Easy Air Fryer Brats
Making golden and juicy bratwurst doesn't get any easier thanks to the air fryer.
Serves4
Prep2 minutes
Cook10 minutes to 12 minutes
I’ve fallen hard for my air fryer. My portable (purple!) convection cooker has earned a permanent place on my kitchen counter because it’s the perfect way to quickly cook so many different things. Like may of you, I started with air fryer fries, moved to simple sides, like air fryer broccoli and air fryer cauliflower, and just recently realized that the air fryer is ideal for cooking bratwurst too! Whether you cook a single sausage or an entire pack of brats, the air fryer crisps the casing and keeps the sausage juicy. In less time than it takes to bring beer to a boil or light the coals, you can sit down to perfectly cooked brats — here’s how to do it.
How Long Do You Cook Uncooked Brats in an Air Fryer?
Air fryer cook times depend on the type of bratwurst you buy. Heat the air fryer to 350°F to 360°F.
- Uncooked: 10 to 12 minutes
- Cured: about 8 minutes
- Frozen (uncooked or cured): 12 to 15 minutes
Can You Cook Frozen Brats in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Both uncooked and cured bratwurst go from freezer to air fryer with ease. It takes just 12 to 15 minutes for the casing to crisp and the center of the sausage to reach 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. For best results and to avoid burst sausages, pierce the casing with a fork or thin knife before freezing.
What Should You Serve with Air Fryer Brats?
Serve air fryer brats in the same way that you’d serve grilled or stovetop browned sausages. Nestle them in soft buns and top with sautéed peppers, onions, and spicy mustard. Cut the cooked sausage crosswise and toss with tender pasta and caramelized veggies. Stir sliced brats into soup or serve them for a fun snack board supper.
Air Fryer Brats Recipe
Making golden and juicy bratwurst doesn't get any easier thanks to the air fryer.
Prep time 2 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes to 12 minutes
Serves4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 4
uncooked bratwurst sasusages (about 12 ounces total)
Instructions
Heat an air fryer to 350 to 360°F.
Pierce the casings of 4 uncooked bratwurst sausages in several spots with a fork or a thin knife.
Place the sausages in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry until the skin is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the sausages registers at least 160°F, 10 to 12 minutes.
Recipe Notes
For cured bratwurst: Pierce the casings. Air fry at 350 to 360°F until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the sausages registers at least 160°F, about 8 minutes.
From frozen: Air fry frozen bratwurst until skin is crisp and an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the sausage reaches 160°F, 12 to 15 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.