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 delicious grilled taste. The cooking time depends on the number of brats, the air fryer model, and whether they are fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked. Typically, it takes 11 to 17 minutes to cook brats in an air fryer, with the temperature set between 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to cook brats in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bratwurst (fresh or frozen)
• Optional: sliced peppers and onions, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, beer
• Condiments and toppings of your choice

Method:

• If your brats are frozen, they should be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes on one side, then flipped and cooked for an additional 8-9 minutes.
• If you're using fresh brats, you can speed up the cooking process by letting them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each one so they cook evenly.
• If you want to add sliced peppers and onions, mix them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper, then add them to the air fryer basket along with the brats.
• Cook for 11-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can flip the brats halfway through cooking, but it's not necessary.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
• Serve on a bun with your desired condiments and toppings.

Tips:

• You can use any type of bratwurst you like, such as Johnsonville, Boar's Head, or a local butcher's variety.
• To add extra flavor, marinate the brats in beer for 30 minutes before cooking.
• To make cleanup easier, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil with holes poked in it to allow hot air to circulate.
• If you want to cook the brats without a bun, you can serve them on a bed of sauerkraut or with a variety of toppings such as mustard, sauteed peppers and onions, coleslaw, or cheese sauce.

How long to air fry frozen brats

Cooking frozen brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that grilled taste without firing up an actual grill. It's also faster than cooking them in the oven.

To cook frozen brats in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the frozen brats inside, making sure they are in a single layer with a little room around each one so they cook evenly. You don't need to flip them, but you can if you want. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the brats rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures every bite is juicy and moist.

If you want to add peppers and onions, slice one bell pepper and half an onion and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, add them to the air fryer with the bratwurst, spreading them around the sausages.

What temperature to cook brats in an air fryer

To cook brats in an air fryer, preheat the 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 each one so that they cook evenly. You can add some oil or cooking spray to prevent them from sticking.

Cook the brats for 11 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Let the brats rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and moist.

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand, wattage, and power of your air fryer, as well as the size of the brats. It's always best to use a digital meat thermometer to check if they're done.

How to serve air fryer brats

Air fryer brats are a quick, easy, and tasty meal option. They are full of flavor and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Choose Your Bratwurst

Firstly, you need to choose your bratwurst. Bratwurst is a type of German sausage, usually made with pork but also sometimes with beef or veal. They are typically seasoned with spices such as marjoram, ginger, paprika, nutmeg, and coriander. There are many varieties of bratwurst available, including smoked, cheddar, cheese and jalapeño, beer brats, and even vegan plant-based options. You can use any brand of bratwurst you like, but some popular options include Johnsonville, Boar's Head, or your local butcher's shop.

Prepare Your Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F. You can line your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier, but make sure the foil has holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate. If you're cooking more than a few brats, you may need to do this in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Cook Your Brats

Place the bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded and have room to cook evenly. Set the timer for 12-15 minutes, and flip them halfway through the cooking time. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 152-165°F, so use a meat thermometer to check that they are cooked properly.

Choose Your Toppings and Sides

Now for the fun part—choosing your toppings and sides! Here are some ideas:

• Sauerkraut is a classic topping for bratwurst and can be served on the side or on top of the sausage. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by simmering it on the stove with a little beer and dark brown sugar.
• Mustard is another traditional topping, and a good-quality deli-style mustard will add a great flavor to your brat. Some people prefer stone-ground German mustard, while others like to add a kick with a horseradish mustard.
• Onions and peppers are a perfect pairing with bratwurst and can be sautéed, caramelized, or served raw. You can also add good mustard to this combination for a classic taste.
• Buns are a must if you want to serve your bratwurst as a sandwich. Soft white buns, crusty rolls, hoagie rolls, or even pretzel buns are all great options. If you want to keep it low-carb, you can skip the bun altogether.
• Cheese is always a delicious addition to any sausage. Try Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or even a cheese sauce.
• Condiments like ketchup, relish, or barbecue sauce can be added to your bratwurst sandwich for extra flavor.
• Sides like onion rings, coleslaw, cucumber salad, pierogies, or green beans will round out your meal.

Final Steps

Once your brats are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make every bite juicy and moist. Then, add your desired toppings and sides, and enjoy your delicious air fryer brats!

How to store air fryer brats

Now that you've cooked your brats in the air fryer, you'll want to store them properly so they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your air fryer brats:

Storing Cooked Brats:

• Allow the brats to cool: Before storing your cooked brats, it's important to let them cool down to room temperature. Spread them out on a plate or baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
• Store in an airtight container: Once the brats are cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to label the container with the date.
• Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Cooked brats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cooked Brats:

• Allow the brats to cool: As with refrigeration, it's important to let the brats cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individually: Wrap each brat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place them in a freezer bag.
• Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped brats in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Stored Brats:

When you're ready to enjoy your stored brats again, simply follow these steps:

• Thaw frozen brats: If you've frozen your brats, be sure to thaw them completely before reheating. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the brats in the air fryer basket and heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

Remember to practice food safety and always ensure that your brats are thoroughly cooked and stored properly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious air fryer brats!

Frequently asked questions