Air-Fryer Johnsonville Brats: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Johnsonville brats are a type of sausage made by a company called Johnsonville Sausage. Their sausages are known for their high-quality ingredients, which include premium pork, spices, and natural casings. Johnsonville brats are the most common type of bratwurst in the USA and can be found at your local grocery store. They are delicious and pair well with all kinds of side dishes. Johnsonville brats can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes and are perfect for when you don't want to grill or don't have access to one.

Preheat settings and timings

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest 370, 360, or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The preheat time also varies, with some sources recommending 2-3 minutes, while others suggest 5-6 minutes. It is worth consulting your air fryer's manual for model-specific instructions.

For fresh Johnsonville brats, the cooking time in the air fryer generally ranges from 5 to 12 minutes. Some sources recommend cooking for 5-6 minutes, flipping the brats halfway through, while others suggest a total cooking time of 12 minutes, divided into two 6-minute intervals with a flip in between. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness, with some sources recommending up to 10-12 minutes for well-done brats.

When cooking frozen Johnsonville brats in the air fryer, the cooking time increases. Most sources recommend a cooking time of 10-15 minutes, with the brats being cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the brats reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your brats during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

In summary, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for a few minutes, then cook your Johnsonville brats for 5-12 minutes for fresh brats or 10-15 minutes for frozen ones, adjusting the time as needed for your desired level of doneness. Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Arranging the brats in the air fryer

When arranging the brats in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and not touching each other or the sides of the basket. This allows for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the brats in batches. You can use tongs to place the brats in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is adequate space between them for air circulation.

For frozen brats, it is recommended to add 2-5 minutes to the cooking time per side. If your brats are frozen, you may need to cover them with foil while they finish cooking to prevent them from getting too brown before the inside is cooked. It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the brats and the power of your air fryer, so it is advisable to check the level of cooking frequently, especially when trying a new recipe.

Additionally, if your brats have a casing, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the brats to prevent sticking. However, some sources mention that cooking spray is not necessary as the brats will not stick to the air fryer basket.

Once you have arranged the brats in the air fryer, you can proceed with cooking them according to the desired level of doneness and your preferred cooking method.

Cooking times and temperatures

Johnsonville brats can be cooked in an air fryer at different temperatures and for different amounts of time, depending on whether they are fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked.

If you are cooking fresh Johnsonville brats, you should preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. Then, place the uncooked brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the brats in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

If you are cooking frozen Johnsonville brats, you should add 2-5 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the source. Check the level of doneness often, especially if you are trying a new recipe. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

For pre-cooked Johnsonville brats, you are simply reheating them rather than cooking them. Set your air fryer to 350°F and place the cooked brats in a single layer. Heat for 5 minutes or until brown and heated through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the brats and the power of your air fryer. To ensure your brats are cooked evenly, it is recommended to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The inside of the brats should reach 160°F.

Serving suggestions

Johnsonville brats cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them in hot dog or sausage rolls, or on their own with a sauce for dipping. Brat buns are larger and sturdier than hot dog buns and are the best way to hold your cooked brats. However, if you are gluten-free, you can skip the bun and enjoy the brats on their own.

You can toast your buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes for an alternative flavor. You can also toast your cooked brats in the air fryer after cooking, covering them with cheese and allowing it to melt.

You can serve Johnsonville brats with classic side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, or potato chips. They can also be served with toppings such as raw onions, marinated onions, mustard, sauerkraut, or ketchup.

Storing and reheating

Storing cooked Johnsonville brats:

To store cooked Johnsonville brats, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Johnsonville brats:

The best way to reheat Johnsonville brats is in a non-stick pan over medium heat or in an oven/air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. If you're reheating from frozen, let the brats thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

You can also reheat Johnsonville brats on a grill, by placing them cut-side down and grilling for 3-5 minutes until the red color deepens and the edges begin to char. Then, cook on the flipped side until the brats begin to arch upward. You can also reheat frozen brats on the grill for 12-14 minutes or until heated all the way through, turning them often for an even char.

If you're reheating Johnsonville brats in an air fryer, you can follow a similar process as cooking them for the first time. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F-400°F for 5-6 minutes, and cook the brats for 5-6 minutes until crispy, flipping them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions