The secret to juicy, perfectly cooked bratwurst without a grill? Simmer them in beer first, then finish them in the air fryer. You'll get plump, flavorful brats with a beautifully browned casing every single time - no flare-ups, no babysitting the grill, no problem.
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Why My Recipe
I know what you're thinking - can the air fryer really compete with the grill for bratwurst? Here's the thing: this recipe doesn't skip the most important step. By simmering the brats in beer first, you're doing exactly what the best tailgate cooks have always done. The beer bath infuses flavor deep into the sausage, keeps them incredibly juicy, and fully cooks them through. Then the air fryer does what it does best - it crisps and browns that casing to perfection in minutes.
No grill? No problem. Raining outside? Doesn't matter. Living in an apartment with no outdoor space? You're covered. This method gives you brats that are every bit as satisfying as anything off the grill, and it's more forgiving and hands-off than any other method I've tried. Once you make brats this way, you'll stop firing up the grill just for them.
Air fryer bratwurst are delish with my Potato Bites!
Ingredients
- 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 - I like to stick to my Texas roots and use Shiner Bock. Check out the section below for an in depth exploration of the all the beer choices for the perfect air fryer bratwurst!
- 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.
Important: Don't pierce the brats before or during simmering. Keeping the casing intact traps all those juices inside.
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.
Choosing the best beer for cooking bratwurst
The beer you choose for simmering makes a real difference in the final flavor of your brats. The good news: you don't need anything expensive or fancy. Here's how to think about it.
The Classic Choice: Lager or Pilsner
A mild American lager - think Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors Banquet, or PBR - is the gold standard for a reason. It adds a subtle malty backbone without overpowering the natural flavor of the sausage. This is the safe, crowd-pleasing pick and the one most Wisconsin brat cooks would reach for without a second thought.
A German-style pilsner like Modelo, Stella Artois, or an actual German Pils takes it up a notch - a little more character and a touch of crispness that plays nicely with pork.
For More Depth: Amber Ale or Märzen
If you want your brats to have a richer, more complex flavor, reach for an amber ale or a Märzen (the style of beer traditionally served at Oktoberfest). These have a toasty, slightly caramel malt character that pairs beautifully with pork sausage. Shiner Bock is a great Texas-available option, and Sam Adams Octoberfest is widely available when in season. This is the upgrade pick when you want to impress.
Wheat Beer: The Underrated Option
A hefeweizen or wheat beer is an underrated pick for brats. The natural banana and clove notes in a good hefeweizen complement traditional bratwurst seasoning in a surprisingly harmonious way. Blue Moon or any German hefeweizen works well here.
What to Avoid
Heavily hopped IPAs are the main one to steer clear of. Hops intensify and turn bitter when cooked, which can leave an unpleasant edge on the meat. A little hop presence is fine, but a big West Coast or New England IPA is too aggressive for a simmer.
Dark stouts and porters are hit or miss. The roasty, coffee-forward bitterness can compete with the sausage rather than complement it. If you love stouts, try a sweeter milk stout, which is more forgiving - but it's a bold choice and not for everyone.
Fruit beers and sours are generally a skip unless you're intentionally going for a sweet or tangy flavor profile. They can work in a "make it your own" experiment, but they're not a reliable choice for a classic brat.
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, grab whatever lager is in your fridge. The simmering method does most of the heavy lifting - the beer is there to support the brat, not steal the show.
FAQ
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.
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 or sautéd bell peppers.
Favorite side dishes to serve
📖 Recipe
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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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