Air Fryer Brats (15 Minute Recipe)

5 from 1 vote

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Air fryer brats are a great way to enjoy delicious brats without having to go through the hassle of cooking them on a hot grill. Today I will show you an easy way to get juicy brats in just 10-15 minutes, and the best part is: No charcoal is required!

3 air fryer brats in rolls and on a bed of potato chips.

Read on to discover my new favorite way of making this classic German sausage. This is one of my favorite ways to use an air fryer!

Brats in The Air Fryer

Air fryer brats are a delicious dinner that can be cooked quickly and easily. They are a great way to enjoy brats on busy weeknights or for a quick meal, and the air fryer is a great tool for experimenting with new recipes and cooking methods.

Like these frozen corn dogs in the air fryer, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal with just one ingredient that everyone will love.

A bratwurst in a bun, loaded with onion and mustard, with potato chips.
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Air fryer brats are also perfect for cooking bratwurst if you don’t have a grill. A great thing about using an air fryer to make brats is the time you can save. With a cook time of 15 minutes or less, you can make the perfect bratwurst for your friends and family.

Common Questions

Are air fryer brats good for you?

When it comes to nutritional information, air fryer brats are a great source of protein and can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet.

The exact nutrition information will depend on the type and size of the brats you use, so be sure to check the package for specifics.

Are these keto-friendly?

This is a great way to enjoy brats on a low-carb or keto diet, as they don’t require any breading or frying in oil.

How do I store the leftovers?

If you have leftover brats, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through.

How long to cook brats in air fryer at 400°?

The cooking time for air frying brats may vary depending on the air fryer model you are using, as well as the thickness and size of the brats. As a general guideline, these take 12 to 15 minutes to make at a temperature of 360°F (182°C). Cooking brats at 400° will take between 8 and 10 minutes.

Ingredients and notes

This air fryer brats recipe can be as straightforward or as fancy as you like. The only ingredient you really need is a package of brats.

Ingredients for making air fryer brats

For the Brats

Use your favorite brand of brats. One of my favorite brats comes from Johnsonville, mostly because they taste consistently great. I have the luxury of living in Wisconsin (and just a few miles from Johnsonville), so we have many excellent types of brats.

You can make this air fryer bratwurst recipe even better with a few of your favorite condiments! These are a few of my favorite things to make these tasty brats:

A plain bratwurst on a roll with potato chips.
With only one ingredient and a blank slate, air fryer brats are a great way to get creative in the kitchen and impress your entire family.

Brat Rolls

Choosing the best rolls for brats is super important, but it all comes down to a matter of personal taste. Even a hot dog bun will work.

Ultimately, the best roll for bratwurst can hold the sausage and toppings without falling apart and complement the bratwurst flavors.

My favorite rolls for brats are Sheboygan hard rolls. They have a thin but crispy crust, and a soft pillowy inside that perfectly complements these air fryer brats. Other common types of brat rolls can be found at your grocery store. Any one of these will work well:

Other Types of Rolls for Bratss

Hoagie rolls These rolls are longer and more substantial than traditional hot dog buns, which makes them a popular choice for bratwurst. They can hold more toppings and provide a better balance to the sausage.

New England-style Rolls These rolls are similar to hot dog buns, but they are split down the top instead of the side. They are also slightly larger than traditional hot dog buns, which makes them a good option for bratwurst.

Pretzel Rolls These rolls are becoming increasingly popular for bratwurst, providing a chewy and salty contrast to the sausage. They are also sturdy enough to hold up to heavy toppings.

A bunch of brats with different toppings with potato chips.

The Best Toppings for Air Fryer Brats

  1. Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage is popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor that pairs well with the richness of the bratwurst. This also tastes great on hot dogs and wieners!
  2. Mustard: Mustard is a classic condiment for bratwurst, and there are many different varieties, including Dijon, spicy brown, and honey mustard. Or, just a dab of regular mustard will also do the trick!
  3. Onions: I love onions on my brats and usually add chopped ones on top. But you can sautee or grill them as well. They add a slightly sweet flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
  4. Ketchup: Although not traditional, some people enjoy adding ketchup to their bratwurst for a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Like most things our kids eat, ketchup is a must for their brats on a bun!
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More toppings that taste great:

  • Cheese: There are many different types of cheese that can be added to bratwurst, including cheddar, Swiss cheese, and provolone. Melted cheese can be drizzled on top of the sausage or stuffed inside the bun.
  • Pickles: Pickles can add a nice crunch and tangy flavor to bratwurst. Dill pickles or pickled onions are both good options.
  • Peppers: Grilled or roasted peppers can add a nice smoky flavor to bratwurst. Jalapeños, banana peppers, or bell peppers are all good choices.

