Air Fryer Bratwurst — Introducing a sizzling sensation perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or even a cozy weeknight dinner – Air Fryer Brats!

Cooking brats is one of my favorite easy meals during the busy fall season! This recipe for beer brats is low-carb, and only takes about 15 minutes to cook to perfection!

Air Fryer Bratwurst
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These plump and juicy sausages have long been a beloved staple in the world of comfort food, and now, with the magic of air frying, you can enjoy them with less grease and the same mouthwatering flavor. Whether you prefer classic German bratwurst, beer-infused versions, or plant-based alternatives, your air fryer is the key to achieving that irresistible crispy skin and tender, flavorful interior. 

Beer brats are ready to be served in a bun, on a plate with your favorite sides, or as a topping for pizzas and salads in just a few minutes. Get ready to elevate your bratwurst game with the help of your trusty air fryer – it’s a game-changer!

Can You Cook Brats In An Air Fryer?

Absolutely! You can cook bratwurst in an air fryer, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy them as a quick dinner while still achieving that desirable crispy exterior. The air fryer can handle them if you have traditional brats, beer-infused, or plant-based alternatives. Just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have delicious, perfectly cooked, and crispy brats ready to be enjoyed. It’s a quick and convenient method that delivers excellent results.

Some of my other easy 30-minute meals, such as  Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops,  Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, and Air Fryer French Fries, use air fryer today for a great meal!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bratwurst Recipe

These simple ingredients will help you create fabulous air-fried bratwurst sandwiches. Most of these ingredients can be kept in the refrigerator; they are low carb, full of nutrition, and perfect for a quick dinner. All you need are: 

Peppers-and-Brats-In-Air-Fryer-1

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutrition information. 

  • ​Bratwurst Sausages: Choose your favorite uncooked bratwurst sausages or German sausages, whether pork, beef, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
  • Cooking Oil (Optional): A small amount of cooking oil, like vegetable or olive oil, can coat the meat for extra crispiness, but it’s optional.
  • Buns: You’ll need hot dog buns, sub rolls, or hoagie rolls.
  • Add-Ons: Customize your dinner with preferred condiments, such as sauerkraut, mustard,  peppers, or cheese.

How To Make Brats Air Fryer

Brats in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to achieve a crispy and delicious result with a few ingredients.   

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  • Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (182°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will ensure it’s hot and ready when you place the bratwurst inside.
  • If desired, lightly brush or spray the bratwurst with some cooking oil. This can help enhance the crispiness of the bratwurst, but it’s optional.
  • Place the bratwurst sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they do not touch each other to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Cook brats in the preheated air fryer for a cook time of 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and your air fryer model.
  • While the bratwurst is cooking, you can place the buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to warm and slightly toast them.
  • Once the bratwurst is fully cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the buns are warmed, carefully remove them from the air fryer. The juicy air fryer brats must have an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees before removing them from the air fryer basket. 
  • Assemble your bratwurst sandwiches by placing the cooked sausages in the warmed buns and adding your preferred toppings and condiments.
  • Serve your air-fried, juicy bratwurst sandwiches hot, and enjoy!
Frozen Brats In Air Fryer

Pro Tips For Air Fry Brats

To achieve the best results when making air-fried brats in an air fryer, consider these pro tips:

  • Use Cooking Oil Sparingly: While brushing or spraying a small amount of oil on the brats is optional, it can enhance their crispiness. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as brats already have natural fats that will render during cooking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure enough space between the brats in the air fryer basket. Place uncooked brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation, leading to uneven browning. 
  • Rotate or Flip: Rotate or flip the brats halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning and crispiness. This helps all sides of the sausages to cook evenly.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the brats before removing them from the air fryer for safety and flavor. They should reach an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (71°C) for pork brats and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey brats.
  • Customize Your Sandwich: Get creative with your bratwurst condiments. Classic choices include sauerkraut, mustard, onions, and peppers, but you can experiment with various flavors to suit your taste.
  • Warm the Buns: If you like your brats in buns, warm them up in the air fryer for the last few minutes of cooking. This step ensures the buns are toasted and ready to hold your delicious bratwurst.
Peppers and Brats In Air Fryer

Best Toppings For Crispy Air Fryer Brats

Bratwurst sausages are incredibly versatile, and you can get creative to enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some popular and delicious serving ideas:

  • Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a classic topping.
  • Onions: Sautéed or grilled both, a sweet and pleasant crunch.
  • Peppers: Whether green, red, or yellow, bring a colorful and slightly sweet contrast.
  • Mustard: Mustard is a classic condiment. Yellow, Dijon or whole-grain mustard can be drizzled or spread on the bun.
  • Ketchup: Slightly sweet and tangy kick.  
  • Relish: A great choice if you like a bit of sweetness.
  • Cheese: Melted cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or American, can take your bratwurst to the next level. You can place a slice of cheese on the brat during the last minutes of cooking to let it melt.
  • Pickles: Sliced dill pickles can provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of bratwurst.
  • Bacon: Everything’s better with bacon! You can wrap your bratwurst in bacon before cooking or bacon bits as a topping.
  • Sriracha or Hot Sauce: If you enjoy spicy food, drizzle some Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes can add freshness and juiciness to your dish.
  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives.

FAQ Best Air Fryer Bratwursts

What Temperature Should I Set the Air Fryer for Bratwurst Sausage?

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for cooking them. This will work well to achieve a tasty exterior and juicy interior.

How Long Do I Cook Brats in an Air Fryer?

The cook time for bratwurst in an air fryer typically ranges from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the sausages. It’s essential to check their internal temperature to ensure they reach 160 degrees F (71°C) for German pork brats or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey brats. Check with a meat thermometer or a digital meat thermometer. Time may need to be adjusted based on your air fryer.

Can I Add Toppings to Brats in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can add sliced onions and peppers to the air fryer basket during cooking. 

How Do I Prevent Brats from Splitting in the Air Fryer?

To prevent bratwurst from splitting in the air fryer, avoid pricking them and cook them at a moderate temperature. You can also brush them with a small amount of cooking oil to help maintain their moisture.

Can I Cook Brats with Buns in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can warm hoagie rolls or buns in the air fryer during the last few minutes of roasting. This ensures the buns are toasted and ready to hold your delicious bratwurst.

How to store leftover air-fried brats
Store the room temperature brats, and place them in an airtight container. The cooked brats will last for 3-5 days. Store uncooked brats separately.

Easy Side Dishes To Serve:

Serve your air-fried brats alongside  Air Fyrer Carrots, Air Fyrer Green Beans, Garden Salad, or Air Fyrer Pizza Rolls.

Peppers and Brats In Air Fryer

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Bratwurst

Air Fryer Bratwurst 

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Bratwurst — Introducing a sizzling sensation perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or even a cozy weeknight dinner – Air Fryer Brats!

Ingredients 

  • 6 raw bratwursts

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready when you place the bratwurst inside.
  • If desired, lightly brush or spray the bratwurst with a small amount of cooking oil. This can help enhance the crispiness of the bratwurst, but it’s optional.
  • Place the bratwurst sausages in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Cook the bratwurst in the preheated air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and your air fryer model.
  • While the bratwurst are cooking, you can also place the buns in the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes to warm them up and slightly toast them.
  • Once the bratwurst are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the buns are warmed, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
  • Assemble your bratwurst sandwiches by placing the cooked sausages in the warmed buns and adding your preferred toppings and condiments.
  • Serve your air-fried bratwurst sandwiches hot and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 0.03gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 3mgVitamin A: 0.1IUCalcium: 0.3mgIron: 0.01mg

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