Easy Air Fryer Brats
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With my Air Fryer Brats recipe, you get perfectly cooked bratwursts that turn out flavorful and juicy every single time. I’ve refined the timing and temperature so they develop that deep, well‑browned color you want while staying tender inside. This is the easiest and most reliable way to make mouth-watering brats indoors without having to fire up the grill.
Brats In The Air Fryer
Bratwursts have always been a favorite comfort food in my family, but it isn’t always convenient to grill outdoors. With my Air Fryer Brats recipe, you’ll get those same hearty, flavorful sausages ready to serve on soft buns with your favorite toppings in under 20 minutes.
Stovetop shortcuts can cook the outside too quickly and leave the centers dry. My air fryer method keeps the bratwursts tender from edge to edge while building deep flavor and that gorgeous brown color. It’s a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked bratwursts, even on your busiest weeknights.
Why My Air Fryer Brats Recipe is the Best
- Tested timing that works every time – I refined the exact cook time and temperature so your bratwursts cook evenly without drying out or splitting.
- Better browning without a grill – My air fryer method creates deep flavor and a beautifully browned exterior you can rely on year-round.
- Quicker and easier cooking – You can have fully cooked bratwursts on the table in minutes with very little prep and cleanup.
Ingredients Needed To Cook Brats In An Air Fryer
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Uncooked bratwursts – Use fresh bratwursts such as Johnsonville for classic flavor.
- Brat or sausage buns – Soft buns hold everything together and soak up the flavorful juices.
- Optional toppings – Sauerkraut, mustard, grilled onions, jalapeno or bell peppers.
Substitutions or Variations
- Out of brat buns? Use hoagie rolls or sturdy sandwich rolls that hold juices well.
- Prefer more heat? Add spicy mustard or sliced hot peppers.
- Want extra richness? Melt cheese over the brats during the final minute of cooking.
- Feeding a crowd? Slice cooked brats into coins and serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
How to Cook Brats in the Air Fryer
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or use a perforated parchment liner.
- Place the bratwursts in a single layer in the basket. Leave space around each brat so the air can circulate properly. Do not stack or overcrowd.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brats should be deeply browned on the outside and juicy inside.
- Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160° F.
- Optional: During the last minute or two of cooking, add the buns to the air fryer to warm and lightly toast them.
- Cook in a single layer – This allows the hot air to circulates evenly.
- Flip halfway through cooking – This ensures even color and doneness on all sides.
- No poking – Leave the casings intact so the bratwursts stay tender and juicy.
- Adjust the time – If the bratwursts are thick, cook closer to 15 minutes and check doneness with an instant-read thermometer (160° F).
- For deeper color – Raise the temperature to 400° F during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
You can, but you will need to increase the cooking time. To ensure they are fully cooked, check them with an instant read thermometer. It should read 160°F in the center of the sausage.
Italian sausage and similar larger links cook well using the same temperature and timing.
Yes, as long as you keep them off to the side so the brats still have room for airflow.
Bratwursts are traditional German sausages usually made with pork and simple seasonings. The name comes from the German words brät, meaning finely chopped meat, and wurst, meaning sausage. When cooked properly, they have a mild flavor and a juicy texture.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Store cooked brats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze fully cooled brats for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheat – Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Easy Air Fryer Kielbasa
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
For another easy sausage recipe, be sure to check out my Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers.
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Air Fryer Brats
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 uncooked bratwursts (such as Johnsonville)
- 4 brat or sausage buns
Optional Toppings
- sauerkraut, mustard, grilled onions, peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or use a perforated parchment liner.
- Place the bratwursts in a single layer in the basket. Leave space around each brat so the air can circulate properly. Do not stack or overcrowd.4 uncooked bratwursts
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brats should be deeply browned on the outside and juicy inside.
- Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160° F.
- Optional bun warming: During the last 1- 2 minutes of cooking, add buns to the air fryer to warm and lightly toast them.4 brat or sausage buns
- Optional: Add any toppings of your choice.sauerkraut, mustard, grilled onions, peppers
Notes
- Cook the bratwursts in a single layer so the hot air circulates evenly and browning stays consistent.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even color and doneness on all sides.
- Leave the casings intact so the bratwursts stay tender and juicy.
- If the bratwursts are thick, cook closer to 15 minutes and check doneness with an instant-read thermometer (160° F).
- For deeper color, raise the temperature to 400° F during the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
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