Air-Fryer Brats: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare this German sausage. It's an excellent alternative to grilling, especially during hot summer months, and can produce juicy and crispy brats in under 15 minutes. The air fryer is also a healthier option, as it requires less oil than traditional frying methods.

Air fryer temperature settings

Yes, you can cook bratwurst in an air fryer. The ideal temperature setting for cooking brats in an air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F. The cooking time varies between 12 and 15 minutes, depending on the number of brats being cooked and the desired level of doneness.

It is important to ensure that the brats are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and have enough room for hot air to circulate around them. They should be turned over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

The brats are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F, which can be measured using a digital meat thermometer. For food safety, it is recommended to cook meat to a minimum internal temperature specified in food safety guidelines.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others recommend cooking the brats directly without preheating. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model regarding preheating requirements.

Additionally, the cooking time may need adjustments depending on the brand, wattage, and size of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the brats during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or drying out.

How to cook brats from frozen

Yes, you can cook brats from frozen in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer. Brush or spray the tray with cooking oil—you can use avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil. Return the air fryer basket to the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-380°F for 2-3 minutes, or use the preheat setting.

Step 2: Prepare the Brats

Open your package of brats and place the frozen brats into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook your brats in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3: Cook the Brats

Cook the brats for 10-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until done. The brats are done when they have an internal temperature of 160°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Serve the Brats

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them cool. Then, serve the brats on your favorite brat buns or crusty rolls with your choice of toppings. Suggested toppings include sauerkraut, mustard, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese. On the side, you could have onion rings, coleslaw, or cucumber salad.

Step 5: Store Leftovers

Cooked bratwurst sausage can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To store it safely, let the brats cool to room temperature, wrap the cooked bratwurst tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag.

Step 6: Reheat the Brats

To reheat the brats, preheat your air fryer to 320°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator within two hours and can be stored there for up to four days. If you don't think you'll be able to eat the leftovers within four days, you can store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

Reheating leftovers in the air fryer is a great way to make them crispy again without drying them out. Here are the steps to reheat leftovers in your air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 320°F and 400°F, depending on the type of food you are reheating. For most foods, 350°F is a good temperature to aim for. You can preheat for up to 5 minutes, but this is not necessary for all foods.
• Prepare the food: Place the food in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for hot air to circulate. You can spritz the food with a little oil to help it get crispy, but this is optional.
• Reheat the food: Air fry for 2-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the food doesn't burn. For meats, the recommended safe internal temperature is 165°F.

It's important to note that each air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with times and temperatures to find the perfect settings for your machine. Additionally, the quality of leftovers decreases each time they are reheated, so it's best to only reheat the amount of food you need.

Recommended toppings and side dishes

Brats cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of toppings and side dishes. They are usually served in a bun or roll, with toppings such as sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, relish, and chopped onions. You can also add cooked sliced peppers, mushrooms, or even a dill pickle on the side.

If you are serving the brats with a side dish, you could try Loaded Cauliflower Mock Potato Salad, Air Fryer Peppers and Onions, Avocado Tomato Salad, Spicy Lime Coleslaw, Roasted Cabbage with Lemon, or Easy Cheesy Baked Keto Cauliflower.

If you are cooking for kids or family members who are not watching their carb intake, you can serve the brats in buns or rolls. For those who are, you can serve the brats without a bun and with a side salad instead.

Recommended air fryer brands and models

Yes, you can cook brats in an air fryer! They are full of flavor and ready in only 15 minutes.

When choosing an air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the fryer, its ease of use, and its cooking capabilities. Here are some recommended air fryer brands and models to consider:

• Ninja Air Fryer: The Ninja brand offers a range of air fryer models, including the Ninja Max XL and the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer. The Ninja Max XL is known for its ability to cook food quickly and efficiently, making it a good choice for those who want their food crispy in a short amount of time. The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is a good option for those who want a smaller model without compromising on performance.
• Instant Vortex Plus: The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile air fryer. It features a roomy basket, a sleek exterior, and a user-friendly interface with pre-programmed settings. It also offers additional cooking functions, such as a dehydrate mode and a proof setting for bread-making.
• Cuisinart Convection Air Fryer Toaster Oven: This air fryer stands out for its larger basket size, accommodating a full package of five brats or more. It is a good option for those who want the convenience of an air fryer without sacrificing capacity.
• Cosori TurboBlaze: This air fryer offers excellent value for money, providing powerful performance at a low cost. It has a compact size, additional cooking functions, and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning.
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: While the original Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is a more mid-sized and affordable option, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a step up in terms of performance and features. It includes a range of accessories, such as a pizza stone and a pizza crisper pan, making it a versatile choice for various cooking tasks.

Frequently asked questions