Air-Frying Brats: How Long Until They're Done?

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and tender in under 15 minutes. Brats are a shortened term for bratwurst, a type of German sausage typically made with pork, but also with beef or veal. The air fryer cooks the bratwurst to perfection, with a golden-brown crispy bite on the outside and a juicy, tender inside.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need a pack of uncooked brats (Johnsonville is a popular brand) and your choice of toppings and sides.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around them.
• Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
• Check the brats have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• For even cooking, bring the brats to room temperature before cooking.
• You can cook frozen brats in an air fryer, but they will need a few extra minutes.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer with parchment paper or foil with holes in it.
• You can cook the rolls in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to make them crispy.
• Melt cheese on top of the brats by leaving them in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes after cooking.
• Popular toppings include sauerkraut, mustard, onions, peppers, cheese, and relish.

How long to cook brats for

The cooking time for brats in an air fryer depends on a few factors, including the number of brats, the type of air fryer, and whether the brats are frozen or not.

Cooking Times for Different Numbers of Brats

The cooking time will vary depending on the number of brats being cooked. For example, if you are only cooking two brats, they will likely be done in about 10-12 minutes. However, if you are cooking a full package of brats (usually around 4-5 links), the cooking time will be longer, around 12-15 minutes.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the brats. This will ensure that the brats cook evenly and help to reduce the overall cooking time. The ideal temperature for cooking brats in an air fryer is between 350-380°F.

Cooking Times for Frozen Brats

If you are cooking frozen brats, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the frozen brats for about 13-15 minutes. You can also cook frozen brats at a higher temperature of 370-375°F for about 17 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your brats are fully cooked, it is important to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The brats should reach an internal temperature of 160-165°F to be considered done. The outsides of the brats should be golden brown and crispy, while the inside should be juicy and tender.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking brats in an air fryer is 350°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking them at 360°F or 380°F (193°C). Cooking brats at a temperature higher than 350°F can cause them to dry out and shrivel.

When cooking brats in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are not overcrowded and that there is room for the hot air to circulate around them. They should be cooked in a single layer and flipped halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time is typically between 12 and 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the brand, wattage, and size of the air fryer.

It is recommended to use an instant-read or digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F, although some sources suggest 165°F.

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them, and they can be served in soft white buns or crusty rolls with various toppings and sides.

How to serve brats

Brats, or bratwurst, is a type of German sausage, usually made with pork but also sometimes with beef or veal. They are a popular choice for serving at parties, BBQs, and Game Days. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

Classic Toppings

Brats are often served in a soft white bun or crusty roll, with sauerkraut and mustard. You can also add some chopped onions and a dill pickle on the side. For an extra crispy sandwich, you can cook the roll in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

Condiments and Sauces

• Sauerkraut and Swiss cheese
• Roasted bell peppers and onions
• Relish and diced or sliced onions
• Pineapple and BBQ sauce
• Jalapenos and bacon bits
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Potato chips and ketchup
• Caramelized onions and crispy fried onion strings
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup and relish
• Cheese sauce and onions

Side Dishes

• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies
• Green beans with bacon
• German potato salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Homemade French fries
• Baked beans and potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Air fryer zucchini chips
• Air fryer mushrooms
• Air fryer red cabbage
• White refried beans
• Millet tabbouleh
• Caramelized peach and onion salsa
• Jalapeño mango jam

Reheating and storing brats

Storing and reheating brats properly is essential to ensure they remain safe to eat and taste delicious. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it right:

Storing Brats:

Before storing, it is crucial to let the brats cool down to room temperature. Then, you have two options:

• Wrapping: Tightly wrap each brat individually in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This helps keep their shape and prevents them from drying out.
• Airtight Container: Place the brats in an airtight container. If you're storing multiple brats, it's best to place a piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent them from sticking together.

Refrigerating Brats:

You can store brats in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to place them in the designated meat drawer or on the bottom shelf, following food storage best practices.

Freezing Brats:

If you want to store brats for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Place the wrapped or container-stored brats in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Brats:

There are three primary methods for reheating brats: using an air fryer, an oven, or a stovetop. Here's how to do it:

Reheating Brats in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning them once halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature: The brats are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Reheating Brats in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Place the brats on the sheet and brush them with a small amount of oil to prevent drying.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until heated through.

Reheating Brats on a Stovetop:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the surface evenly.
• Place the brats in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until heated through.

Important Tips:

• Always ensure that frozen brats are completely thawed before reheating. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
• When reheating brats in the oven or air fryer, brush them with oil to prevent drying and sticking.
• If reheating on a stovetop, use a non-stick skillet to prevent the brats from sticking and breaking apart.
• Turn the brats occasionally during reheating to ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions