Air Fryer Bratwurst: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy, tender, and flavourful sausages. It takes less than 20 minutes and can be done in a few simple steps. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making delicious bratwurst in an air fryer.

Bratwurst in the air fryer: temperature and timings

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy sausages without the mess of grilling or frying. Here's a guide to help you get perfect results every time.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is around 350°F to 380°F. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before adding the sausages.

Timings

The cooking time for bratwurst in an air fryer will vary depending on the number of sausages you're cooking, the size of your air fryer, and the wattage/power of the appliance. On average, fresh bratwurst will take around 8 to 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It's important to ensure the sausages are cooked thoroughly, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the bratwurst reaches at least 152°F-165°F.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking bratwurst in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F.
• Place the desired number of bratwurst in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Leave a little space between each sausage if possible.
• Cook the bratwurst for 8 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 152°F-165°F.
• Remove the bratwurst from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• For best results, bring the bratwurst to room temperature before cooking. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
• To reduce mess and make cleanup easier, use air fryer disposable liners or reusable silicone liners. Alternatively, you can place aluminium foil in the air fryer basket, ensuring the edges are folded upward to catch any drips.
• If your air fryer can't accommodate all the sausages in a single layer, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For a crispy roll to serve with your bratwurst, place the roll in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• You can cook frozen bratwurst in the air fryer as well. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the frozen sausages for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Toppings and Sides

Bratwurst is delicious served on a roll or bun with a variety of toppings and sides, such as:

• Sauerkraut
• Mustard (try stone-ground German mustard or horseradish mustard)
• Sauteed peppers and caramelized onions
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup, diced onion, and relish
• Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Hot sauce, jalapenos, or other hot peppers
• Pickles or cornichons

How to store leftover bratwurst

To store leftover bratwurst, you have two options: refrigeration or freezing.

Refrigeration

If you plan to consume the leftover bratwurst within a few days, refrigeration is a good option. Here are the steps to properly store and maintain the freshness of your leftover bratwurst:

• Keep it Sealed: Store the leftover bratwurst in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This prevents air exposure, which can lead to spoilage.
• Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge: Place the bratwurst in the coldest section of your refrigerator, usually at the back, to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Recommended Duration: Fresh bratwurst can be stored in the fridge for a limited time, typically 1-2 days.
• Check for Signs of Spoilage: Before consuming, look out for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odour (a sour or unpleasant smell), discoloration (fresh bratwurst should be pinkish), a slimy texture, or mould growth. If you notice any of these signs, discard the bratwurst.

Freezing

If you have more leftover bratwurst than you can consume within a few days, freezing is a great way to extend its shelf life. Here's how to properly freeze your leftover bratwurst:

• Preparation: Wrap each bratwurst tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags. Removing as much air as possible helps prevent freezer burn.
• Labelling: Clearly label the packaging with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the bratwurst has been stored.
• Freezing: Place the wrapped bratwurst in the coldest part of your freezer. Properly stored, bratwurst can be frozen for up to six months without a significant loss in quality.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your refrigerated or frozen leftover bratwurst, here are some tips for reheating them safely and deliciously:

• Microwave: Place the bratwurst on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bratwurst on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminium foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the skillet and place the bratwurst in it. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bratwurst are heated through.
• Always ensure that the bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure they are safe to eat.

What to serve with air fryer bratwurst

Air fryer bratwursts are usually served with a variety of toppings and side dishes. They are often served with a type of bread, such as hot dog rolls or buns, and are commonly topped with sauerkraut, mustard, and cheese. Some people also like to add ketchup and relish, or get creative with toppings such as jalapenos and bacon bits, or pineapple and BBQ sauce.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can serve your air fryer bratwurst with a side dish such as onion rings, coleslaw, cucumber salad, pierogies, or green beans with bacon. You could also try air fryer zucchini chips, air fryer red cabbage, or air fryer mushrooms.

For a heartier dinner, serve your bratwurst with sautéed peppers and onions, or even make a broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar. If you're cooking for kids, you could serve the bratwurst with potato chips and ketchup.

And don't forget, if you're following a low-carb or keto diet, simply skip the roll and load up on the toppings and sides!

Condiments and toppings for bratwurst

Bratwursts are a delicious German treat, and there are many ways to elevate their flavour with condiments and toppings. Here are some ideas to try:

Mustard

Mustard is a classic condiment for bratwursts, and for good reason. The sharpness of mustard provides a wonderful contrast to the smoothness of the bratwurst. For the best experience, opt for stone-ground mustard, which has a coarser texture than standard yellow mustard. Inglehoffer and Plochman's are two recommended brands.

