Air-Fryer Brats: A Tasty, Crispy Treat?

You can definitely cook bratwurst in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook delicious brats without the mess of a grill or stove. They're full of flavour and ready in only 15 minutes. You can serve them in a hoagie bun, over pasta, or with veggies.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

All you need for this recipe is a pack of uncooked bratwurst. Johnsonville Brats are a popular choice, but you can use any brand of your choice.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for the hot air to circulate around them.
• Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through. They are done when they have an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can wrap the brats in aluminium foil to aid with cleanup, but this is not necessary.
• Brats go well with toppings like sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, and can be served in buns or rolls.
• You can also cook peppers and onions in the air fryer to serve as a side dish.
• If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook the brats in batches.

How to store and reheat air fryer brats

Storing and reheating air fryer brats is simple. If you have any leftover brats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at a reduced temperature—around 320°F—for three to five minutes.

You can also freeze cooked brats for up to two months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.

What to serve with air fryer brats

Yes, you can cook bratwurst in an air fryer. They are full of flavor and ready in only 15 minutes. The air fryer renders them perfectly juicy and tender on the inside while the outside casing turns a lovely golden brown color with a nice crispy bite.

• Sauerkraut and mustard
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Baked beans and potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup and relish
• Cheese sauce and onions
• Air fryer mushrooms
• Caramelized peach and onion salsa
• Jalapeño mango jam
• Onion rings
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies and green beans with bacon

You can also serve them in buns with your favorite toppings or with peppers and onions for a simple dinner.

Toppings for air fryer brats

Air fryer brats are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to make. They are versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your air fryer brats:

Classic German Style

For an authentic German experience, serve your bratwurst with a side of potatoes, sauerkraut, mustard, and a cold beer. You can also add some roasted bell peppers and onions for extra flavor.

American Style

Go the traditional American route and serve your brat in a soft hot dog bun or a crusty roll with classic hot dog toppings such as caramelized onions, crispy fried onion strings, ketchup, and mayonnaise. You can also add some sauerkraut and mustard for a tangy twist.

Condiments and Sauces

• Sauerkraut and Swiss cheese
• Relish and diced or sliced onions
• Pineapple and BBQ sauce
• Jalapenos and bacon bits
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Potato chips and ketchup
• German mustard
• J Dawgs Sauce
• Kansas City BBQ Sauce
• Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
• Outback Blooming Onion Sauce

Sides

Air fryer brats go well with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies
• Green beans with bacon
• German potato salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Homemade French fries

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and sides to find your favorite combinations!

Air fryer temperature and cook time

The ideal temperature to cook brats in an air fryer is between 350-400°F. The cooking time varies between 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of brats being cooked, the brand of the air fryer, and whether the brats are frozen or not.

For instance, cooking frozen brats in a preheated air fryer at 350°F takes about 13 to 15 minutes. On the other hand, cooking thawed raw bratwurst in a preheated air fryer at 370°F takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

It is recommended to cook brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some room around them, to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. To ensure even browning, it is advisable to flip the brats halfway through the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions