Easy Air Fryer Brats

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

If you are looking for the same crispy grilled bratwurst flavor, try my recipe to cook bratwurst is in the air fryer!

In a few short minutes, the perfectly cooked bratwurst 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!

If you are looking for easy air fryer dinner recipes try my recipe for broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat), ninja foodi grill grilled cheese, or air fryer chicken biryani.

What Are Brats?

Brats, short for bratwurst, are a type of fresh sausage originating from Germany. They are typically made from pork, beef, or a combination of both meats, and are seasoned with a variety of spices such as salt, pepper, nutmeg, and herbs like marjoram.

Brats are known for their savory flavor and juicy texture, and they are often grilled, fried, or baked before serving.

Cooking brats in the air fryer, is a quick way to get the same flavor as grilled, but without leaving your kitchen. They are a popular dish in German cuisine and are enjoyed worldwide, often served with mustard, sauerkraut, or on a bun as a bratwurst sandwich.

This air fryer bratwurst recipe is a perfect meal for the entire family, if you want even more easy recipes for your family try:  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!

Why We Love Brats!

• Customize your brats with toppings and sauces to suit your taste!
• Select your preferred bratwurst sausages from the grocery store or local butcher.
• Whip up this tasty dish in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bratwurst

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: 

​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 (Air Fry Raw Brats) 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 Air Fryer Brats

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

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.

AIR FRYER BRATS TEMPERATURE AND COOK TIME

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!

Substitutions and Variations

• Sausage Type: Experiment with different types of sausages such as smoked brats, brats flavored with jalapenos and cheddar cheese, or bacon!
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian or plant-based sausages as a meat-free alternative.
• Seasonings: Customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Toppings: Get creative with toppings such as sautéed onions and peppers, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeños.
• Sauces: Explore a variety of sauces for dipping or drizzling over the brats, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or tzatziki.
• Bun Options: Serve the air fryer brats in different types of buns or bread, such as whole wheat, brioche, pretzel buns, or lettuce wraps.
• Side Dishes: Pair the brats with a variety of side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

More Sausage Recipes

• air fryer sausage and vegetables
• sausage egg and cheese breakfast sliders
• trader joe’s sausage pasta
• air fryer aidells sausage
• air fryer ground pork sausage

How To Serve Air-Fried Brats

Air Fried Brats can be served in various ways, depending on personal preferences and regional traditions. Here are some popular serving options:

• On a Bun: Place the cooked bratwurst in a bun or roll, commonly referred to as a brat bun or bratwurst roll.
• With Sauerkraut: Serve brats alongside sauerkraut, a traditional German accompaniment made from fermented cabbage.
• With Mustard: Mustard is a classic condiment for brats, adding a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
• On a Plate: Serve brats on a plate alongside side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. T
• In a Bowl: Slice the cooked brats and serve them in a bowl with toppings and sauces of your choice. .
• With Pretzels: Pair brats with soft pretzels for a classic German-inspired combination.
• With Beer: Enjoy brats with a cold beer for a traditional and refreshing pairing. The flavors of the beer complement the savory taste of the bratwurst, making it a popular choice for outdoor gatherings and events.

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Brats

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer before cooking helps ensure even cooking and better results.
• Pierce the Brats: Use a fork to pierce the bratwursts several times before placing them in the air fryer basket. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the brats from bursting.
• Arrange Evenly: Arrange the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around each brat, ensuring even cooking.
• Shake or Flip: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket or flip the brats to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This helps achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
• Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to add flavor to your brats. Try marinating them in beer, mustard, or your favorite spices before air frying for extra flavor.
• Serve with Toppings: Get creative with toppings and condiments to customize your air fryer brats. Serve them on buns with traditional toppings like sauerkraut, onions, and mustard, or try something new like avocado slices or sriracha mayo.

Air Fryer Brats Faqs

What temperature should I set the air fryer to for cooking brats? Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for cooking brats. This temperature helps achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring the brats cook through evenly.

How long do I cook brats in the air fryer? Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the brats. Typically, air fryer brats cook in about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking brats? Preheating the air fryer is recommended for best results. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior on the brats.

How do I know when the brats are done cooking in the air fryer? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Can I add toppings or seasonings to the brats before cooking them in the air fryer? Yes, you can add toppings or seasonings to the brats before cooking them in the air fryer. Experiment with different flavors to customize your brats to your liking.

Can I cook other types of sausages in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook various types of sausages in the air fryer, including Italian sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the type of sausage.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fry Frozen Brats
• Air fryer Hot Dogs
• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Sausage Patties
• Air Fryer Pork Chops

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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