Air-Fryer 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 less than 15 minutes, and are full of flavour. The air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook brats, and they come out tender and juicy. You can also add peppers and onions to the air fryer with the brats.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

All you need is a pack of uncooked brats. You can use your favourite brand, but Johnsonville Brats are a popular choice.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Air fry at 350°F to 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can line your air fryer with parchment paper to help with cleanup and to absorb excess grease.
• Brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• If you have the time, let the brats come to room temperature before cooking. They will cook faster and more evenly.
• You can cook frozen brats in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

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 them juicy and tender, and it only takes around 15 minutes.

Temperature and Cook Time

The ideal temperature to cook brats in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F. The cook time will vary depending on the brand, wattage, and size of your air fryer, but on average, it should take between 12 and 15 minutes.

How to Cook Brats in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket or on the trays, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around them.
• Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the brats with an instant-read thermometer. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Results:

• If using uncooked brats, bring them to room temperature before air frying for more even cooking.
• For easy cleanup, line the drip pan of your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch any grease.
• If your air fryer has a basket, flip the brats halfway through cooking. This is not necessary for oven models.
• You can also cook frozen brats in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, then cook the brats for an additional 12-15 minutes, depending on their size.

Serving Suggestions:

These juicy, tender air fryer brats go well with various toppings and sides. Here are some ideas:

• Sauerkraut and mustard
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Baked beans and potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup and relish
• Cheese sauce and onions

How long to cook brats 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

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Different sources suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 390°F. However, the majority of sources recommend preheating to 350°F or 370°F.

Step 2: Place the Brats in the Air Fryer

Place the desired number of brats in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, leaving some room for the hot air to circulate around them. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the brats in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Brats

Cooking times will vary depending on the number of brats, the wattage and size of your air fryer, and whether the brats are frozen or thawed. For room-temperature brats, cooking times range from 8 to 15 minutes. For frozen brats, cook for 13 to 15 minutes.

Regardless of the cooking time, you should flip the brats halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Use an instant-read thermometer or a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 4: Remove from the Air Fryer and Serve

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them on their own or with your favorite toppings and sides.

Some popular topping and side suggestions include sauerkraut, mustard, onions, peppers, cheese, and rolls or buns.

Tips:

• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to absorb excess grease and make cleanup easier.
• If you want to catch any grease drippings, place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket.
• For crispy sandwich rolls, place the rolls in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• To melt cheese on your brat, place the cheese on the brat and sandwich roll, then let it sit in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes after turning it off.
• If you are using frozen brats, pierce them with a fork before cooking to help them cook more evenly.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried brats!

What to serve with air fryer brats

Air fryer brats are a quick and easy meal to make any time of year. They are a great option for a busy weeknight dinner, and can be served with a variety of sides and toppings.

When serving air fryer brats, it is best to pair them with a simple side dish. Here are some ideas:

• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies
• Green beans with bacon
• German potato salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Homemade French fries
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
• Sauteed onions and peppers

Toppings:

You can also top your air fryer brats with a variety of toppings to add extra flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Sauerkraut
• Mustard
• Sauteed onions and peppers
• Crispy fried onion strings
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Bacon-baked beans
• Relish and diced or sliced onions
• Pineapple and BBQ sauce
• Jalapenos and bacon bits
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Potato chips and ketchup

Can you cook frozen brats in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen brats in an air fryer! This is a great option if you're short on time or don't want to go outside to heat up a grill. The air fryer will give you juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked bratwurst every time.

To cook frozen brats in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the frozen brats inside, making sure they're not overcrowded and have some space around them. Cook the brats for around 13 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

You don't need to flip the brats halfway through cooking, but you can if you want to. Once they're done, let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and moist.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your brats, you can marinate them in beer before cooking. Simply soak the frozen brats in a shallow dish of beer for 30 minutes, then continue with the cooking process.

You can also cook peppers and onions in your air fryer to go with your brats. Slice up a bell pepper and half an onion, and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add this mixture to the air fryer along with the brats, and cook everything together.

So, there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious way to cook frozen brats in an air fryer. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions