Chipotle Aioli Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a flavorful appetizer that will impress guests of all ages! Made from bite-sized pieces of kielbasa sliced Hasselback style, they absorb the delicious chipotle aioli for maximum flavor. Air-fried (or baked in the oven) until perfectly browned and slightly crispy, these bites are irresistible. I cannot get enough of them–they are so good! While these are pretty mild in spice, if you crave more heat, be sure to try my Spicy Sriracha Hasselback Kielbasa Bites—you’ll love them!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Kielbasa: Kielbasa, also known as ring sausage, is a delicious, lightly smoked sausage that’s pre-cooked and perfect for a variety of dishes. I’ve been using it in so many recipes that I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Kielbasa recipes! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider trying other sausages like Andouille or Mexican Chorizo!
- Mayonnaise: If you don’t have any on hand, make your own mayonnaise to use in the chipotle aioli.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: Look for chipotle chili powder in the spice aisle of your grocery store. It is a spice made from dried and ground chipotle peppers. It has a bit of a smokey flavor, but it is not too spicy at all. If you can’t find (or don’t have) chipotle chili powder, use smoked paprika for a similar smokey flavor (but no heat).
- Lime Juice: Lime juice (I prefer freshly squeezed) adds a fresh and tangy taste to the aioli.
- Paprika: Paprika gives the chipotle aioli a nice red color and a mild, sweet flavor that makes it taste great!
How To Adjust The Spice Level Of Chipotle Aioli For Perfect Flavor
I think the chipotle aioli is perfect because it is not too spicy. In fact, it is pretty mild! But, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle chili powder or blending in chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor. For extra heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or, use smoked paprika for added flavor without too much spice. If your chipotle aioli is too spicy, you can mix in more mayonnaise to make it creamier or add a little honey or sugar to balance the heat. Remember to taste it as you go so you can find the right flavor for you!
Best Side Dishes To Serve With Chipotle Aioli Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
These are a delicious appetizer, but it’s easy to add a few side dishes to make them part of a complete meal. Here are some side dishes you can mix and match with the kielbasa bites:
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread (or cornbread muffins)
- Wedge Salad
- Pretzel Bites (Try dipping one in the chipotle aioli. Yum!)
How To Store Chipotle Aioli Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Do not let any leftover kielbasa bites go to waste! To store them, first, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for 3 to 4 days. You can reheat the bites in the air fryer, microwave, or oven. The leftover chipotle aioli for dipping can also be stored in the refrigerator—just cover it up and give it a stir when you’re ready to enjoy it with the bites!
Chipotle Aioli Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients
- 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) Kielbasa
- ¾ cup (174 g) mayonnaise
- 1 ½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Kielbasa into ¼-inch slices, but not all the way through. To do this, place the kielbasa between two chopsticks or 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 sausage crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for a total of about 20 bites per ring, or 40 bites for both rings. Place the bites into a large bowl or onto a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, paprika, and lime juice.
- Brush about half of the chipotle aioli over the Kielbasa bites, making sure to get the sauce in between each cut section. Store the rest of the sauce in the refrigerator, covered, to use after cooking.
- Arrange the Kielbasa bites in a single layer into the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.
- Air fry* at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until browned, shaking the basket of the air fryer halfway through cooking.
- Remove the bites from the air fryer and set them on a large platter or baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the kielbasa bites with reserved chipotle aioli (optional) or use it for dipping. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Kielbasa bites as instructed. Then, place each section onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the kielbasa is browned.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve with reserved chipotle aioli.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I can't stop eating these! They are perfectly browned and the chipotle aioli is not too spicy and simply delicious!
Elizabeth
I love these kielbasa bites! I don't think we have made any I don't like, and each has a unique enough flavor to stand out. Make them now (or at least when you are hungry)!
Annabelle
These are a flavorful bite-sized game-day appetizer. I really liked them!
Bella
These are great. I kept going back for 'just one more'.
Selena
Perfect appetizer! The chipotle aioli adds that bold flavor, and the paprika rounds it out.
Please, I don’t understand the cutting method. How do you get bit size pieces if you can’t cut thru the Kielbasa? Is there a video for this? Thanks
There is a video in the recipe card of this post:
https://iamhomesteader.com/mustard-hasselback-kielbasa-bites/