Onions

Onions are a simple yet effective topping that can be used to garnish your bratwurst. They have a sharp, unique flavour that works well with bratwursts, whether raw or sautéed. For an extra touch of sweetness, try grilling your onions to caramelise them. Caramelised onions also pair well with melted Gruyere cheese.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, is a traditional topping for bratwursts. It adds a tangy contrast to the smoky sausage and is also packed with good bacteria, similar to yogurt. To make it even more delicious, grill or sauté your sauerkraut before topping your bratwurst.

Ketchup

No cookout is complete without ketchup, and bratwursts are no exception. Ketchup provides a classic tomato-based flavour that complements the sausage perfectly.

Relish

Pickle relish, in particular, is a great choice for bratwurst toppings. It adds a sweet, sour, and crunchy element that completes the bratwurst experience.

Chili

For a heartier option, top your bratwurst with chili. This Texas staple adds a kick of spice and is a perfect pairing for bratwursts.

Pulled Pork and Coleslaw

Pulled pork is sweet and tender, while coleslaw is slightly tart and crispy. Together, they create a mouth-watering combination of sweet, salty, savoury, and tangy flavours that will explode in your mouth. For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, add some pineapple chunks to the coleslaw.

Wasabi Mayo

For those who like a little extra heat, wasabi mayo is a great choice. This pungent condiment will add a kick to your bratwurst, so use it sparingly and adjust the amount to your taste.

Banh Mi Toppings

For a Vietnamese-inspired twist, try a banh mi slaw. Combine cucumbers, radishes, carrots, onions, and cilantro, and coat them in a little bit of jalapeno sauce. This combination will add a refreshing and flavourful kick to your bratwurst.

Bacon and Apple Sauce

Bacon has a savoury and smoky flavour that pairs beautifully with the bratwurst. To balance out the savouriness, whip up some sweet apple sauce or grab a jar of your favourite store-bought variety.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and create your own combinations. Bratwursts are versatile and can handle a wide range of toppings, so don't be afraid to get creative!

Types of bratwurst

Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, or less commonly, beef or veal. The name comes from the Old High German "Brätwurst", from "brät-", meaning finely chopped meat, and "wurst", meaning sausage. Here are some of the most popular types of bratwurst:

Kulmbacher Bratwurst

The Kulmbacher Bratwurst is a type of finely-ground sausage from the city of Kulmbach in Upper Franconia, Germany. It is made mostly from very finely ground veal, with a small amount of pork. This sausage is typically seasoned with salt, white pepper, nutmeg, lemon peel, marjoram, caraway, and garlic. The exact mixture is a closely guarded trade secret of each butcher. Kulmbacher bratwursts are usually pan-fried or grilled over a wood fire and served in pairs on crusty rolls sprinkled with anise.

Würzburger Bratwurst

The Würzburger Bratwurst, also known as the Winzerbratwurst, comes from the city of Würzburg in Franconia, Germany. Its size is similar to the Thüringer Rostbratwurst, but its ingredients include local white wine from the region.

Thüringer Rostbratwurst

The Thüringer Rostbratwurst is a spicy sausage from Thuringia, Germany. It is thin and 15-20cm long. It is traditionally grilled over a charcoal fire and eaten with mustard and bread. The name "Thüringer Rostbratwurst" is recognised as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under EU law.

Nordhessische Bratwurst

The Nordhessische Bratwurst, or Nordhessische Ahle Wurscht, comes from the northern part of Germany's Hessen state. It is made from coarsely ground pork and is heavily seasoned. The exact seasoning profile varies from city to city. Traditionally, it is grilled over a wood fire and served on a cut-open roll with mustard.

Fränkische Bratwurst

The Fränkische Bratwurst is a relatively long (10-20cm), thick, coarse sausage common to the whole Franconian region of Germany, with slight variations. It dates back to 1313 and is traditionally served with sauerkraut or potato salad.

Coburger Bratwurst

The Coburger Bratwurst, or Bratwurst originating in the city of Coburg in Franconia, was first documented in 1498. It is made from pork and a minimum of 15% beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and lemon zest, and bound with raw egg. It is coarse in texture and about 25cm long. Traditionally, it is grilled over pinecones and served in a bread roll.

Nürnberger Rostbratwurst

The Nürnberger Rostbratwurst is a small, thin bratwurst from Nuremberg, Franconia. It was first documented in 1567 and is 7 to 9cm long. The names "Nürnberger Bratwurst" and "Nürnberger Rostbratwurst" are Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) under EU law and may only be produced in the city of Nürnberg. They are traditionally grilled over a beechwood fire and served with sauerkraut or potato salad.

Rote Wurst

The Rote Wurst (red sausage) is a favourite bratwurst of the Swabian region of Germany. It is made from finely ground pork and bacon and has a spicy taste. To prevent splitting during grilling or pan-frying, an X is cut into the ends of the sausage.

Frequently asked questions