It’s no secret that kielbasa and rice are a classic combination. One of my favorite easy weeknight meals is actually kielbasa fried rice! I make mine in the air fryer for perfectly caramelized sausage, paired with veggies, and of course savory rice and eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and satisfying. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights
- A great way to use leftover rice. Day-old rice creates the best texture and taste, while helping reduce food waste
- Big flavor in every bite. Smoky kielbasa sausage, savory seasonings, and tender vegetables make every forkful delicious!
- A complete meal. Protein, vegetables, and rice come together in one hearty dish
- Perfectly crisped in the air fryer. It’s the simplest way to get lightly toasted edges on the rice while the kielbasa browns beautifully,
- Easy to customize. Swap in your favorite vegetables, add scrambled eggs, or spice it up with sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Budget-friendly. Simple, affordable ingredients come together to make a filling family meal
- Great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat well, making them perfect for lunches throughout the week
- Better than takeout. Enjoy homemade fried rice with fresh ingredients and customize it exactly the way you like!
- Family-friendly. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation
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Ingredients List
- 14 ounces kielbasa, diced into ½” cubes
- 4 cups cooked, cold rice (white or brown)
- ½ cup finely diced onion (yellow or sweet)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- Green onion for garnish
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use regular or turkey kielbasa. Feel free to use sliced kielbasa instead, I just happen to think cubes go well in stir fry. This recipe works with other protein options as well, or tofu for a vegetarian alternative
- For best flavor, cook your rice in chicken stock (though water will be fine as well)
- Other vegetables can be swapped in as desired. Snow peas, bell peppers, corn, and broccoli are other good choices!
- Feel free to add other seasonings as desired, such as black pepper, red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat, sesame seeds, or some ginger
- I don’t add any oil due to the natural oil from the kielbasa. However, you can add olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or even melted butter if desired (about 1 Tbsp at the most)
Step By Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, onion, peas and carrots, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to break up the rice (using your hands is best) and make sure everything is well-distributed
- Transfer the rice mixture to your air fryer, then top with the kielbasa cubes. You’ll need to either add it to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer, or line the basket with parchment or nonstick foil to prevent the rice from falling through the grates
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, until the kielbasa just starts to brown. Stir everything well, then create a well in the center and pour your eggs into it (crack and scramble them first)
- After adding the eggs, cook an additional 6-8 minutes, until the eggs are set. Break the eggs up and mix them in with the rest of the rice
- Cook an additional 3-5 minutes as needed if a darker browning is desired (or if some of your egg was still runny underneath when you broke it up). Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Air fryer kielbasa fried rice is a savory, hearty meal with smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and seasoned rice. Pair it with light Asian-inspired sides, fresh vegetables, or crispy appetizers for a complete meal!
Appetizers
- Egg rolls: A classic pairing with crispy, savory flavor. Try Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls for a quick option!
- Crab rangoon: Creamy and crunchy with a touch of sweetness. I love to make Air Fryer Frozen Crab Rangoon!
- Potstickers: Pan-fried or steamed dumplings are always a great choice
- Spring rolls: Light, crisp, and filled with fresh vegetables. Try my easy Air Fryer Frozen Spring Rolls!
- Chicken satay: Grilled skewers with a flavorful peanut sauce
Vegetable Sides
- Steamed broccoli: Simple and delicious!
- Roasted asparagus: A fresh side that complements the smoky kielbasa!
- Garlic green beans: Crisp and full of flavor
- Air fryer bok choy: Lightly seasoned for an easy vegetable side
- Sugar snap peas: Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing!
Fresh Sides
- Asian cucumber salad: Cool and crisp with a tangy dressing.
- Edamame: A simple, protein-packed appetizer or side. My Air Fryer Frozen Edamame is a great choice!
- Asian slaw: Crunchy cabbage with a sesame-ginger dressing
- Seaweed salad: A light, refreshing option
- Simple mixed greens: Tossed with a sesame vinaigrette
Extra Protein
- Teriyaki chicken: Sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly
- Grilled shrimp: A light seafood addition
- Honey garlic salmon: Rich, flaky fish complements the fried rice
- Orange chicken: A takeout-inspired favorite
- Korean-style chicken wings: Sweet, spicy, and full of flavor!
