Air-Fried Brauts: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Yes, you can make bratwurst in an air fryer! It's an easy and quick way to cook delicious brats without the mess of a grill or stove. The air fryer is also a healthier option as it requires less oil than traditional frying methods. You can have juicy and tender brats ready in under 15 minutes.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Bratwurst sausages (any kind, though Johnsonville is a popular brand)
• Buns (soft white buns, sliced baguette, crusty rolls, or hoagie rolls)
• Mustard (stoneground or German mustard is recommended)
• Sauerkraut
• Cooking oil or spray oil (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F. If your air fryer does not require preheating, let the bratwurst come to room temperature.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may brush or spray the tray with oil first.
• Cook for 8-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until done. The brats are ready when they have an internal temperature of 160-165°F. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can cook frozen brats in the air fryer. There is no need to defrost them first. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminium foil. If using foil, poke holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.
• To add extra flavour, serve your brats with toppings such as sauerkraut, mustard, onions, peppers, or cheese.
• For a low-carb option, serve the brats with a side salad or vegetables instead of buns.

What temperature to cook brats in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook brats in an air fryer! This is a quick and easy way to make juicy and tender brats, and you can have them on the table in under 30 minutes.

Temperature and Cook Time

To make brats in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. The ideal temperature for cooking brats is 375°F, but anywhere between 350°F and 380°F will work.

Cooking brats in the air fryer at 350°F will take around 12-15 minutes. At 375°F, they should take around 12-14 minutes. If you are cooking at 380°F, check your brats after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Cooking Brats in an Air Fryer

• If you have the time, let your brats come to room temperature before cooking. They will cook faster and more evenly.
• Brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• If your air fryer is the basket type, flip your brats halfway through cooking. If you have an oven-style air fryer with trays, this isn't necessary.
• Cook your brats in a single layer, leaving space around them so that the hot air can circulate.
• You can cook frozen brats in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Line the drip pan of your air fryer with parchment paper or foil to catch any grease and make cleanup easier.

How long to cook brats in an air fryer

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and flavorful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook brats in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Brats

Let the bratwurst come to room temperature. This step is optional but will help the brats cook more evenly and quickly. You can also slit or pierce the brats a few times before cooking to prevent them from splitting open during cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F to 380°F. The ideal temperature for cooking brats is 350°F, but you can go up to 380°F if you want a crispier casing. Not all air fryer models require preheating, so check your specific model's instructions.

Step 3: Arrange the Brats in the Air Fryer

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

Step 4: Cook the Brats

Cook the brats at the preheated temperature for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how well-done you like them. For a good sear, cook them for closer to 15 minutes. If you like your brats a bit less cooked, 12 minutes should suffice.

Flip the brats over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. You can skip this step if you prefer, but flipping helps achieve an even cook.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure that your brats are fully cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. If they have not reached this temperature, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until they do.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the brats have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy bite.

Serve your air fryer brats on their own or with your favorite toppings and sides. They go well with cooked sliced peppers, onions, and sauerkraut, and can be served on a soft bun or crusty roll. Enjoy!

How to serve air fryer brats

There are many ways to serve air fryer brats, and they are a great option for a quick and easy meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Buns and Toppings

You can serve air fryer brats in soft white buns, crusty rolls, or hoagie rolls, depending on your preference. For toppings, you can add sauerkraut, mustard, onions, relish, pickles, or cheese. If you're serving them with buns, you can also cook the rolls in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to make them crispy.

Side Dishes

Some side dishes that go well with air fryer brats include onion rings, coleslaw, cucumber salad, pierogies, and green beans with bacon. If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can serve them with a loaded cauliflower mock potato salad or air fryer peppers and onions.

Condiments and Sauces

In addition to mustard, you can offer a variety of condiments and sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce. You can also get creative and make your own special sauce to go with your brats.

Salads and Fries

Air fryer brats can be served with a variety of salads, such as German potato salad, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them with homemade French fries or potato chips on the side.

Drinks

What drinks go well with air fryer brats? Offer your guests a variety of options, such as beer, soft drinks, or iced tea. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a signature cocktail or mocktail to pair with your brats.

Desserts

Don't forget to finish your meal with a delicious dessert! Some options that could go well with air fryer brats include fruit salads, ice cream, or cookies.

How to store air fryer brats

Storing air fryer brats is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your leftover brats to enjoy later:

Refrigerating Air Fryer Brats:

Firstly, it is important to let the brats cool down to room temperature after cooking. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Reheating Refrigerated Brats:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover brats, simply pop them back into the air fryer! Reheat them at a lower temperature setting than you originally cooked them at, to heat them through and add a bit of crispness.

Freezing Air Fryer Brats:

If you wish to store your brats for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the brats individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Frozen Brats:

To enjoy your frozen brats again, you can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can put them straight into the air fryer from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Remember to always ensure your brats are thoroughly reheated and cooked through before consuming. Enjoy your delicious air fryer brats!

Frequently asked questions