Introduction

Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a flavorful and fun appetizer perfect for any gathering. These bite-sized sausages are sliced to hold a tangy mustard glaze and air fried to crispy perfection. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible snack.

A metal tray lined with brown parchment paper holds many thick slices of grilled sausages with a reddish-brown crust and grill marks, scattered with small bits of green herbs. On the top left corner of the tray, there is a small round wooden bowl filled with yellow mustard sauce that has visible mustard seeds and a few green herb pieces. The tray is placed on a wooden surface with a dark maroon cloth peeking from underneath on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Place each kielbasa ring between two chopsticks or skewers to prevent cutting all the way through. Slice into ¼-inch thick slices without cutting completely through the sausage.
Step 2: Slice the kielbasa crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, about 3 rings per piece. You should have around 40 bites total. Place them in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide this mixture evenly into two separate bowls.
Step 4: Add mayonnaise to one of the bowls and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate this bowl; it will serve as the dipping sauce.
Step 5: Pour or brush about half of the plain mustard sauce over the kielbasa bites, making sure to get the sauce into each cut section. Reserve the remaining sauce for after cooking.
Step 6: Arrange the kielbasa bites in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 7: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sausages are browned and slightly crispy.
Step 8: Remove the bites from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet or serving platter. Pour or brush the reserved mustard sauce over them.
Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm alongside the mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use skewers when slicing the kielbasa to keep the slices uniform and prevent cutting through completely.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the bites on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mustard sauce for a spicy kick.
For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative.

Storage

Store leftover kielbasa bites and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Stir the dipping sauce before serving again.

How to Serve

A woman's hand is holding a wooden stick with a thick round slice of grilled sausage dipped halfway in a creamy light beige sauce with visible specks of mustard seeds. The sausage slice is deep reddish-brown and has a glossy, slightly charred surface. The stick is above a small round wooden bowl filled with the same speckled creamy sauce, which sits inside a metal tray lined with brown parchment paper. The tray is full of more sausage slices that have a similar charred, juicy look. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kielbasa and sauce mixtures in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and air fry the bites just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow or spicy brown mustard, but the flavor will be milder or slightly different. Adjust the quantities to taste.