Air-Fried Brats: A Quick, Crispy, Juicy Treat

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare this German sausage dish. Requiring minimal preparation and a short cooking time, this method is perfect for those seeking a convenient and tasty meal. Whether you're a bratwurst novice or enthusiast, the air fryer's ability to deliver juicy and tender sausages with a crispy exterior makes it a tempting option to try.

Choosing the right bratwurst

When it comes to choosing the right bratwurst, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, bratwursts are traditionally made from pork, but you can also find those made from veal, beef, or even chicken. If you want to avoid gluten, be sure not to use beer brats. If you're watching your fat intake, opt for turkey bratwursts or lower-fat types of uncooked sausage.

If you're particular about seasoning, bratwursts can be seasoned with any combination of salt, white pepper, nutmeg, lemon peel, marjoram, caraway, and garlic. You can also find bratwursts with additional ingredients such as cheddar.

When shopping for bratwursts, look for those that have a smooth texture and a pale colour. This will indicate that they are likely to have a mild flavour, which you can always enhance with your favourite toppings and condiments.

If you're concerned about the cooking process, opt for bratwursts that come raw so you can follow specific cooking instructions. Pre-cooked bratwursts can be warmed up in the air fryer, but you may not be able to follow a specific recipe to the same degree.

Lastly, consider the quantity you need. Bratwursts typically come in packs of five, but you can also find larger quantities at specialty butchers or grocery stores. If you're cooking for a crowd, ensure you have enough bratwursts to satisfy everyone's appetite!

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature for cooking brats in an air fryer is between 350-375°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of brats being cooked, whether they are cooked from frozen, and the desired level of doneness.

For a batch of 4-5 uncooked brats, cooked at 375°F, the cooking time is around 12-14 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes and then cook the brats for an additional 3 minutes, for a total of about 17 minutes.

For a batch of 5 brats cooked at 350°F, the cooking time is around 12-15 minutes. It is recommended to flip the brats halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

For a batch of 6 brats cooked at 300°F, the cooking time is around 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of fully cooked brats should be 165°F.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest bringing the brats to room temperature before air frying, as this can result in quicker and more even cooking.

Step-by-step cooking process

Step 1: Prepare the brats

Take the brats out of the packaging and bring them to room temperature. You can use any brand of uncooked brats for this recipe, but a popular choice is Johnsonville Brats, which come in different flavours and meat types.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. You may not need to do this if your air fryer model doesn't require preheating.

Step 3: Place the brats in the air fryer

Arrange the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not touching each other. If you are using an oven model air fryer, you can line the drip pan with parchment paper to catch any excess grease.

Step 4: Air fry the brats

Air fry the brats for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Remove the brats from the air fryer

Use tongs to remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve the brats

Serve the brats in soft white buns or crusty rolls with your choice of toppings and sauces. A classic combination is sauerkraut and mustard, but you can also try caramelised onions, ketchup, relish, cheese sauce, or caramelised peach and onion salsa.

Tips:

• If you are cooking frozen brats, preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes and then air fry for an additional 3 minutes, for a total of about 17 minutes.
• If your air fryer is the basket type, flip the brats halfway through cooking. If you have an oven model with trays, this isn't necessary.
• To make cleanup easier, place a piece of bread or aluminium foil under the air fryer basket to catch any grease.

Tips for the best air fryer brats

Air fryer brats are a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook up juicy and tender bratwurst sausages. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F and 375°F. This will ensure your brats cook evenly and efficiently.

Prepare the Brats

Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate around them properly. If your air fryer has trays instead of a basket, place the brats on the trays so they are not touching. You can cook as many brats as your air fryer can fit, usually two packages worth.

Cook the Brats

Air fry the brats for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on your air fryer's temperature and whether the brats are cooked or uncooked. Flip the brats halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.

Serve the Brats

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them on soft white buns or crusty rolls with your favorite toppings and condiments, such as sauerkraut, mustard, onions, peppers, or cheese.

Clean Up

Line the drip pan or basket of your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any grease and make cleanup easier.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftover brats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to two months. Reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or a non-stick pan.

Suggested toppings and sides

Classic toppings

• Sauerkraut and mustard
• Ketchup and relish
• Caramelized onions or crispy fried onion strings
• Mayonnaise

Other toppings

• Jalapeños and bacon bits
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Potato chips and ketchup
• Roasted bell peppers and onions
• Relish and diced or sliced onions
• Pineapple and BBQ sauce
• Cheese sauce and onions
• Coleslaw

Sides

• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Pierogies and green beans
• Baked beans and potato chips
• Air fryer zucchini chips
• Air fryer mushrooms
• German potato salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Homemade French fries

Frequently asked questions