Air Fryer Brats
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My air fryer brats are the easiest way to cook bratwurst. Super fast and without all the mess, enjoy crisp and juicy brats in just 10 minutes!
As much as my family loves brats on the grill or brats in the oven, cooking them in the air fryer is an absolute game-changer. There is no oil or grease splattering, no mess in the kitchen, and they need zero prep work. Besides the char marks, you won’t even be able to tell the difference.
The brats turn out crisp and golden on the outside, while being super juicy in the middle. I’ve tested this recipe using plain and flavored bratwurst sausage, and they all turn out delicious.
Why I love this air fryer brats recipe
- Quick and easy. We’re talking ten minutes.
- Healthier. Air frying brats is a convenient and efficient way to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without using as much oil as traditional frying methods.
- Easy clean-up. Just a quick wash of the air fryer. I sometimes even line them with paper liners to prevent ANY mess.
- Diet-friendly. These sausages are great if you are following a low-carb or keto diet, or want a high-protein addition to a family dinner.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Bratwurst sausages. You can find these sausages at any grocery store. If this is your first time cooking bratwurst, stick with the original flavor and brand (Johnsonville brats or Boar’s Head), but if you have access to a butcher, try their homemade beer brats or ones that have fillings and/or extras (like cheese or jalapenos!). Of course, if you want classic sausage, try my air fryer sausage links or air fryer Italian sausage instead.
- To assemble. For a quick meal, my family loves these with some onions, peppers, mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, relish, and some buns.
How to cook brats in the air fryer
Step 1- Assemble. Add the uncooked brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 2- Air fry. Cook the brats for 10 minutes (flipping halfway through), or until they are cooked nicely without burning the edges.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use air fryer liners. I couldn’t live without my disposable air fryer liners. Essentially, these are purposely shaped parchment papers that you place in the air fryer basket. It works so well for brats and sausages because they don’t require heat circulation to cook through. Also, you CAN line them with aluminum foil.
- Check the internal temperature. Checking the internal temperature is the best indication of whether the brats are cooked or not. The internal temperature of fully cooked brats should be 165°F.
- Bring the brats to room temperature. Like with steaks or other proteins, cooking the brats at room temperature will not only be quicker but will also cook them more evenly.
- Flip the brats halfway through. Although not mandatory, I flip them halfway through just so both sides get ample browning.
- Cook in batches. As with any air fryer recipe, always cook the brats in a single layer. If your air fryer can’t accommodate all your sausages, cook them one batch at a time.
Frequently asked questions
You don’t need to do anything special to cook frozen brats in the air fryer instead of fresh ones. Add the frozen bratwurst directly into the air fryer and air fry for 12 minutes.
No, don’t do that! Through testing, I found that they release juices through the holes, which ends up drying out the brats.
How to store leftovers
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled brats in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Air fryer Brats
Video
Ingredients
- 6 bratwurst uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Add the bratwurst in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the bratwurst for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes. The bratwurst is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or until crisp and golden brown on the outside.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Frozen brats: Cook directly from the freezer and increase the air frying time by 2-3 minutes.
- Leftovers: Can be kept in the fridge, covered, for 5 days. You can freeze them for up to two months. I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Hm never heard of bratwurst. Is it the type of sauseg?
LOVE these air fryer brats so much!!!
Dear Arman,
Thank you, for healthy recipes.
I love your e-mails.
For the first time in my 73 years l
I am starting to get excited about cooking. Trying to eat at home, lose weight and get healthy. Love to see 3 to 5 Ingredients or less. For those
Busy days. If you are so inclined.
Seeing your breakfast recipes
Was wonderful, to make ahead.
I’m trying oats tomorrow. Where they can grab one b4 work.
Being on crutches for a few years. I’m so slow, but to make ahead. I believe we can eat at home. Thank you so much,
Sincerely Kathy
aw, Thank you Kathy. You are so sweet and it makes me so happy to hear you are excited about cooking. Please never hesitate to reach out 🙂
Air fryer brats are awesome! Try a one pot meal…cut up some brats, add onions, bell peppers and frozen pierogies.
(…and a little cajun seasoning).