Tiffany Haney
Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this German sausage. It's a versatile cooking method that can be used all year round, and it's especially useful when you don't want to stand outside grilling in the cold or heat. Air-fried bratwursts are also great for serving at parties, BBQs, and Game Days, as they can be topped with a variety of condiments and sides to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in cooking bratwurst in a Nuwave air fryer, including important details like cooking time and temperature settings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Internal temperature | 160-165°F |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Number of brats | Up to 12 |
| Prep time | Almost none |
| Advantages | Fast, easy, no need to stand over, juicy, crisp skin |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat settings and timings
Preheat Settings:
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Some sources suggest preheating to 370°F, while others recommend 360°F. If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 375°F or 190°C.
Timings for Thawed Brats:
For brats that have been thawed, the cooking time ranges from 8 to 15 minutes at the preheated temperature. One source suggests cooking them for 8 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Another source recommends cooking for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F. A third option is to cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, and checking with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 160°F.
Timings for Frozen Brats:
When cooking frozen brats, you can preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook them for about 13 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to add an extra 5-6 minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the frozen state. Ensure that the bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Additional Tips:
- Arrange the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not touching each other, to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.
- Flipping the brats halfway through the cooking process helps to achieve an even browning on both sides.
- For a crispier texture, place the cooked brats in rolls, and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- You can reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at a lower temperature, such as 320°F, for about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Cooking times and temperatures
As a general rule, brats should be cooked in the air fryer for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. If you are using frozen brats, it is recommended to add an extra 5-6 minutes to the cooking time.
For a basic air fryer brat recipe, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other, so that the hot air can circulate around them. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your brats. If you are using frozen brats, you may need to add an extra 5-6 minutes to the cooking time.
The brats are done when they have an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F. This can be checked with an instant digital meat thermometer. It is important to note that the brats will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the air fryer, so it is best to remove them when they are a few degrees away from the desired temperature.
For a crispier brat, you can cook the brats for an additional 1-2 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. Simply place them in a roll and return them to the air fryer for the desired amount of time.
Some people prefer to cook their brats at higher temperatures for a shorter amount of time. For example, one recipe calls for cooking brats at 375°F for a total of 8-10 minutes, while another suggests searing the brats at 400°F for 2-4 minutes per side before finishing them in a beer sauce.
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How to prepare brats for the air fryer
Preparing brats for the air fryer is simple and requires very little time or effort. You can cook them from frozen, but it's recommended to let them come to room temperature first. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–375°F (some sources suggest 370°F). Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow the hot air to circulate.
You don't need to add any seasonings to the brats, as they usually come pre-seasoned. However, you can wrap them in foil to retain moisture, although this may affect the taste if your recipe is more acidic. If you're cooking from frozen, add 5-6 minutes to the cooking time.
Cook the brats for 8–15 minutes, turning them over halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. You can also flip them after 8 minutes and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F–165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check, being careful when piercing the brats, as they may squirt hot liquid.
Once they're cooked, remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve them on their own, in a bun, or with your favourite toppings and sides.
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How to serve brats
When it comes to serving brats, the world is your oyster. You can serve them on a roll with your favourite toppings, or enjoy them on their own with a simple side dish. If you're after a more substantial meal, pair your brats with veggies, potatoes, salads, or pasta. Here are some more specific ideas to get you started:
The Classic Bratwurst
The most traditional way to serve bratwurst is in a bun with sauerkraut, onions, and mustard. You can also add other toppings like relish, pickles, cheese, or your favourite condiments. If you're feeling fancy, try a hoagie roll, brioche bun, or pretzel bun instead of a standard hot dog bun.
The Beer Bath
Keep your brats warm in a beer bath, also known as a beer hot tub. This will infuse your bratwurst with a delicious beer flavour and keep them warm for hungry guests. Serve them with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and garlic, and don't forget the cold beer!
The Air-Fryer Special
If you're cooking your bratwurst in an air fryer, simply top them with your favourite condiments and sandwich them in a soft bun. You can also add sliced bell peppers to the air fryer for the last 8 minutes of cooking time. Serve with a simple side like onion rings, coleslaw, or cucumber salad.
The Sausage Board
Why not make a sausage board with a variety of bratwurst and other sausages, like German bratwurst, hot Italian sausage, or good old American franks? Add some condiments, sauerkraut, and giardiniera to individual bowls, and don't forget the buns! Serve with a glass of traditional German beer or white wine.
The Hearty Platter
If you're feeding a crowd, put together a 'brat buffet' with an assortment of condiments, toppings, and sides. Cook your brats from fresh or frozen and let your guests build their own sandwiches. Add some sides like onion rings, coleslaw, or potato chips for a truly satisfying meal.
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How to clean up after cooking brats
Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, but what about the cleanup? Here are some tips to make cleaning up after cooking brats in your Nuwave air fryer a breeze:
Before You Start Cooking:
To make cleanup easier, it is recommended to line the bottom of the main hopper with foil, but not the basket. This will catch any drippings or splatters that may occur during cooking. You can also place a piece of bread or a paper towel under the air fryer basket to absorb any grease that drips down.
After Cooking:
- Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely before handling.
- Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the air fryer basket and hopper. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrape off any stuck-on food particles.
- Fill a sink with warm, soapy water. Carefully remove the air fryer basket and hopper and soak them in the sink for a few minutes to loosen any remaining food residue.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wipe down the basket and hopper, rinsing them with clean water as you go. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the heating element and any vents or holes.
- Dry the basket and hopper thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel before placing them back into the air fryer.
- Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any grease or fingerprints.
- If your air fryer has removable trays or racks, be sure to clean them as well. Soak them in warm, soapy water and use a soft-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on food. Dry thoroughly before placing them back into the air fryer.
Additional Tips:
- Always refer to your Nuwave air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommendations.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating on the air fryer basket and hopper.
- For stubborn grease stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied and scrubbed gently with a soft-bristled brush.
- Regular cleaning will make the process easier, so try to clean your air fryer after each use.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the temperature setting and whether the brats are frozen or thawed. For frozen brats, cook at 350°F for 13-15 minutes. For thawed brats, cook at 370°F for 8-10 minutes.
It is recommended to cook brats in an air fryer at 350°F to 370°F.
The brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Yes, you can cook frozen brats in an air fryer without thawing them first. Preheat the air fryer and add about 5-6 minutes to the cooking time.
