Kielbasa and sauerkraut is always a classic New Year’s dish, but I love to serve it any time of year for a quick, easy, and customizable meal. I make my version in the air fryer for a modern cooking twist, which gives you perfectly caramelized sausage for a delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, bold flavor – Smoky kielbasa and tangy sauerkraut create that perfect savory-meets-bright balance in every bite!
- Crispy sausage edges – The air fryer gives the kielbasa beautifully caramelized edges while keeping the inside juicy
- Faster than traditional methods – No long simmering required; the air fryer makes this classic dish quicker and weeknight-friendly
- Less mess, easy cleanup – Skip multiple pots and pans and let the air fryer handle the heavy lifting
- Naturally hearty and satisfying – The combination of protein-rich sausage and flavorful tangy cabbage makes it filling without needing a lot of extras
- Great for holidays or everyday meals – It feels traditional and comforting but is simple enough for a regular dinner!
- Simple ingredients, serious payoff – Just a few components come together for bold, comforting flavor
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Ingredients List
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½” thick rounds
- 16 ounce jar sauerkraut, liquid well drained
- 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can substitute turkey kielbasa, smoked sausage, or any similar type of sausage for this recipe
- Feel free to use homemade sauerkraut instead (also remove excess moisture); this amount is equivalent to just about 2 cups
- All seasonings and spices are adjustable to taste, including omission. You can also use ½ Tbsp dried minced onion, or about ¼ of fresh red or sweet onions, sliced instead of onion powder
- Variations: Other good additions include 1 Tbsp of Dijon, whole grain, or spicy brown mustard, thinly sliced apples, or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary (so feel free to customize)! You can also add about ¼ cup of apple juice or cider, or even beer, but you’ll need to cook the mixture in an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer (like a casserole dish) in this case. I do not add any extra salt, as I don’t feel it needs it, but feel free to add a pinch or two to adjust to your tastes!
Step By Step Instructions
- Mix the kraut, sugar, and all seasonings in a mixing bowl until well combined. You could do this in the air fryer to save dirtying a bowl, but things tend to fall through the grates and it’s a bit harder in my opinion
- Add the kielbasa to your air fryer in an even layer, and cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until it has just started to brown. If you have an oven-style air fryer with racks, you may need to line with aluminum foil or add everything to an oven-safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer to keep the kraut from falling through when you add it later
- Add the seasoned kraut, stir in well with the kielbasa (I try to keep the kielbasa near the top so it holds the kraut down a bit), and cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for an additional 3-5 minutes, until kraut is warmed through and the sausage is browned to your liking. Note: I’ve tested just combining everything from the start, but the kraut dries out too much in my opinion, as it takes about 15 minutes for everything to cook together
- Top with a garnish of fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Alternate Slow Cooker Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner. Add the kraut, then the kielbasa slices, and then top with the seasonings plus ½ cup of apple juice, apple cider, beer, chicken broth, or water in your Crock Pot
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, then stir to combine before serving. You can sear the kielbasa in a pan if you like to get browning on it
Pairing Suggestions
Classic Sides
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes mellow the tangy sauerkraut and balance the smoky sausage beautifully!
- Buttered egg noodles – Soft, buttery noodles soak up all those savory juices
- Pierogies – A natural pairing that doubles down on hearty, Eastern European comfort
- Roasted baby potatoes – Crispy potatoes echo the air fryer kielbasa’s caramelized edges
- Potato pancakes – Crispy, savory pancakes complement the tangy cabbage perfectly. Try Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Latkes for a quick and easy option!
Bread & Rolls
- Crusty rye bread – Earthy rye pairs especially well with sauerkraut’s tang and sausage’s smokiness!
- Soft dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up flavorful juices
- Pretzel rolls – Slight sweetness and chewiness balance the bold flavors (and are great for making mini sandwiches or sliders)!
- Garlic bread – Adds warmth and richness without overpowering the dish!
Fresh Sides
- Cucumber salad – Cool and crisp, it refreshes the palate between bites. My Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad is bright, tangy, and delicious!
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Acidity keeps the meal from feeling too heavy
- Roasted carrots – A touch of natural sweetness offsets the sauerkraut’s tang. My Air Fryer Brown Sugar Carrots complement the dish perfectly!
- Steamed green beans – Light and clean, they round out the plate without competing
Sweet Pairings
- Applesauce – A traditional pairing that softens the sauerkraut’s sharpness. Try my easy Microwave Applesauce!
