Air fryer brats are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy juicy bratwurst with a perfectly browned exterior. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or backyard cookouts—without firing up the grill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and convenient—no need to preheat the grill or use a stovetop pan
- Evenly cooked brats with a crispy, golden-brown casing
- Customizable with your favorite buns and toppings
- Easy cleanup with minimal mess
- Perfect for year-round cooking
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (19 oz) package uncooked bratwurst (about 5 links)
5 hot dog or hoagie buns (use gluten-free buns if desired)
Toppings of choice: ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, relish, diced onions, sautéed peppers, pickled jalapeños, etc.
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange brats in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for proper air circulation.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare buns and toppings while the brats cook.
- Serve hot in buns with your choice of toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 5
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes
- Total time: 17–20 minutes
Variations
- Beer brats: Simmer brats in beer and onions before air frying for extra flavor.
- Cheddar brats: Use brats stuffed with cheese for a melty surprise.
- Spicy kick: Choose jalapeño or hot brats for added heat.
- Veggie pairing: Serve with a side of air-fried potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover brats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
- Not recommended for freezing after cooking, as texture may change.
FAQs
1. Can I cook frozen brats in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase cook time to about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Do I need to pierce the brats before cooking?
No, piercing can let juices escape, leading to drier brats.
3. Can I toast the buns in the air fryer?
Yes, place buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes after cooking the brats.
4. How do I know the brats are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should be 165°F.
5. Can I add vegetables to cook alongside?
Yes, but ensure they’re cut to similar sizes and stirred halfway for even cooking.
6. What’s the best way to keep brats warm?
Keep them in the air fryer at 170°F or wrap in foil until serving.
7. Can I use precooked brats?
Yes, just reduce cook time to 6–8 minutes at 375°F.
8. Do I need oil?
No, the natural fat in the brats is enough to brown them.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
10. What toppings work best?
Classic mustard and sauerkraut are favorites, but grilled peppers, onions, or relish are also delicious.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Brats are the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, delivering juicy, crispy sausage in minutes. Whether you keep it classic with mustard and sauerkraut or load them with creative toppings, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.
Print
Air Fryer Brats
- Total Time: 17–20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy bratwurst cooked in the air fryer until juicy inside and perfectly browned outside, ready in under 20 minutes with your choice of buns and toppings.
Ingredients
1 (19 oz) package uncooked bratwurst (about 5 links)
5 hot dog or hoagie buns (use gluten-free buns if desired)
Toppings of choice: ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, relish, diced onions, sautéed peppers, pickled jalapeños, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange brats in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for proper air circulation.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While brats cook, prepare buns and desired toppings.
- Serve hot in buns with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Do not pierce the brats before cooking to keep them juicy.
- Cook frozen brats for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toast buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes after cooking brats.
- Precooked brats need only 6–8 minutes at 375°F.
- Cook in batches if doubling to avoid overcrowding.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brat with bun
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
