Air-Fried Brats: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy and tender bratwurst. It's faster than grilling or cooking them in the oven, and you don't have to worry about the cold or heat outside. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about making delicious air fryer brats, including the ingredients, cooking process, and serving suggestions.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making juicy and tender air-fried brats. While some recipes suggest preheating at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, others recommend 370 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal preheating time is 5 minutes, though some recipes suggest it isn't necessary.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your brats cook evenly and efficiently. It also helps to achieve that desirable golden-brown colour and crispy texture on the outside of the bratwurst.

Once preheated, you can then place your bratwurst in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space around each one. This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the brats evenly.

The size of your air fryer will determine how many bratwursts you can cook at once. A typical package of brats contains 4-5 links, but you may be able to fit more or less in your air fryer, depending on its capacity.

After arranging the bratwurst in the air fryer, you can then proceed with the cooking process, following your preferred recipe's instructions for temperature and timing.

Prepare the bratwurst

Preparing the bratwurst is a simple process. First, you'll want to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need a package of uncooked bratwurst. Johnsonville is a popular brand, but you can use any brand of your choice. You'll also want to gather any optional ingredients, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper if you want to add some veggies to your dish.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and personal preference, as higher temperatures may cause the brats to dry out and shrink a bit.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the bratwurst. Place the uncooked bratwurst in the air fryer basket or on the trays, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space around each sausage. This arrangement allows for even cooking. If you are adding vegetables, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then spread them around the bratwurst in the air fryer.

Now, you're ready to cook the bratwurst. Air fry them at the chosen temperature for 11 to 15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, the number of bratwurst, and whether you are cooking them from a frozen state. For uncooked bratwurst, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F, which you can measure with a meat thermometer. If you are using fully cooked bratwurst, you can go by appearance—look for a golden-brown colour and a tight, crispy skin.

Once the bratwurst are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and moist.

And that's it! You've successfully prepared and cooked bratwurst in your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, juicy sausages as a sandwich or with your favourite sides.

Cook the bratwurst

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them any time of year. They are full of flavour and can be ready in only 15 minutes.

How to Cook the Bratwurst:

First, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around the 350-380°F mark, but this can vary depending on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of browning. Preheat for around 5 minutes, or longer if your air fryer needs it.

Next, place your bratwurst in the air fryer basket. You can use either cooked or uncooked bratwurst, but make sure they are in a single layer with a little space around each sausage. This ensures that they cook evenly. You can fit as many bratwurst in your air fryer as you have room for, but don't overcrowd the basket.

Now, air fry your bratwurst. The cooking time will vary depending on whether your sausages are cooked or uncooked, and the wattage and size of your air fryer, but generally, this will take between 11 and 15 minutes. For uncooked bratwurst, you are looking for an internal temperature of 160°F, although you can cook them up to 190°F thanks to their high fat content. You can use a digital meat thermometer to check this. If your air fryer is the basket type, you may want to flip the bratwurst halfway through.

Once your bratwurst are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that every bite is juicy and moist.

Tips:

• If you want to add some extra flavour to your bratwurst, you can marinate them in beer for 30 minutes before air frying.
• You can cook frozen bratwurst in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for about 13 to 15 minutes.
• To make cleanup easier, you can line your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminium foil with holes in it to absorb excess grease.
• To crisp up your hot dog rolls, place them in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• To melt cheese on your bratwurst, put the cheese on the sausages and the roll, then leave them in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes while it is turned off.
• To catch any grease that drips from the bratwurst, place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket.

Rest the bratwurst

Resting the bratwurst is an important step in the cooking process. Once the bratwursts have reached an internal temperature of 160°F, they should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for a few minutes. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is juicy and moist. Depending on the recipe, the resting time can range from 3 to 5 minutes.

During this resting period, the bratwurst will continue to cook slightly, so it is important to take them out of the air fryer just before they reach the desired internal temperature. This process is known as carryover cooking, where the residual heat from the cooking process continues to cook the food even after it has been removed from the heat source.

Additionally, resting the bratwurst gives you a chance to prepare any side dishes or toppings that you may want to serve with your meal. Some popular side dishes include sautéed peppers and onions, broccoli salad, sauerkraut, coleslaw, onion rings, and cucumber salad.

For an extra touch of flavour, you can melt cheese on top of the bratwurst by placing the cheese on the sausages and leaving them in the hot air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes after turning it off. This will give the cheese a chance to melt and adds a delicious, creamy element to your dish.

Finally, resting the bratwurst helps with food safety. Allowing the bratwurst to rest for a few minutes gives the heat from the air fryer a chance to dissipate, reducing the risk of burning your mouth when taking that first bite. This is especially important if you are serving the bratwurst to children or anyone with sensitive mouths.

In conclusion, resting the bratwurst is a crucial step that ensures your meal is juicy, gives you time to prepare sides and toppings, allows for flavour enhancements, and improves food safety. By following this step, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious and safely prepared meal.

Serve the bratwurst

Now that your bratwurst is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them up! There are so many ways to enjoy these juicy sausages, and the best part is that you can get creative and tailor them to your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to make your bratwurst shine:

The Classic Bun

For a classic take on bratwurst, serve them in soft hot dog buns or crusty rolls. You can toast or warm the buns in the air fryer for a minute or two to give them a crispy texture. This option is perfect for a casual meal or when you're serving a crowd. It's also a great choice if you want to enjoy your bratwurst as a handheld treat.

Toppings Galore

The beauty of bratwurst is that it acts as a blank canvas for a variety of toppings. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your bratwurst:

• Sauerkraut: This is a classic choice, especially if you're going for a German-style bratwurst. Sauerkraut adds a tangy, sharp flavour and a crunchy texture.
• Mustard: A good-quality deli-style mustard is a must-have for many bratwurst enthusiasts. Go for German or stoneground mustard for an authentic touch.
• Onions: Chopped raw onions or caramelised onions both work well and add a savoury kick to your bratwurst.
• Relish and diced onions: This combination is perfect if you want a touch of sweetness to balance the savoury bratwurst.
• Cheese: Try Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or a cheese sauce to make your bratwurst extra indulgent.
• Roasted bell peppers: Pair your bratwurst with roasted red or green bell peppers for a hint of sweetness and a pop of colour.
• Pineapple and BBQ sauce: This tropical twist will take your bratwurst to the next level. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the tanginess of BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

Bratwurst is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Potatoes: Serve your bratwurst with German-style potatoes, potato salad, or even potato chips for a crunchy contrast.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can add a refreshing element to your meal and complement the heartiness of the bratwurst.
• Onions: Onion rings or caramelised onions are always a winning combination with bratwurst.
• Cucumber salad: For something light and refreshing, a cucumber salad can be the perfect side dish.
• Pierogies: If you're feeling adventurous, pair your bratwurst with pierogies for a unique flavour profile.
• Green beans: Green beans, especially when paired with bacon, can add a savoury and crunchy element to your meal.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own bratwurst combinations. Here are some unique ideas to inspire you:

• Bacon-baked beans: This combination will add a smoky, savoury flavour to your bratwurst and is perfect for a hearty meal.
• Jalapeños and bacon bits: For a spicy kick, top your bratwurst with jalapeños and crispy bacon bits.
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese: This combination is perfect for those who like a bit of heat and tanginess.
• Potato chips and ketchup: A favourite among kids and adults alike! The crunch of potato chips and the sweetness of ketchup create a perfect flavour combination.

Remember, the key to serving bratwurst is to have fun and tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Get creative with your toppings and side dishes, and don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect bratwurst combination!

Frequently asked questions