- Roasted apples – Warm sweetness complements this smoky kielbasa recipe
- Honey-glazed carrots – Sweetness balances the savory-tangy combo
Drinks
- Pilsner or light lager – Crisp beer cuts through the richness and complements the smokiness
- Amber ale – Slight malt sweetness pairs nicely with the sausage
- Dry Riesling – Bright acidity balances the tang of the sauerkraut
- Sparkling water with lemon – A simple, refreshing palate cleanser
- Mojitos – Cuts through the richness of the sausage, and smooths the sharp acidity of the kraut (just make sure not to go too sweet or it can clash). I like a Blackberry Basil Mojito for the herby finish
Recipe FAQs
What Is The Tradition Of Kielbasa And Sauerkraut?
Kielbasa and sauerkraut is a traditional Eastern European dish, especially popular in Polish and German cuisine. In the U.S., it’s often served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
What To Put In Sauerkraut And Kielbasa?
Common additions include sliced onions, garlic, caraway seeds, and a touch of brown sugar or apple for balance. Some recipes also add potatoes or a splash of beer to deepen the flavor.
How Much Sauerkraut Per Pound Of Kielbasa?
A good rule of thumb is about 1 to 1½ pounds of sauerkraut per pound of kielbasa. This keeps the flavors balanced while ensuring there’s plenty of tangy cabbage to complement the sausage, though you can certainly adjust for personal preferences.
Tips For the Best Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
- It’s completely fine to use larger sausage pieces if you want (just remember more surface area with smaller pieces means more caramelization)!
- Make sure to use a clean air fryer, as some kraut may fall through the grates, but you can just knock it out onto the plate!
- You could also pan fry this recipe in 1 Tbsp of butter melted in a skillet over medium high heat, by first searing the sausage, then adding the kraut and seasonings and cooking, stirring constantly, until heated through and caramelized to your liking
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store leftover kielbasa and kraut in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits!
- Store together – Keeping the sausage and sauerkraut combined helps maintain moisture and flavor balance
- Freezer-friendly – You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (for crisp edges) – Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the kielbasa
- Skillet method – Heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry
- Oven option – Cover loosely with foil and heat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave (quickest) – Heat in short intervals, stirring halfway through, until hot
More Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes
- Kielbasa Bites
- Kielbasa Stir Fry
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving this kielbasa and sauerkraut up for New Year’s (in addition to or in place of pork), or just looking for an easy dinner, my air fryer version definitely delivers! Just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready in 15 minutes or less for a low stress, delicious option.
It’s a simple recipe that the whole family will love, and super customizable if you want to adjust for picky kids! While I always serve it for the holidays, it takes such minimal effort that I’ll often throw it into a weeknight dinner rotation too.
If you love this family favorite, check out more of my tasty Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes for all sorts of dishes, including breakfast, apps, and more you can make with this delicious Polish sausage!
Air Fryer Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Servings: 4
This air fryer kielbasa and sauerkraut is a modern twist on a classic dish! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy meal whether you’re ringing in the New Year or cooking on a busy weeknight.
Equipment
- Spatula (or tongs; for mixing)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces smoked kielbasa sausage (sliced into ½” thick rounds)
- 16 jar sauerkraut (well drained)
- 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Add the sliced kielbasa to your air fryer in a single layer, and cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until it has just started to brown. If you have an oven-style air fryer with racks, you will want to line with foil or add everything to an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer to keep the kraut from falling through when you add it in the next step14 ounces smoked kielbasa sausage
- Mix the kraut, sugar, and all seasonings in a mixing bowl until well combined, then add the seasoned kraut to the kielbasa in your air frying, mixing well (I try to keep the kielbasa near the top so it holds the kraut down a bit), and cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for an additional 3-5 minutes, until kraut is warmed through and the sausage is browned to your liking. Note: I’ve tested just combining everything from the start, but the kraut dries out too much in my opinion, as it takes about 15 minutes for everything to cook together16 jar sauerkraut, 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Top with a garnish of fresh herbs if desired, serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey kielbasa or smoked sausage for this recipe. You can cut larger pieces as well if preferred, but smaller rounds give more surface area for browning
- Feel free to use homemade sauerkraut instead; about 2 cups
- Instead of onion powder, you can also use ½ Tbsp dried minced onion, or about ¼ of a fresh red or sweet onion
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 217g | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6.2g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1942mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 3.4g | Sugar: 5.4g | Vitamin A: 3.9IU | Vitamin C: 31.5mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 3mg
