Imagine a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's so addictively delicious, your guests won't be able to stop at just one bite! These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa Bites are the ultimate party snack that combines the smoky richness of kielbasa, the crispy perfection of bacon, and a tantalizing sweet and spicy glaze that will make your taste buds dance. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering treat that's guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, from game day parties to family get-togethers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in length. Next, cut the bacon strips in half, so you have shorter pieces to wrap around the kielbasa.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well blended and the sugar is evenly coated with the spices.
- Take one piece of kielbasa and wrap it with a half strip of bacon. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays in place during cooking. Repeat this process for all kielbasa pieces.
- Once all the kielbasa pieces are wrapped in bacon, roll each wrapped piece in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will create a sweet and savory glaze on the bacon.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture on the bacon.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped kielbasa bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Cook the kielbasa bites in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After the first 10 minutes, carefully flip the bites to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped kielbasa bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sugar to set slightly.
- Serve the bites warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
Tips
- Bacon Selection Matters: Choose bacon that's not too thick or too thin. Medium-cut bacon works best for even wrapping and crispy results.
- Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each bite gets crispy and caramelized.
- Watch the Sugar Glaze: The brown sugar can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the bites during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the caramelized sugar set and prevents burning your mouth.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: These bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer when the bacon is at its crispiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 422kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
