Air-Fried Brats: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Brats, or bratwurst, are a type of German sausage, usually made with pork, but also sometimes with beef or veal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, with no need for additional seasoning. The air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook brats, achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior without using as much oil as traditional frying methods.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

Bratwurst sausages (any brand or flavour of your choice)

Optional ingredients

• Cooking spray or oil
• Aluminium foil or parchment paper
• Bread
• Meat thermometer
• Toppings of your choice, such as:
• Sauerkraut
• Mustard
• Onions
• Peppers
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Swiss cheese
• Potato chips
• BBQ sauce
• Jalapeños
• Bacon bits
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 300°F and 400°F.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other.
• Cook for 8-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. They are done when they reach 160°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, the longer cooking time is recommended to ensure they are safe to eat.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• To make clean-up easier, you can line the air fryer with aluminium foil or parchment paper to catch any grease. If using foil, it will need holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.
• To catch any grease that drips, place a piece of bread underneath the air fryer basket.
• If you want a crispier skin on your brats, cook them at the higher temperature (400°F). For a less crispy skin, use the lower temperature (300°F-375°F).
• If you are cooking frozen brats, add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

How long to cook brats in an air fryer for

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and flavourful. The cooking time depends on the number of brats being cooked, the wattage and size of the air fryer, and whether the brats are cooked from room temperature or straight from the fridge.

For example, one source recommends cooking two brats for 10-12 minutes, while another suggests cooking five brats for 12-15 minutes. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the above factors.

It is recommended to cook brats at a temperature setting of between 350-390°F, and to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly browned. Brats are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

What temperature to cook brats at in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook brats in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F to get juicy brats. If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 375°F/190°C.

Step 2: Prepare the Brats

Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other and that there is room for the hot air to circulate. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3: Cook the Brats

Cook the brats for 12-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, tender, and crispy brats!

Tips:

• You can use any brand of bratwurst sausages, but Johnsonville Brats are a popular choice.
• Brats are typically served in soft white buns or crusty rolls with toppings such as sauerkraut, mustard, and onions.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil with holes in it to allow air circulation.

How to store leftover air fryer brats

Storing leftover air fryer brats is easy. If you're planning to eat them within four days, simply pop them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator.

If you don't think you'll get through your leftovers within four days, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure you wrap them individually in plastic wrap first so they don't all stick together.

When you're ready to eat your leftover brats, you can reheat them in the air fryer. This will help to crisp them up again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the grill. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of around 152°F before eating—use a meat thermometer to check.

What to serve with air fryer brats

There are several side dishes that you can serve with air fryer brats. Here are some ideas:

• Sauerkraut and mustard
• Onions
• Peppers
• Potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies
• Green beans with bacon
• Onion rings
• German Potato Salad
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Homemade French Fries
• Caramelized onions
• Crispy fried onion strings
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Bacon-baked beans
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

You can also serve brats in a roll or bun, with or without cheese.

Frequently asked questions