Pan fried sausage is one of our favorite breakfast staples. If you’d like to know how to cook kielbasa on the stove or other methods to yield juicy tender sausage with a delightful crispy skin, you are in the right place.
These also serves as an easy appetizer for summer gatherings. I love that this smoked Polish sausage is very versatile for making main dishes like kielbasa pasta or sides like this tasty sautéed sausage with onions and peppers.
An easy sautéed sausage recipe
Kielbasa, a savory smoked Polish sausage, is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways to create a tasty meal. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lazy weekend meal, cooking kielbasa is a breeze.
Learn the easiest and most delicious ways to cook kielbasa sausage on the stove top, in the air fryer, oven or slow cooker.
Recipe Highlights
Quick and easy: Cooking kielbasa is a simple process that requires minimal prep work and effort. These sautéed sausages are ready in 10 mins.
Great for any meal; breakfast sausage and eggs, lunch time sausage and pepper sandwiches, dinner time smoked sausage pasta, party friendly sausage kabobs and lots more!
Flavorful sausage: Kielbasa is packed with smoky, garlicky flavors that most people love.
Crowd pleaser: Kielbasa is a favorite among both adults and kids, making it a perfect choice for family meals.
Ingredients
- Kielbasa sausage
- Oil
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- Cast iron skillet
- Silicon or wooden Spatula
How to cook kielbasa
This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to end of post for a printable recipe card with the amount of ingredients and full recipe instructions
On the stove
One of the quickest and easiest methods is to cook kielbasa on the stove top. Simply slice the sausage into rounds or bias-cut pieces, and sauté them in a skillet with a little oil or butter until browned and heated through. You can also add sliced peppers and onions to the skillet for a delicious kielbasa peppers and onions dish.
In the air fryer
For a healthier option, cook kielbasa in the air fryer. Arrange the sausage slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (195°C) for about 7 - 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. If cooking a whole rope from frozen, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 - 12 mins.
In the oven
Roasting kielbasa in the oven is a hands-off method that yields crispy, evenly cooked sausage. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the kielbasa slices on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Slow cooker
For a hassle-free meal, cook kielbasa in the slow cooker. Place 2 lbs of sausage in the slow cooker, add 1 ½ cup of marinara sauce and seasoning of choice, then let it cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
What to serve with kielbasa
Kielbasa pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
You can also serve it on a bed of rice or pasta, or topped with sauerkraut and sandwiched between buns for a hearty kielbasa sandwich.
How to store
Cooked kielbasa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply warm up in the microwave at 20 seconds intervals or until warmed through. Alternatively reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 4 mins or until heated through.
Helpful Tips
- Choose high-quality kielbasa from a reputable brand or butcher for the best flavor and texture.
- For added flavor, sauté kielbasa with aromatics like garlic, onions, or bell peppers.
- Don't overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Let cooked kielbasa rest for a minute before serving.
FAQs
Kielbasa is a Polish smoked sausage usually made from pork or a combination of pork and beef. It is seasoned with garlic, peppercorns, and other spices, and has a distinctive smoky flavor.
Yes, you can cook kielbasa from frozen, but it may take longer to cook through. If cooking from frozen, my recommendation is to cook it in the air fryer. Otherwise, for best results, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking the sausage.
Most kielbasa sausages sold in grocery stores are pre-cooked or smoked, so it only needs to be heated through before serving. However, it's always a good idea to check the packaging to confirm.
Yes you can, however, it’s not a method I would recommend as it can lead to uneven cooking and a rubbery texture. The other methods are better options in my opinion.
More easy recipes to try
- Air fryer bacon
- Mini pancakes
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
Cooking kielbasa is a simple and delicious way to put a flavorful meal on the table with minimal effort.
Whether you prefer to sauté it on the stove top, roast it in the oven, or let it simmer in the slow cooker, kielbasa is a versatile sausage that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your taste. If you do give this a try, let me know your fav method.
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How to cook Kielbasa
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 14 oz Kielbasa (polish sausage)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Cut the sausage into equal slices
- Heat up the skillet with the oil over medium heat. Add the kielbasa sausage slices to the skillet, let it sit for 2 mins without touching to give it some char.
- After 2 mins, flip sausages and cook for another 2 to 3 mins.
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