Pineapple Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
18 mins
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Servings
40 Kielbasa bites
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Calories
71 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Dinner
Pineapple Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Description
Pineapple Hasselback Kielbasa Bites combine smoky, savory kielbasa with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple chunks coated in a sticky glaze made from pineapple juice, molasses, and brown sugar. The kielbasa is thinly sliced almost but not fully through to create pockets that absorb the flavorful sauce. These vessels allow the glaze and pineapple juice to penetrate during cooking. Air frying at 400°F crisps the edges and caramelizes the sugars in about 7-9 minutes, resulting in a bite-sized snack with a balance of sweet and smoky flavors and a slightly crisp texture on the outside while remaining tender inside. The pineapple chunks cook alongside the sausage to soften and mingle flavors.
This dish works well as an appetizer or finger food for parties. Garnishing with fresh chopped parsley adds a hint of herbaceous brightness to complement the richness of the kielbasa and sweetness of the glaze.
If you do not have an air fryer, the recipe provides an oven method at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until the sausage is browned, which also achieves a caramelized surface. This method offers flexibility for home cooks without specialized equipment. The careful slicing technique using chopsticks or skewers prevents the sausage from slicing all the way through, preserving the hasselback shape that traps flavors. Preparing about 40 bite-size pieces from two rings helps portion for sharing or serving a group.
Ingredients
- 2 rings kielbasa 13.9 ounces each
- 1 can pineapple ½ cup juice reserved, drain the rest, chunks, 20 ounces
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into ¼-inch slices (about ⅔ of the way down), but not all the way through. If needed, place the kielbasa between two chopsticks and skewers. (These will prevent you from cutting through the kielbasa completely.) Using a sharp knife, slice in a downward motion, stopping at the chopsticks.
- Slice the sausage crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 rings per piece) for a total of about 20 bites per ring, or 40 for both rings. Place the bites and pineapple chunks into a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup pineapple juice, molasses, and brown sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the kielbasa bites and pineapple chunks. Gently toss the kielbasa bites to ensure the sauce coats each piece evenly, getting into the cut sections of the kielbasa.
- Arrange the kielbasa bites and pineapple in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry* at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the kielbasa and pineapple are browned and heated through.
- Remove the kielbasa and pineapple from the air fryer and set them on a large platter.
- Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve warm.
Notes
- Prevent slicing all the way through the kielbasa by placing chopsticks or skewers alongside it while cutting.
- You can bake instead of air fry: bake at 425°F on parchment paper for 25-30 minutes until browned.
- Reserve ½ cup pineapple juice for the sauce and discard the rest to avoid extra liquid.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40Kielbasa bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 71 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1kielbasa bite | |
| Calories | 71kcal | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.