Air-Fryer Bratwurst: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is an easy, quick, and tasty way to prepare this German sausage. It's a convenient method that doesn't require the use of a grill or oven, and it's perfect for any time of year. The air fryer gives the bratwurst a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the mess and long cooking times of other cooking methods.

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer: a quick and easy method

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is an incredibly convenient and tasty way to prepare this German sausage. It's quick, easy, and produces delicious results with minimal mess and fuss. You can have juicy, flavourful bratwurst on your table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients and Equipment

The beauty of cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is that you need very few ingredients and pieces of equipment. Here's what you'll need:

• Bratwurst: Look for raw bratwurst, either fresh or frozen. You can use any brand or type, such as Johnsonville, Boars Head, or a local butcher's homemade beer bratwurst.
• Air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use.
• Cooking spray or oil: A light spray of cooking oil or a brush of oil on the air fryer tray will help with cooking and cleanup.
• Meat thermometer (optional): This is useful for checking if your bratwurst is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Toppings and sides (optional): Popular toppings include mustard, sauerkraut, onions, peppers, relish, and cheese. For sides, consider buns, onion rings, coleslaw, or cucumber salad.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's get into the cooking process. This is a simple, straightforward method that anyone can follow:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350°F and 380°F.
• Prepare the bratwurst: Place the bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This allows for even cooking.
• Cook the bratwurst: Depending on the number of bratwurst and the power of your air fryer, cook for 8-15 minutes. Flip the bratwurst halfway through to ensure even browning. The bratwurst is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Rest and serve: Remove the bratwurst from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to lock in the juices. Serve with your desired toppings and sides, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Don't pierce the bratwurst: Avoid poking holes in the bratwurst before or during cooking, as this can release moisture and dry out the sausage.
• Cook from frozen: You can cook frozen bratwurst in the air fryer. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they reach the desired internal temperature.
• Line your air fryer: For easier cleanup, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. This catches any grease and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Store and reheat: You can store leftover bratwurst in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or a non-stick pan.

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and tasty way to prepare this German sausage. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can have juicy, flavourful bratwurst on the table in less than 30 minutes. So, the next time you're craving bratwurst, give your air fryer a try!

How to cook bratwurst in an air fryer: a step-by-step guide

Step 1: Prepare your air fryer and bratwurst

First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to around 350°F–375°F. It's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on your model.

Next, brush or spray the air fryer tray with a little cooking oil. This will help prevent the bratwurst from sticking and make cleaning up easier.

Now, place your bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for the hot air to circulate around them. Avoid stacking or crowding the sausages.

Step 2: Cook the bratwurst

Cook your bratwurst for around 12–15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bratwurst is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use an instant digital meat thermometer to check this.

Step 3: Serve

Remove the bratwurst from the air fryer and serve them in soft white buns or crusty rolls. You can top them with sauerkraut, mustard, onions, or your favourite condiments.

Tips:

• You can use any type of bratwurst sausages, but if it's your first time, stick with a well-known brand like Johnsonville.
• If you want to cook frozen bratwurst, you can do so by increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For easy cleanup, you can line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil with holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.
• To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

The benefits of cooking bratwurst in an air fryer: convenience, taste and health

Bratwursts are a type of German sausage, usually made with pork but sometimes with beef or veal. They are a popular food, especially at parties, BBQs, and on busy weeknights. Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer has several benefits, including convenience, improved taste, and health advantages.

Convenience

Air fryers offer a quick and easy way to cook bratwursts without the mess of oil or grease splattering. They are also a convenient option when it is too cold or hot to cook outdoors on a grill. With an air fryer, you can have your bratwursts ready in less than 30 minutes, and you don't need to stand outside and grill them.

Taste

Air fryer bratwursts are perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. They have a delicious, crispy grilled taste without the need to break out the grill. You can also cook them with various toppings, such as sauerkraut and mustard, to enhance their flavour.

Health

Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it requires less oil, which is especially beneficial for bratwursts as they are naturally fattier. Air frying also allows you to cook the bratwursts to your desired level of doneness, ensuring they are cooked evenly and safely.

Tips and variations for cooking bratwurst in an air fryer

Temperature and Timing

Bratwursts should be cooked in the air fryer at a temperature between 350-380°F for 12-15 minutes. You can also cook them at a lower temperature of 300°F for 15 minutes, or a higher temperature of 370-375°F for 8-10 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

Internal Temperature

The bratwursts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160-165°F. Check this with a meat thermometer.

Frozen Brats

You can cook frozen brats in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F and cook for 13-17 minutes.

Single Layer

Always cook bratwursts in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. If your air fryer is too small to fit all the sausages in one layer, cook them in batches.

Liners and Foil

Use disposable air fryer liners or parchment paper to prevent a mess and make cleanup easier. You can also use aluminium foil, but be aware that this may cause your food to have an acidic taste, especially if cooking more acidic foods.

Toppings and Sides

Bratwursts are delicious served in a bun with toppings such as mustard, sauerkraut, and onions. You can also serve them with cooked sliced peppers, broccoli salad, or potato salad.

Bring to Room Temperature

For more even cooking, let the bratwursts come to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat bratwursts, place them in the microwave, a non-stick pan, or the air fryer.

Storing and reheating bratwurst cooked in an air fryer

Storing Cooked Bratwurst:

It is recommended to store leftover bratwurst in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to 4-5 days. If you wish to keep it for a more extended period, you can freeze the cooked and cooled bratwurst. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cooked Bratwurst in an Air Fryer:

When you are ready to enjoy your stored bratwurst again, simply preheat your air fryer to 320°F to 350°F. Place the bratwurst in the air fryer basket and reheat them for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave or a non-stick pan, depending on your preference.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• To maintain the quality and taste of the bratwurst, it is best to store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out or absorbing other flavours from your refrigerator.
• When freezing, consider wrapping each bratwurst individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together and to make it easier to thaw and reheat individual portions.
• For reheating, using the air fryer is a convenient option as it can help maintain the crispy texture of the bratwurst. However, you can also use a microwave or a non-stick pan if you prefer.

Frequently asked questions