If you’re craving juicy, flavorful bratwurst but want to skip the grill or stovetop mess, cooking brats in an air fryer is the perfect solution. It’s quick, easy, and delivers perfectly cooked brats with a crispy exterior and tender inside every time. Here’s your friendly, step-by-step guide to mastering air fryer brats and some tips to make your meal even better.
What You’ll Need
– Bratwurst sausages (any variety you like: traditional, beer brats, cheddar-filled, etc.)
– Air fryer
– Cooking oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray)
– Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
– Buns or rolls for serving
– Your favorite toppings (mustard, sauerkraut, onions, cheese, etc.)
Step 1: Prepare Your Brats
Before cooking, it helps to prick the brats a few times with a fork. This prevents them from bursting during cooking and helps release some fat for a crispy skin. Then, brush or spray the brats lightly with cooking oil to promote browning and crispiness.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F to 400°F (193°C to 204°C). Preheating ensures the brats start cooking immediately and get that nice sear on the outside.
Step 3: Arrange the Brats in the Basket
Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between them so hot air circulates evenly, cooking them thoroughly and giving them a crispy skin.
Step 4: Cook the Brats
Cook the brats for about 12 to 15 minutes at 380°F to 400°F. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides. The brats are done when their internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which you can check with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Serve the brats in buns or rolls with your favorite toppings like mustard, sauerkraut, grilled onions, or even melted cheese.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brats
– Use a piece of bread under the air fryer basket to catch grease drips and make cleanup easier.
– Cook buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes after the brats are done to get them warm and crispy.
– Try different brat varieties like beer brats or cheddar-filled for extra flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
– Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-5 minutes to keep them tasty.
Why Air Fryer Brats Are a Game Changer
Cooking brats in an air fryer avoids the hassle of firing up a grill or standing over a hot stove. The air fryer cooks the brats evenly, crisps the skin beautifully, and locks in the juices without any added fat. Plus, cleanup is a breeze compared to grilling or pan-frying.
Bonus: Add Some Veggies
For a one-pan meal, add sliced peppers and onions under the brats in the air fryer basket. They cook alongside the brats, soaking up the delicious flavors and making your meal even more satisfying.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer brats with your favorite sides and toppings – a quick, easy, and tasty meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Brats in the air fryer are juicy, crispy, and ready in under 20 minutes – no grill required!