Drink Pairings
- Green tea: A light, refreshing choice
- Jasmine tea: Floral notes complement the savory flavors
- Sparkling water with lime: Cleanses the palate between bites
- Ginger ale: Its subtle spice pairs well with the smoky kielbasa
- Light lager: A crisp beer that balances the richness of the dish
When to Serve
Air fryer kielbasa fried rice is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or an easy “fakeout” night at home! Pair it with a crisp vegetable side and a simple appetizer for a satisfying meal that’s even better than takeout.
Recipe FAQs
What Sauce Goes With Kielbasa And Rice?
Kielbasa pairs well with a variety of sauces, including soy sauce, teriyaki, garlic butter, sweet chili sauce, hoisin, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For fried rice, a simple combination of soy sauce and sesame oil is a classic choice.
Which Sausage Is Best For Fried Rice?
Smoked kielbasa is an excellent choice because it’s fully cooked and packed with savory flavor. You can also use andouille for extra spice, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or your favorite smoked sausage.
What Kind Of Rice With Kielbasa?
Day-old long-grain white rice, such as jasmine rice or sticky rice, is ideal because it stays fluffy and fries up without becoming mushy (unlike fresh rice). Brown rice also works well if you’re looking for a heartier, whole-grain alternative.
Tips For the Best Kielbasa Fried Rice
- Since you need to use a dish or line the air fryer for this recipe, it won’t get airflow on the underside of the food. Remember to stir often so that the sausage and other ingredients brown more evenly
- Use something soft or rounded (like a silicone spatula or spoon) to stir the rice and make the well. Forks can accidentally puncture the foil or parchment, which allows the rice and egg to fall through
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days for the best flavor and texture
- Store in individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches!
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results, or check out my guide to Air Fryer Frozen Fried Rice to heat directly from frozen!
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (best method): Reheat at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly
- Microwave: Add a splash of water or soy sauce before heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to help keep the rice from drying out (but both the rice and sausage will lose crispiness this way)
- Skillet: Warm over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil, stirring frequently until heated through
- Refresh the flavor. Add a fresh splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a sprinkle of green onions just before serving!
Meal Prep
Leftover fried rice often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. If you’re meal prepping, portion it into individual containers so you have an easy lunch or dinner ready to reheat throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
Air fryer kielbasa fried rice is one of my favorite easy weeknight meals! It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and simple to customize with different vegetables and even proteins, depending what you have (or what the grocery store had this week)!
Making it in the air fryer is so easy, and allows you to get great caramelization on the sausage, as well as crispy brown bits on the rice, for a delicious flavor and texture! Plus, it keeps everything in one pan and only requires an occasional stir so it’s low stress as well.
Katie’s tip
For more great meals featuring this savory, smoky sausage, check out all of my Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes for inspiration!
Air Fryer Kielbasa Fried Rice
Servings: 6
Kielbasa and rice are a classic combination, and this air fryer kielbasa fried rice takes it to the next level! Caramelized sausage, veggies, and seasoned rice make for a quick and easy meal!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl (or similar)
- Spatula (or similar, for stirring)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage (diced into ½” cubes)
- 4 cups cooked, cold rice (white or brown)
- ½ cup finely diced onion (yellow or sweet)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, onion, peas and carrots, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to break up the rice (using your hands is best) and make sure everything is well-distributed4 cups cooked, cold rice, ½ cup finely diced onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- Transfer the rice mixture to your air fryer, then top with the kielbasa cubes. Either add it to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer, or line the basket with parchment or nonstick foil to prevent the rice from falling through the grates14 ounces kielbasa sausage
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, until the kielbasa just starts to brown. Stir everything well, then create a well in the center and pour your eggs into it (crack and whisk them first)2 large eggs
- After adding the eggs, cook an additional 6-8 minutes, until the eggs are set. Break the eggs up and mix them in with the rest of the rice
- Cook an additional 3-5 minutes as needed if a darker browning is desired (or if some of your egg was still runny underneath when you broke it up). Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy!1 green onion
Notes
- You can use regular or turkey kielbasa, or a similar smoked sausage. You can slice the kielbasa instead, I just like cubes in stir fry
- Other vegetables can be swapped in as desired. Snow peas, bell peppers, corn, and broccoli are other good choices!
- Feel free to add other seasonings as desired, such as black pepper, red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat, sesame seeds, or some ginger
- I don’t add any oil due to the natural oil from the kielbasa. However, you can add olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or even melted butter if desired (1 Tbsp at the most)
- 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: 238g | Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 1042mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 2.2g | Vitamin A: 488.8IU | Vitamin C: 16.5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2.5mg
