Air Fryer Brats Recipe

This air fryer brats recipe is the perfect way to keep the bratwurst juicy and delicious on the inside while achieving the perfect golden brown outside. Pair with your favorite toppings of sauerkraut, onions, and mustard on a bun for the perfect meal or game day treat.

Why This Recipe Works

Juicy & Delicious: Juicy beer brats are a quick and classic way to enjoy a summer evening dinner al fresco, a football game tailgate, or as an easy recipe for busy weeknights. While I love to find any excuse to fire up the grill (like these spiralized brats or how to cook brats on the pellet smoker), utilizing the air fryer in this air fryer brats recipe for those extra busy days is the best way to achieve juicy brats with a perfectly crisp outside at the same time, with little prep.

Easy & Fuss-Free: If you have made bratwurst in the past, you may have experienced the frustration of a raw inside and a very overcooked outside. While I would

Supplies Needed

• Meat Thermometer
• Tongs
• Air Fryer (I absolutely love this Ninja Foodi Air Fryer)

Ingredients

• Bratwurst: Choose high-quality brats for the best flavor. Whether you choose classic pork brats or other varieties like chicken brats, this air fryer brats recipe works for any type!
• Toppings: I like to top off my air fryer brats with sauerkraut, diced onion, spicy mustard, beer cheese sauce and place them in a bun!

Do I Boil Brats Before Air Frying?

No, you can air fry uncooked brats straight from the package without boiling them beforehand.

You often see boiling brats as a method to pre-cook the inside ground meat and then the outside casing is browned often over a direct flame on the grill. While I can’t deny I love a brat infused with beer, I’d actually encourage you to use raw brats when utilizing this cooking method instead for a better outcome.

Why? Boiling is a moist heat method that rapidly cooks the inside of the brat and can sometimes damage the outside casing, causing it to retract. Messing with the sausage casing actually prevents the bratwurst from staying as juicy.

If you prefer a beer brat, boil the brats with your favorite beer for about 8-10 minutes prior to placing them in the air fryer.

How To Cook Bratwurst Sausages In The Air Fryer

1. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 365 degrees F.
2. Place in Air Fryer: Place each brat into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them (you do not need any aluminum foil or parchment paper either).
3. Cook: Simply cook the brats until their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 12-14 minutes. Flip the brats halfway through cooking for that perfect golden brown color.
4. Remove & Serve: Remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Pierce the Brats: Avoid piercing the sausages before cooking to keep the juices locked in. Piercing the casing can cause the brats to dry out.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Be sure to flip the brats halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
• Watch the Fat: When opening the air fryer, be cautious of hot fat that might have accumulated in the bratwurst casing. It can sometimes pressurize and release quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry frozen bratwurst?

Yes, but you will need to alter the cooking time and temperature to account for this. Reduce the air fryer’s temperature to 325 F. Air fry frozen brats for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Increase the heat to 365 F. and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes or until the brats hit 165 F. internally.

Can I cook other sausages this way?

Yes. This method works well for Italian Sausage, breakfast sausage links, Johnsonville brats (or your favorite brand of bratwurst), etc.

How do I store leftover bratwurst?

Place the cooked air fryer bratwurst into an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge. Cooked brats and best when eaten within 3 days of cooking.

How do I reheat cooked bratwurst in the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 365 and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

What To Serve With Bratwurst

I love classic savory brats served with diced white onions, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard served on a large roll or hot dog bun.

If you are looking for a great option that’s low carb and keto diet friendly, serve over a pile of your favorite sauerkraut and skip the bun.

Additionally, you can serve other ingredients with these air fryer sausages like sauteed peppers and onions or topped with this beer cheese sauce too.

A good bratwurst is always one that involves your favorite condiments. Use what you like!

Pair this easy air fryer brats recipe with delicious sides like potato salad, these kitchen aid mashed potatoes, or crispy egg noodles (a family favorite in my house), or a grinder salad!

More Recipes to Try

• Brats & Tots Bratwurst Nachos
• Maxwell Street Polish
• Smoked Pig Shots
• Kansas City BBQ Hot Dogs
• Mini Chicago Hot Dog Sliders