Making air fryer brats is the easy way to get juicy bratwurst golden brown without using a 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.
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 and spicy brown mustard. Have them with brat buns, or just have a low carb meal without any bread. However you eat them, I'm sure they will be your new favorite brats!
If you love cooking with your air fryer try these other great recipe made using the Cosori basket style appliance - hot dogs, chicken wings, and bang bang cauliflower.
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.
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
Raw brats - this recipe uses uncooked brats. There are 5 sausages in a package of brats, unless you are buying in bulk. There are different kinds of brats such as beer brats and cheddar brats. You can also buy them precooked.
Buns - you can use buns that are made especially for brats, hard rolls, 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.
Instructions
Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card for air fryer brats.
- There is no need to pre-heat the air fryer before cooking.
- Use a little bit of non-stick spray, if desired. Since brats are fatty it isn't really necessary, but I do it out of habit.
- Place bratwurst in the air fryer basket leaving a bit a space between them. Be sure to cook in a single layer.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until browned. When internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, it is safe to eat.
- 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.
Quick facts
Yes, you can cook from frozen, just cook a few minutes longer until a safe internal temperature is reached.
No. Bratwurst should be fully cooked before eating.
Yes, if you have extra time, it's a great idea to marinate brats in your favorite beer (along with some sliced onions) for an hour or more.
Top tips
Use a meat thermometer to check to see if your air fryer 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 size. 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 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.
Ways to serve bratwurst
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 thinly sliced or finely diced raw onions, or stewed onions and bell peppers.
If you're in the mood for something more than potato chips, try my Mexican Street Corn Pasta salad, Cherry Tomato Caprese salad, or my Greek Pasta salad.
Brats are also great for breakfast! Try them with my veggie egg cups, steel cut oats, or these cheesy grits.
Air Fryer Brats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 bratwursts uncooked
- 5 buns or rolls
- Cooking spray optional
Optional Toppings
- Sauerkraut
- Mustard spicy, brown
- Onions
Instructions
- Use a little bit of non-stick spray, if desired.
- Place bratwurst in the air fryer basket leaving a bit a space between them. Be sure to cook in a single layer.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for about 14-15 minutes or until browned. When internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, it is safe to eat.
- 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.
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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