Gluten-Free Kolbassa Fries with Spicy Mustard Aioli

May is Celiac Awareness Month, and this recipe is proof that gluten-free eating can still bring the crunch, the comfort, and all the flavour.

Created by the incredible Zimmy’s Nook, this recipe turns Grimm’s Gluten-Free Kolbassa into crispy, cheesy, smoky little bites of perfection. Coated in gluten-free panko and Parmesan, then air-fried until golden and crunchy—these are dangerously snackable. We were hooked after one.

✔️ Made with Grimm’s Kolbassa Sausage + gluten-free panko
✔️ Naturally gluten-free, fully craveable
✔️ Perfect for game day, BBQs, or snack attacks of any kind

Note: While all the main ingredients are gluten-free, always double-check labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free—additives and cross-contamination can sneak in when you least expect it.

Ingredients

Kolbassa Fries

• 1 package Grimm’s Kolbassa Sausage
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (panko-style for best crunch)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Olive oil (or avocado oil)

Mustard Aioli

• 2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 ¼ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½  tsp grainy mustard
• ½  tsp lemon juice
• ½  tsp honey (optional, for balance)
• ¼  to ½  tablespoon hot sauce, more or less based on your heat preference
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Insert the air fry basket into the middle rack position.

2. Prepare the Kolbassa
   Pat the kolbassa dry if it is a bit moist from packaging.
   Slice the kolbassa in half lengthwise, then cut into thin, fry-like strips, about 1 cm thick and 8-10 cm long.

3. Prepare the Mustard Aioli
   In a small bowl, whisk together all aioli ingredients.
   Taste and adjust with a bit of honey for sweetness or lemon juice for brightness.

4. Coat the Fries
   In a shallow bowl, mix the parmesan, gluten-free breadcrumbs, paprika, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
   Toss the kolbassa ‘fries” in olive oil. Then place the strips in the GF breadcrumb mixture, pressing each strip into the coating for better adherence.
   
   Tip: we used gluten-free panko but pulsed it in a coffee grinder to make it a bit finer—it helped the coating stick better and gave the fries an awesome golden crunch!

5. Air-Fry
   Arrange the coated kolbassa strips in a single layer on the air fry basket.
   Air-fry for 12–15 minutes total, flipping halfway until golden and crispy. (Be cautious, start checking at the 10-minute mark and flip and add more time if required)

6. Serve
   Pile the crispy kolbassa fries onto a platter and serve hot with a side of spicy mustard aioli for dipping.
   Garnish with chopped chives or fresh parsley and serve with a side of quick-pickled onions to cut the richness.