Air Fryer Brats: How Long To Fry?

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy and tender sausages. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and the number of brats being cooked, but on average, it takes around 12 to 15 minutes to cook brats in an air fryer.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients

The only ingredient you need is a pack of uncooked brats. Brats are already seasoned, so there's no need to add any extra seasonings. You can use any brand of brats or make your own, but Johnsonville Brats are a popular choice.

Method

• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. Spray the fryer basket with cooking spray or use an air fryer disposable parchment liner to prevent sticking.
• Cook the brats: Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded and there is space for the hot air to circulate around them. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until done. You can also cook them from frozen, but you will need to increase the cooking time to 13 to 15 minutes.
• Check the temperature: To ensure they are cooked properly, insert an instant-read thermometer near the centre of the brat. It should read at least 160°F.
• Serve: Remove the brats from the air fryer and serve them on your favourite buns or rolls with your choice of toppings and condiments.

Tips

• If you have the time, allow the brats to come to room temperature before cooking. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the brand, wattage, and size of your air fryer, as well as the number of brats you are cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Brats are great for serving at parties, BBQs, and game days. They are a crowd-pleaser as you can top them with your favourite toppings and sauces.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

How long to cook brats in an air fryer

Brats are a type of German sausage, usually made with pork but also sometimes with beef or veal. They are a popular choice for parties, BBQs, and Game Days. Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them, and you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

How to cook brats in an air fryer:

Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. Place the brats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a bit of space around each one so the hot air can circulate. You don't want to overcrowd the basket.

Cooking time will vary depending on the wattage and size of your air fryer, but generally, it should take between 12 and 15 minutes for your brats to be ready. You'll want to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. You'll know they're done when they are browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the centre reads an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

If you have the time, it is recommended to let the brats reach room temperature before cooking, as this will help them cook faster and more evenly.

Toppings and serving suggestions:

Once your brats are cooked, you can serve them in a soft white bun or crusty roll, with your favourite toppings. Some popular choices include:

• Sauerkraut and mustard (stoneground, German, or deli-style)
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Baked beans and potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup, diced onion, and relish
• Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
• Cheese sauce with fried pickles
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Hot sauce, jalapenos or hot peppers
• Pickles or cornichons

Air fryer temperature for cooking brats

The ideal temperature for cooking brats in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F.

Cooking Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F, but some suggest a higher temperature of 360°F, 370°F, or even 380°F.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will vary depending on the temperature and the number of brats being cooked. For a batch of 4-5 brats, cook for 12-15 minutes at 350°F, turning them over halfway through. For a higher temperature of 370°F, 8-10 minutes should be enough.

Doneness

Regardless of the temperature and cooking time, the most important factor in determining when your brats are ready is their internal temperature. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check if they have reached at least 160°F in the centre.

Frozen Brats

You can cook frozen brats in an air fryer without thawing them first. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 13-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to serve air fryer brats

Air fryer brats are a quick and easy meal to make any time of year. They are perfect for parties, BBQs, and Game Days. You can top them with your favourite toppings and serve them with a variety of side dishes. Here is a detailed guide on how to serve air fryer brats:

Choose Your Brats

Select your favourite brand of bratwurst sausages for this recipe. Johnsonville Brats are a popular choice, but you can also try other brands or make your own. You can choose from a variety of flavours and meat types, such as smoked brats, cheddar brats, or brats flavoured with jalapeños and cheese.

Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which can range from 350°F to 380°F. You can line the air fryer basket with cooking spray, an air fryer disposable parchment liner, or aluminium foil with holes to make cleanup easier.

Cook the Brats

Place the desired number of brats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around each one. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are browned and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F.

Serve with Your Favourite Toppings

Air fryer brats are delicious served in soft white buns, crusty rolls, or hoagie rolls. For toppings, you can go with the classic combination of sauerkraut and mustard, or get creative with caramelised onions, crispy fried onion strings, ketchup, mayonnaise, or even potato chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try something like pineapple and BBQ sauce, jalapeños and bacon bits, or buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

Side Dishes

To make it a complete meal, serve your air fryer brats with side dishes such as onion rings, coleslaw, cucumber salad, pierogies, green beans with bacon, or German Potato Salad. For a more indulgent option, try pairing them with Homemade French Fries or Creamy Coleslaw.

Air fryer bratwurst recipe

Ingredients:

• Bratwurst (unfrozen, fresh)
• Buns (soft white buns, crusty rolls, hoagie rolls, or sliced baguette)
• Mustard (stoneground, German, deli-style, or horseradish)
• Sauerkraut
• Toppings of your choice (see below for suggestions)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F.
• Place the bratwurst 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, until done. You know they are done when they have an internal temperature of 160°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the bratwurst from the air fryer and serve on your chosen buns with mustard and sauerkraut.

Topping Ideas:

• 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
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup, diced onion, and relish
• Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
• Cheese sauce with fried pickles
• Herbs (chopped fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro)
• Hot sauce, jalapenos, or hot peppers
• Pickles or cornichons

Frequently asked questions