Air-Fried Brats: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy and tender sausages with a perfect texture and a crispy exterior. It is also a great option for when you don't want to stand outside grilling in unfavourable weather. In this article, we will be discussing the steps to cook brats in an air fryer, the ideal temperature settings, and the cooking time required. We will also be suggesting some toppings and sides to serve with your air-fried brats.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 350°F, you create the ideal temperature environment for cooking juicy brats. This temperature setting strikes a balance, ensuring the brats are thoroughly cooked without becoming dry or shrivelled.

Preheating your air fryer to 350°F typically takes around 3 minutes, depending on the model and specifications of your appliance. It is advisable to consult your air fryer's user manual or seek guidance from the manufacturer to determine the precise preheating time and temperature settings.

During the preheating process, the air fryer's heating element gradually warms up to the desired temperature of 350°F. This temperature is maintained to ensure that when you place your brats in the air fryer basket, they are exposed to consistent and even heat.

Preheating your air fryer not only ensures efficient cooking but also helps achieve the desired texture and doneness of your brats. By starting the cooking process at the right temperature, you can rest assured that your brats will turn out juicy and flavourful every time.

Remember, preheating your air fryer to 350°F is just the first step in preparing delicious air-fried brats. Following this step, you'll carefully arrange the brats in the air fryer basket and adjust the cooking time and temperature settings according to your specific air fryer model and the level of doneness you prefer.

Place the brats in a single layer

To cook brats in an air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is to ensure that the hot air can circulate around them properly. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the brats in batches to ensure they are in a single layer.

When placing the brats in the air fryer, make sure they are not overcrowded and have a bit of space around each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure that the brats cook evenly. You can leave a little space between each brat by using an air fryer liner or parchment paper. This will also help with easy cleanup.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, the number of brats you are cooking, and whether they are frozen or room temperature. Room temperature brats will cook faster and more evenly, so it is recommended to bring them to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer if you have the time.

Finally, be sure to flip the brats halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook and brown evenly on both sides.

Cook for 8-15 minutes

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and tender with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the temperature setting and whether the brats are fresh or frozen.

For fresh brats, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each one for the hot air to circulate. Set the timer for 8-15 minutes, flipping the brats once halfway through the cooking time. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If they haven't reached this temperature, add another minute or two to the cooking time.

For frozen brats, the cooking time will be slightly longer. Cook at 350°F for 9 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 8-9 minutes. Check the brats towards the end of the cooking time, as smaller brats may cook more quickly.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand, wattage, and power of your air fryer, so adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, if you have the time, bringing the brats to room temperature before cooking will result in faster and more even cooking.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your brats halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring that your sausages cook and brown evenly on both sides. This technique also helps to prevent the edges from burning.

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of brats you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are all in a single layer with a bit of space around each one. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and prevents overcrowding.

The cooking time for brats in an air fryer is typically between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 380°F before adding the brats.

During the cooking process, it is important to flip the brats over halfway through. This ensures that both sides of the sausages are exposed to the direct heat and allows for even browning and cooking.

For frozen brats, the cooking time and process is slightly different. It is recommended to cook them at 350°F for 9 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 8-9 minutes. Pre-cooked brats should be cooked at 360°F for 7 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for an additional 6-7 minutes.

By following these steps and flipping your brats halfway through, you can achieve evenly cooked and browned sausages with a juicy interior and crispy exterior.

Serve on a bun with toppings

Once your brats are cooked, it's time to serve them up. You can place them in soft white buns, crusty rolls, brioche buns, hoagie rolls, or pretzel buns. If you're feeling really traditional, opt for a German brötchen.

Now for the toppings. You can keep it simple with just mustard, or German mustard if you're feeling fancy. Sauerkraut is a popular choice, and you can add some Swiss cheese to that. If you're serving to kids, you might want to go for ketchup with some potato chips on the side. If you're feeling adventurous, try cheese sauce with fried pickles, or a fried egg (this works best with the meat formed into patties). For a real taste of Wisconsin, try ketchup, diced onion, and relish. If you're serving to guests, you might want to try something a little more special, like jalapenos and bacon bits. You could also serve with cooked sliced peppers and onions, or sautéed onions and peppers.

Frequently asked questions