Air Fryer Brats: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them juicy and crispy. It takes less than 15 minutes and you don't need any extra ingredients other than the brats themselves. The air fryer method is also less messy than grilling or baking brats in the oven, as there's no oil or grease splattering. You can cook brats from frozen in the air fryer, but they will need a few extra minutes.

What temperature to cook brats in an air fryer?

To cook brats in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 300°F and 375°F. Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other, and cook for 8 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.

Let the brats sit for 5 to 7 minutes before serving to allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat. You can check the temperature and doneness of the brats with a meat thermometer.

You can cook frozen brats in the air fryer, but you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and they may not cook as evenly.

How long to cook brats in an air fryer?

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them any time of year. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is a great option for a quick meal on busy weeknights.

It takes around 10-15 minutes to cook brats in an air fryer, depending on the size of the brats and whether they are pre-cooked or not. The real answer is to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 160ºF/71ºC.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF/177ºC.
• 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 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until done.
• Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for cooking brats in an air fryer:

• You can use aluminum foil or air fryer parchment paper in your air fryer to help with easy cleanup, but make sure to poke holes in the foil to allow the hot air to circulate.
• If you are cooking frozen brats, you will need to cook them a few minutes longer and they may not cook as evenly.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, simply place the brats back in the air fryer with a reduced cooking time to heat and crisp them up again.

How to serve air-fried brats?

Air fryer brats are a quick, convenient, and tasty meal option. They can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas on how to serve air-fried brats:

Bun and Toppings:

The classic way to serve brats is in a soft white bun or a crusty roll. You can toast the bun in the air fryer for a crisp texture. As for toppings, the options are endless. Here are some popular choices:

• Sauerkraut and mustard: This is a traditional German combination that adds a tangy and sharp flavour to your brat.
• Caramelised onions: These sweet and savoury onions make a delicious topping and can also be mixed with crispy fried onion strings.
• Sauteed peppers: Bell peppers, especially red and yellow ones, provide a nice balance of sweetness and crunch. You can also char them for a smoky flavour.
• Relish and diced onions: Relish adds a tangy twist to your brat, and diced onions provide a crunchy texture.
• Cheese: Melt some Swiss cheese on top of your brat for a gooey, savoury experience. You can also add cheddar cheese for a sharper flavour.
• BBQ sauce: Try some Alabama white sauce or a classic Kansas City BBQ sauce for a finger-licking experience.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or slices pair well with brats and can be used as a topping or mixed into other ingredients like baked beans.
• Potato chips: For a crunchy and savoury experience, top your brat with crushed potato chips.
• Ketchup: A classic condiment that never goes out of style, especially if you're serving brats to kids.

Side Dishes:

To make it a complete meal, pair your air-fried brats with some tasty side dishes:

• Onion rings: Crispy onion rings make a great side and can be cooked in the air fryer as well.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw is a perfect companion to the hearty brat.
• Cucumber salad: For a light and refreshing side, try a cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Pierogies: Hearty pierogies, especially when paired with green beans and bacon, make a satisfying side dish.
• German potato salad is a perfect match for brats and adds some hearty carbs to your meal.
• Creamy coleslaw: Another type of coleslaw with a creamy dressing can also be a great option.
• French fries: Who doesn't love crispy French fries? They're a classic side that goes well with any sausage dish.
• Baked beans: Baked beans are a classic side dish for sausages and can be paired with bacon for an extra savoury kick.

Dietary Considerations:

If you're following a specific diet, here are some tips to serve air-fried brats:

• Low-carb or keto: Omit the bun and serve the brat with low-carb sides like cauliflower mock potato salad, avocado tomato salad, or roasted cabbage with lemon. You can also wrap the brat in lettuce or keto-friendly bread.
• Gluten-free: Be sure to use gluten-free bratwurst, as some varieties may contain gluten. Serve with gluten-free buns or sides.
• Dairy-free: Avoid adding cheese or butter to your brat and choose dairy-free sides and toppings.

Remember, the beauty of air-fried brats is their versatility. Get creative with your toppings and sides, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and combinations. Enjoy your delicious air-fried brats!

What to serve with air-fried brats?

There are many side dishes and toppings that can be served with air-fried brats. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

• German potato salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Homemade French fries
• Baked beans
• Potato chips
• Air fryer zucchini chips
• Air fryer mushrooms
• Air fryer red cabbage

Toppings

• Sauerkraut and mustard
• Fried onions and BBQ sauce
• Alabama white sauce and pickle slices
• Caramelized onions and charred red peppers with Dijon mustard
• Cheese, chilli, sour cream, and chives
• Bacon and horseradish
• Lemon vinaigrette salad
• Ketchup and relish
• Cheese sauce and onions

How to store leftover air-fried brats?

Storing leftover air-fried brats is simple. All you need is an airtight container and a refrigerator. Here are the steps to follow:

After cooking your brats in the air fryer, allow them to cool down to room temperature. This step is important to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make your brats soggy. Place the brats in an airtight container. Make sure the container is suitable for storing food and has a tight-fitting lid to keep out air and moisture. You can also wrap the brats in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container for added protection.

Refrigerate the brats. Put the airtight container with the brats in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 4 days. If you don't plan on eating the brats within 4 days, consider freezing them instead.

Enjoy your leftover brats! When you're ready to enjoy your leftover brats, simply take them out of the refrigerator and reheat them. You can reheat them in the air fryer at a reduced cooking time to heat them through and make them crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven.

Some additional tips for storing leftover air-fried brats:

• If you have a large number of brats, consider dividing them into smaller portions before storing. That way, you can take out only what you need and avoid repeatedly handling the brats, which can increase the risk of contamination.
• Label the container with the date the brats were cooked and stored. This will help you keep track of how long they have been in the refrigerator.
• If you plan on freezing the brats, it's best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This will make it easier to take out and thaw individual brats as needed.

Frequently asked questions