaze for other dishes.