Description
Chipotle Aioli Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a flavorful and impressive appetizer featuring juicy kielbasa sausage sliced in a unique hasselback style, air-fried to crispy perfection, and generously brushed with a smoky, tangy chipotle aioli. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or casual snacking, combining smoky paprika and chipotle heat with creamy mayo and a hint of lime.
Ingredients
Scale
Kielbasa
- 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) Kielbasa
Chipotle Aioli
- ¾ cup (174 g) mayonnaise
- 1 ½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slicing the Kielbasa: Slice the Kielbasa into ¼-inch slices without cutting all the way through by placing the kielbasa between two chopsticks or skewers to act as a cutting guide. Carefully slice downward, stopping at the chopsticks to keep the base intact.
- Cutting into Bite-Sized Pieces: Next, slice the kielbasa crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. You should get about 20 bites per ring, totaling approximately 40 pieces for both rings. Arrange these pieces in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
- Preparing the Chipotle Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, paprika, lime juice, and salt to taste. This smoky and tangy sauce will add rich flavor to the bites.
- Applying the Aioli Before Cooking: Brush about half of the chipotle aioli evenly over the kielbasa bites, making sure to get the sauce in between each cut for maximum flavor infusion. Save the remaining aioli covered in the refrigerator for later use.
- Air Frying the Bites: Arrange the kielbasa bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 5-7 minutes until the kielbasa is nicely browned and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the cooked kielbasa bites from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Brush the tops with the reserved chipotle aioli for extra flavor or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- These bites make a perfect WOW appetizer that is both easy to prepare and packed with smoky, spicy flavor.
- You can bake the kielbasa bites in an oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes as an alternative to air frying if needed.
- Make sure not to slice all the way through the kielbasa in the hasselback step to maintain the bite-sized pieces intact while allowing flavors to penetrate.
- Store leftover chipotle aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kielbasa bite
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
