Description

These Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer combining juicy kielbasa sausage with a sweet and tangy maple barbecue glaze. Featuring a fun hasselback slicing technique for maximum flavor infusion, these bite-sized treats are air-fried to perfection, making them crispy on the outside yet tender inside. Perfect for parties, game days, or simple snacking, they come together quickly with minimal prep and cook time.

Ingredients

Scale

Kielbasa

2 rings (13.9 ounces each) kielbasa

Maple BBQ Sauce

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

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Slice Kielbasa Hasselback Style: Carefully slice each kielbasa ring into ¼-inch thick slices, cutting about two-thirds of the way down but not through to the bottom. Use two chopsticks or skewers placed underneath the sausage as a guide to prevent slicing all the way through.
Cut into Bite-Sized Sections: Once hasselback slices are done, cut the kielbasa crosswise into 1-inch pieces (each piece having 3-4 slices), yielding about 20 bites per ring or 40 total.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Stir together to make the flavorful maple BBQ sauce.
Toss Kielbasa with Sauce: Pour half of the sauce over the kielbasa bites in a large bowl and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Reserve the other half of the sauce for after cooking.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated kielbasa bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Air Fry Until Browned: Cook the bites at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning and crisping.
Apply Reserved Sauce: Remove the kielbasa bites from the air fryer and brush or pour about ¼ cup of the reserved maple BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and visual appeal. Serve the bites warm with any remaining maple BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Using chopsticks or skewers to slice helps prevent cutting through the kielbasa all the way, maintaining structural integrity for hasselback effect.
For best results, use a good quality kielbasa for flavor and texture.
Adjust air frying time depending on your air fryer model; always check for nice browning and internal warmth.
Leftover bites can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Optional garnishes like chopped parsley add color and light freshness balancing the rich flavors.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American