Tiffany Haney
Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make juicy and tender bratwursts. It is a popular cooking method for those who want to avoid grilling outdoors or using an oven. By placing the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cooking them for around 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F, you can achieve a delicious, crispy result. This method is perfect for busy weeknights, parties, and BBQs, allowing you to enjoy the classic taste of bratwurst with minimal effort and maximum flavour.
Characteristics of cooking fresh brats in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 12-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F/180°C |
| Preheat temperature | 370°F/190°C |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 160°F/71°C |
| Rest time | 5 minutes |
| Toppings | Sauerkraut, mustard, onions, dill pickle, cheese |
| Sides | Potato chips, onion rings, coleslaw, cucumber salad, Loaded Cauliflower Mock Potato Salad |
| Nutritional information | 283 calories, 25g fat, 2g carbohydrates, 12g protein, 9g saturated fat, 15g polyunsaturated fat, 63mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium |
| Parchment paper | Recommended for easy cleanup |
| Foil | Can be used but must have holes to allow hot air circulation |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking fresh brats. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 350°F. Some recipes suggest 370°F or 375°F, but 350°F is the most common temperature. This temperature will ensure your brats are juicy and not dry.
If your brats are sticking together, you can preheat your air fryer to 320°F/160°C and cook them for 7 minutes. Then, separate the brats, flip them, and brush them with oil before returning them to the air fryer.
It is important to ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature to ensure your brats are cooked properly. You can check the internal temperature of your brats with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be done, although some sources suggest 165°F.
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Cook for 12-15 minutes
Now that you've preheated your air fryer to 350°F and placed your fresh brats in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure the brats are in a single layer with some space between them so that hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.
You should flip the brats halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides are evenly browned. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to preheat it again at this point. After flipping, brush the brats lightly with oil.
The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut one brat open to check; it shouldn't be pink inside. You can also insert a metal skewer into the brat for 10 seconds and then touch it to your lip; if it feels hot, the brat is done. The brats should also feel firm to the touch when they're done.
Once the brats are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Internal temperature of 160-165°F
To ensure your bratwursts are cooked properly, it is important to check their internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for bratwursts cooked in an air fryer is 160-165°F. This can be measured using a meat thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, you can cut one of the bratwursts open and check that it is not pink inside. You can also insert a metal skewer into the bratwurst for 10 seconds and if it feels hot on your lip, it is done. A properly cooked bratwurst should feel firm to the touch.
To achieve an internal temperature of 160-165°F, you can cook the bratwursts in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F. Make sure to turn the bratwursts over halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides are evenly browned. After cooking, let the bratwursts rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Rest for a few minutes
Once your brats are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your brats are juicy and tender. During this time, the internal temperature of the bratwurst will continue to rise and reach the safe internal temperature of 160-165°F.
The resting time also provides an opportunity to prepare any side dishes or toppings that you may want to serve with your brats. Some popular side dish options include sauerkraut, onions, peppers, potato chips, coleslaw, cucumber salad, and onion rings. For toppings, you can melt cheese on the bratwurst by placing it in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes after turning it off. You can also serve the brats with mustard, ketchup, or curry sauce.
If you are serving the bratwurst in rolls, you can place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to warm them up and make them crispy. However, this step is optional, and you can choose to serve the brats without rolls to keep them low-carb or keto-friendly.
After resting, your brats are ready to be enjoyed! Remember to always check that your bratwurst is cooked properly before consuming it. You can cut into one of the brats to ensure that it is no longer pink, or insert a metal skewer for 10 seconds and touch it to your lip – if it feels hot, they are done.
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Toppings and sides
Brats cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. A popular choice is to serve them with mustard, either on its own or accompanied by sauerkraut, and sliced onions. You can also add some crunch with a dill pickle on the side.
For a more gourmet experience, serve your brats with Düsseldorf-style mustard or stone-ground mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own pimento cheese or green tomato chow chow, which is made with green tomatoes, green peppers, onion, and jalapeno, and spiced with mustard seeds, celery seeds, sugar, and vinegar.
For a heartier meal, serve your brats with a side of loaded cauliflower mock potato salad, or, if you're not watching your carbs, a soft white bun or crusty roll. If you're serving a crowd, you can also offer a variety of sausages, such as German bratwurst, hot Italian sausage, or American franks, alongside your brats.
To drink, offer your guests a cold beer, preferably a traditional German style or a lager, or a dry white wine like Chablis or Riesling.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking fresh brats in an air fryer takes 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F.
The brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C. You can check this with a meat thermometer. You can also cut one open to check—it shouldn't be pink.
Brats are often served in a bun or roll with toppings such as mustard, sauerkraut, onions, and cheese. On the side, you could have potato chips, onion rings, coleslaw, or cucumber salad.
