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
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.