Making air fryer brats is a great way to get juicy bratwurst golden brown without using a hot grill. This delicious dinner can be ready in about 15 minutes and can be served with a bit of sauerkraut for a classic meal that tastes great any time of the year.
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Serve them with Homemade Air Fryer Steak Fries!
This easy recipe is one of our favorite dinners when we need a quick meal. The air fryer gives our brats a nice crisp skin but is juicy on the inside. The whole family loves them because everyone gets to put whatever they like on them.
These air fryer brats are great on their own or with classic toppings like sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and melted Swiss cheese. Have them with brat buns, or just have a low carb meal without any bread. However you eat them, you'll love the crispy skin and juicy interior.
Why this recipe works
Easy dinner idea - you and your entire family will love air fryer bratwurst! This simple meal that can be ready in about 15 minutes. No need to go outside to use the grill or heat up the oven. Make your busy weeknights less hectic with this recipe.
Juicy brats - air frying gives a lot of control over the finished product, and you won't have to worry about grease splatters. Clean up is easy too, just put the basket and hopper in the dishwasher.
Easy to find ingredients - bratwurst is readily available at the grocery store. Johnsonville brats are our favorite brand, but we also enjoy Kirkland brand from Costco.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and a printable recipe card.
- Raw bratwurst - use uncooked bratwurst sausage to make air fryer brats. There are 5 sausages in a package of Johnsonville brats, unless you are buying in bulk. There are different flavors available. We like Johnsonville cheddar brats and their beer brats as well. If you buy them precooked, cooking time will adjust down.
- Beer - any beer will work. I like to use one I like to drink.
- Onion - if you don't like onions, them leave this ingredient out.
- Buns - you can use buns that are made especially for brats or just regular hot dog buns. Bun choice is a personal preference. If you like more bread to meat ratio, try hoagie rolls. A standard hot dog bun will be have a smaller bread to meat ratio.
- Favorite toppings - sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, relish, whatever you like!
Instructions
1) Place brats in saucepan and cover with beer.
2) Add the sliced onions. Bring to a low simmer. Keep the heat as low as possible so that you can see the steam coming from the pan, but with almost no bubbling. We are cooking low and slow to keep the casings from bursting. Cook for 20 minutes like this.
3) Remove brats from the beer. Discard the beer, but keep the onions. Place brats in air fryer basket. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 4 minutes. Add the onions over the brats. Increase the temperature to 370 degrees F and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes to brown the bratwurst. When internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, it is safe to eat.
Quick facts
Bratwursts are a type of German sausage made from pork, but can be a combination of other meats.
Yes, you can cook from frozen, just cook a few minutes longer until a safe internal temperature is reached.
No, uncooked brats are not safe to eat. Cook until a the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees fahrenheit.
Love this recipe? Try my Air Fryer Italian Sausages with Peppers too.
Kitchen tips
- I don't flip the brats halfway through the cooking process, but you can-it's up to you. Because the air fryer uses hot air that circulates through the oven, you really don't need to flip them.
- You can toast the buns in the air fryer for one or two minutes. Cooking time will depend on the type of bun you've got. You can do this with the brats in the buns, or toast just the buns alone. Brush with melted butter first, if desired.
- Use a meat thermometer to check to see if brats are fully cooked and safe to eat. Bratwurst is made from pork and must be cooked thoroughly.
- I like to check my brats at the halfway point so I can see how they are browning. I suggest doing this since your air fryer model may differ from mine. Even if you have the same model, I still suggest this!
- Cook time may vary based on air fryer brands and the size of your air fryer. It's best to check how cooking is progressing and determine how much more time is needed.
- Pre-cooked brats will not need as much time since the meat is cooked. Just heat them through at 350 F for about 6-8 minutes. They should still be warmed to 160 degrees F.
How to store
Store leftover brats in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I have found that reheating in the microwave is the best way to quickly reheat them without overcooking.
You can also reheat in the air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, or until hot on the inside.
Freeze leftovers in freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat to serve.
Serving suggestions
Serve these air fryer brats with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or sriracha sauce for some heat! Or try some of these homemade sauces:
Sauerkraut is a great topping, along with stewed bell peppers.
Favorite side dishes to serve
- Crispy Potato Bites
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
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Air Fryer Brats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 bratwursts raw, uncooked
- 12 ounces beer your choice, I prefer a lager
- 1 cup onions sliced
- 5 buns or rolls
Optional Toppings
- Sauerkraut, Mustard, Relish, etc.
Instructions
- Place brats in saucepan and cover with beer.
- Add the sliced onions. Bring to a low simmer. Keep the heat as low as possible so that you can see the steam coming from the pan, but with almost no bubbling. We are cooking low and slow to keep the casings from bursting. Cook for 20 minutes like this.
- Remove brats from the beer. Discard the beer, but keep the onions. Place brats in air fryer basket. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 4 minutes. Add the onions over the brats. Increase the temperature to 370 degrees F and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes to brown the bratwurst. When internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, it is safe to eat.
- Serve with buns and condiments.
Notes
- Store leftover cooked brats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I have found that reheating in the microwave is the best way to quickly reheat them without overcooking.
- Freeze leftovers in freezer safe airtight containers for up to three months.
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