Description
These Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a flavorful appetizer featuring kielbasa sliced with precision to hold a tangy sweet mustard glaze, air-fried to a perfect crisp and served with a creamy mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Kielbasa and Marinade
- 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) Kielbasa
- ¼ cup (62 g) coarse ground Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Dipping Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the Kielbasa: Carefully slice each kielbasa ring into ¼-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through by placing two chopsticks or skewers alongside the kielbasa to act as a cutting barrier.
- Cut into Bites: Slice the kielbasa crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, about 3 slices per bite, resulting in approximately 20 bites per ring or 40 bites total. Place the bites in a large bowl or onto a baking sheet.
- Prepare Mustard Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Divide Sauce: Split the mustard mixture evenly into two bowls. To one bowl, stir in the mayonnaise to make the creamy dipping sauce, then refrigerate it covered while preparing the bites.
- Coat Kielbasa Bites: Pour or brush half of the remaining plain mustard sauce over the kielbasa bites, making sure to get the sauce in between each cut section for maximum flavor.
- Arrange for Cooking: Lay the coated kielbasa bites in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer, working in batches if needed depending on fryer size.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F for 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bites from the air fryer and arrange them on a platter. Brush the remaining mustard sauce over the bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm alongside the chilled mayonnaise-based dipping sauce.
Notes
- For oven preparation, preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the kielbasa as directed, place on the sheet, brush with mustard sauce, and bake for 20 minutes until browned.
- Use a very sharp knife to slice the kielbasa carefully without cutting through completely to maintain bite integrity.
- The mustard sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for more developed flavors.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven method produces similar results with slightly longer cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