How to Make Air Fryer Bratwurst

(See complete directions in the recipe card below.)

With an air fryer, you can cook brats in just 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the cooking time needed to reach the internal temperature.

The best part about air frying brats is that it’s an easy recipe with just a few steps. To get started, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F.

While the air fryer is heating up, remove the uncooked brats from their packaging and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will help ensure that the brats cook evenly.

Making brats in an air fryer.
Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 160 degrees F for cooked brats.
  1. Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each brat for hot air to circulate. You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper to line the basket to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the brats for 3-5 minutes on one side.
  3. Then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. When the brats are done, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  4. You can serve them on brat buns with your favorite toppings and condiments or enjoy them on their own with some tasty sides like potato salad, french fries, or sautéed peppers and onions.

Variations

You can also experiment with different flavors of brats, such as Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, or bratwurst sausage. Johnsonville cheddar brats are a favorite for many, and you can also make a delicious beer cheese sauce or spicy mustard to go with them.

Air frying is also a great way to cook other types of sausages, hot dogs, and even green bell peppers. With an air fryer, you have a blank slate to try out new recipes and cooking methods.

Air fryer beer brats

Beer brats are made by simmering uncooked bratwurst in beer before cooking them. The beer helps to add flavor and moisture to the sausages, while also helping to cook them. The result is a juicy and flavorful bratwurst with a nice crispy skin on the outside.

When making beer brats, I like to use a darker beer but you can use any beer you have on hand.

How to make beer brats in the air fryer:

  1. Place the uncooked brats in a large pot and cover them with beer. Slice a large onion and add that to the pot.
  2. Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the beer to a boil.
  3. Once the beer comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the brats simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the brats from the beer and pat them dry with a towel.
  5. Next place the brats in the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry at 400° F for about 5 minutes until you get a brown and crispy exterior on the brats.

If you’re a fan of these, try our delicious brat bites! Wrapped in butter-brushed phyllo dough, these are perfect appetizers or fun finger food.

A brat in a roll with onion and mustard.

Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips for making brats in the air fryer:

  1. Preheat your air fryer: Just like with any other cooking method, it’s important to preheat your air fryer before adding the brats. This will help ensure even cooking and a nice crispy skin.
  2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: To make sure the brats cook evenly, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the brats in batches.
  3. Use cooking spray or oil: To help prevent the brats from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil before adding the brats.
  4. Cook at the right temperature: The recommended temperature for cooking air fryer brats is 360°F. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then flip the brats over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
  5. Let the brats rest: After cooking, let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices distribute evenly throughout the sausage and ensure a juicy and flavorful brat.
A brat in a roll with a bite taken out of it.

Air fryer brats are a great option for busy weeknights or for home chefs who want to try out new recipes. They are also a great way to enjoy brats on a low carb or keto diet, as they don’t require any breading or frying in oil.

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The BEST Air Fryer Brats

5 from 1 vote
Air fryer brats are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and they can be served with a variety of toppings such as sauerkraut, onions, or mustard.
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 14 minutes
Yield: 6 people

Ingredients 

  • 6 bratwurst, thawed and uncooked
  • 6 brat buns

Optional Toppings

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard, Plain or dark
  • Sauerkraut
  • Onions, Raw and chopped or sauteed.

Instructions 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 360° F. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper (if desired.)
  • Place a single layer of brats in the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 12-15 minutes or until brats reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Flip the brats half way through to allow even browning on both sides.
  • Remove from air fryer carefully, and place each into a bun or roll. Add optional toppings and serve.

Notes

  • Note: you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your appliance.
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 909mg, Potassium: 316mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 121mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Entree
Cuisine: German
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Our Favorite Air Fryer Recipes


Meet the Platter Talk Guys

Dan & Scott split their time between Wisconsin and Southwest Florida and are dads to six boys. Good food runs through their veins, and they love showing others how to cook easy recipes.

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