Air-Fried Cheddar Brats: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cheddar brats are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a great option for a quick and juicy bite to eat, and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Cheddar brats are bratwurst sausages with a unique flavour, made with premium cuts of pork and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. They are a perfect option for summer cookouts and can be easily grilled or cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is a convenient and quick way to cook cheddar brats, with minimal prep time and no need for oil or butter. The cooking time is typically around 12 minutes, and the brats are ready to be enjoyed with your favourite toppings!

How to cook cheddar brats in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your cheddar brats cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for the best results:

First, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. Any leftover residue or moisture from previous cooking may affect the performance of your air fryer and impact the taste of your cheddar brats.

Next, set the temperature. Depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, the ideal temperature for cooking cheddar brats is typically between 370°F and 390°F. Refer to your air fryer's user manual for the recommended temperature settings. Set the temperature accordingly and allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your cheddar brats. Place the uncooked brats in a single layer on the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. This arrangement allows for even cooking and browning. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the brats in multiple batches.

It is important to note that some air fryers do not require preheating. These models can cook food effectively without the initial heating step. However, most air fryers will benefit from preheating, especially when cooking meat like cheddar brats, as it ensures thorough cooking and helps achieve the desired internal temperature.

Once preheated, you can proceed to cook your cheddar brats according to the recipe instructions. Depending on the temperature and doneness you prefer, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it should take around 10-12 minutes for your cheddar brats to be cooked to perfection.

Cook time and temperature

Cooking cheddar brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The first step is to preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 390°F for 5 minutes, although some suggest 370°F or 375°F.

Next, place the uncooked brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important that they do not touch the basket, and depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. If you are using frozen brats, you can cook them without thawing, but you should add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

The cooking time for cheddar brats in an air fryer is generally agreed to be around 12 minutes, although some sources suggest a range of 8 to 15 minutes. It is recommended that you flip the brats halfway through the cooking process. You will know the brats are ready when they are golden brown and a digital meat thermometer inserted into the centre registers 160°F.

Once the brats are cooked, you can add them to hot dog buns with your desired toppings.

Flipping the brats

The good news is that you don't have to worry about setting a timer to remind yourself to flip the brats. Simply shaking the air fryer basket a couple of times during the cooking process will help the brats cook evenly. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you may not need to flip the brats at all. However, if you have a basket-style air fryer, it is recommended to flip the brats halfway through the cooking process.

Most recipes recommend cooking your cheddar brats for a total of 10 to 12 minutes at 370 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you should flip your brats at the 5- to 6-minute mark. However, one recipe recommends cooking the brats for a total of 12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, which means flipping them at the 6-minute mark.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the brand of air fryer you're using and the specific model. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular air fryer to ensure the best results.

Internal temperature

Achieving the right internal temperature is crucial when cooking cheddar brats in an air fryer. The recommended internal temperature for bratwurst is 160°F, although one source suggests 165°F as the minimum. You can use a digital meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the centre of the bratwurst to get an accurate reading.

The time it takes to reach this temperature will depend on the temperature of the air fryer and whether the brats are frozen or not. If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. If your air fryer is a basket type, it is recommended to flip the brats halfway through cooking. This is not necessary with oven models.

If you are cooking at 370°F, the brats will take around 8-10 minutes to cook. At 375°F, they will take 12-14 minutes, and at 380°F, they will take 12 minutes. If you are cooking at a higher temperature of 390°F, 9-11 minutes should be enough, although one source suggests that 10-12 minutes is required.

Serving suggestions

Cheddar brats cooked in an air fryer can be served in hot dog buns with your favourite toppings. You can also serve them with hoagie rolls. Some topping options include:

• Mustard
• Sauerkraut and Swiss cheese
• Shredded cheddar or processed cheddar cheese
• Jalapenos and bacon bits
• Potato chips and ketchup
• Onion rings, coleslaw, or cucumber salad
• Pierogies and green beans with bacon
• Sauteed vegetables

You can also serve cheddar brats with potato chips and either potato salad or macaroni salad.

Frequently asked questions