Air Fryer 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 crispy exterior and a juicy interior. It is a convenient and efficient method that eliminates the need for traditional frying oils and the hassle of grilling. By setting your air fryer to 400°F, you can achieve perfectly cooked brats with a slight char in just about 10 to 15 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and preferences for crispiness.

Preheat the air fryer or not?

Preheating an air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on the food being cooked. For example, preheating the air fryer can help achieve a crispy and crunchy texture for fried or breaded foods such as chicken cutlets, tenders, or fries. It is also useful for cooking foods that need a good sear, such as steaks or burgers, as it allows for that grill-like browning and sear. Additionally, preheating can reduce cooking time as it allows the food to be heated more thoroughly from the start of the cooking process.

On the other hand, some people choose not to preheat their air fryers, especially for foods that are delicate or prone to burning or drying out. For example, when cooking shrimp, garlic, or tomatoes, it is better to cook at a slower rate without preheating the air fryer to prevent burning or drying out the food.

When cooking brats in an air fryer, some sources suggest preheating to ensure even cooking, while others skip the preheating step altogether. If you choose to preheat your air fryer, it is recommended to set it to 350°F to 380°F for 3 to 5 minutes. However, if you don't preheat, you can cook your brats at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Ultimately, the decision to preheat or not preheat your air fryer may depend on the model of your air fryer, the type of food being cooked, and your personal preference. Some air fryer models may require preheating, while others may not have that setting at all. For foods that are delicate or prone to burning, skipping the preheat step may be preferable. However, for foods that benefit from a good sear or crispy texture, preheating can be advantageous.

How long to cook brats at 400°F?

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them crispy and juicy without the mess of traditional frying methods. The air fryer's intense heat and air movement facilitate even cooking, resulting in brats with a golden, crisp outer edge and a juicy flavor.

To cook brats at 400°F in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some room for the hot air to circulate around them. You can also add a little oil to the basket to prevent sticking and create a crispier exterior.

Cook the brats for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are well done and have a slight char. The brats are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer. If you prefer less crispy brats, you can set the temperature to 375°F and cook for the same amount of time.

It is important to note that air fryer models and brands may vary in cook times and temperatures, so it is always best to test and watch the food carefully to ensure it doesn't cook faster or stronger than expected. Additionally, if you are using frozen brats, add them directly to the air fryer without defrosting and increase the cooking time by about 3 minutes.

How to get crispy brats?

Cooking brats in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes is a quick and easy way to make them crispy and juicy. You can also cook them at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or at 350°F for 13 to 15 minutes, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer.

To get started, prepare your air fryer by placing the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for the hot air to circulate around them. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others recommend placing the brats directly in the basket without preheating. If you choose to preheat, set the temperature to 350°F or 380°F, and remember that your cooking time may be slightly shorter.

Once your brats are in the air fryer, cook them for about 10 minutes at 400°F, or 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F-380°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on your brats, especially if they are on the smaller side, as you may need to adjust the cooking time. The brats are done when they are crispy and browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it near the center of the brat.

When your brats have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve them on your favorite buns or crusty rolls. You can top them with sauerkraut, mustard, onions, or your favorite toppings. If you want to add cheese, place the cheese on the brats and rolls, and let them sit in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes after turning it off to melt the cheese.

You can also reheat leftover brats in the air fryer to crispen them up. Set the air fryer to 320°F and cook for 3-5 minutes, or use a higher temperature with a reduced cooking time.

Internal temperature of fully cooked brats

When cooking brats in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended that you cook them for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your brats are fully cooked while still maintaining a juicy texture.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and style of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your brats while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook or undercook. Additionally, if you are using an air fryer/toaster oven combo, you may need to flip the brats after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

To check the internal temperature of your brats, you can use an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center of the brat. This will help you ensure that your brats are fully cooked and safe to consume. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that pork products, such as brats, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest time before consumption. However, many sources recommend cooking brats to an internal temperature of 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal food safety.

It is worth mentioning that the recommended internal temperature for fully cooked brats may vary slightly depending on different standards and personal preferences. Some people prefer their brats to be cooked to a higher internal temperature to ensure that they are well-done and to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. On the other hand, some people might prefer their brats to be slightly less cooked to retain more juiciness and moisture.

Reheat brats in the air fryer?

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and tender with a crispy outer edge. They can be cooked in an air fryer in just 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the temperature and whether they are cooked from frozen.

Leftover brats can be reheated in the air fryer. To reheat, set your air fryer to 320°F to 365°F and cook for 2 to 5 minutes. This will ensure your brats are heated through and crispy, without drying out.

It is important to note that brats should be reheated only once, and any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked brats for up to 2 months.

The air fryer is a great option for cooking brats, as it is faster than the oven or grill, and you don't have to stand outside in the heat or cold to cook. It is also a quick and easy way to reheat your leftovers and have a tasty meal in no time!

Frequently asked questions