How to Cook Brats in Air Fryer: Easy, Juicy, and Flavorful Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, flavorful brats with a perfectly crisp exterior, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Cooking brats in an air fryer is quick, easy, and delivers consistently delicious results without the hassle of firing up a grill or standing over a hot stove. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss meal.

Bratwurst, a beloved German sausage, has become a favorite in kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner or game-day feast, the air fryer ensures they’re cooked to perfection every time. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.

Ingredients

4 bratwursts (uncooked or pre-cooked)
4 brat buns or sandwich rolls (optional, for serving)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for coating)
1 medium onion, sliced (optional, for topping)
1 cup sauerkraut (optional, for topping)
Mustard or preferred condiments (optional, for serving)

Ensure you have your brats ready and gather any optional toppings or sides to customize your dish to your preference.

Tools And Equipment

To cook brats in an air fryer effortlessly, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Here’s what you should gather before starting:

Air Fryer: Ensure it has a capacity suitable for the number of brats you’re cooking. A basket-style air fryer works perfectly.
Tongs: Use silicone or metal tongs to flip the brats during cooking without damaging the air fryer basket.
Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking that your bratwurst reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F.
Cutting Board: Needed for prepping toppings like onions or sauerkraut.
Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing onions or other toppings quick and easy.
Small Mixing Bowl: If you plan to toss onions in oil before air frying, a mixing bowl will come in handy.
Serving Platter: Use this to hold cooked brats and keep them warm until serving.

With these tools, you’ll be ready to prepare perfectly air-fried bratwurst with ease.

Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perfectly cook juicy, flavorful bratwurst in your air fryer. With minimal effort, you’ll achieve fantastic results every time.

Prep The Brats

Remove the bratwursts from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
Lightly brush the brats with olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
If adding onions, slice one large onion into thin rounds. Toss the slices in a small mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil.

Preheat The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 360°F and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior for the brats.

Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. If using onions, scatter them around the brats.
Cook the bratwursts at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through using tongs. This step helps brown the brats evenly.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They should reach 160°F for safe consumption.
Once cooked, transfer the brats and onions to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air-fried bratwurst freshly cooked and hot to highlight their optimal texture and flavor. Here are ideas to assemble the perfect plate and elevate your meal:

Classic Bratwurst Plate: Place the brats in soft, toasted buns and top with sauerkraut or caramelized onions. Add mustard, ketchup, or your favorite condiments for an authentic touch.
Side Pairings: Pair your brats with traditional German potato salad, crispy fries, or a simple green salad for balanced flavors. Pretzels or warm potato rolls also complement the dish wonderfully.
Family-Style Platter: Arrange the bratwursts on a serving platter with the cooked onions and sauerkraut. Include bowls of mustard, diced pickles, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for guests to customize their meal. Add a small side of air-fried vegetables for variety.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve the brats over a bed of sautéed cabbage or with a side of roasted asparagus for a hearty, low-carb meal.
Game Day Feast: Stack your bratwurst on a large tray with onion rings, nachos, and dips for a finger-food-focused spread perfect for parties.

Experiment with these variations to suit your occasion and taste preferences. Consider offering a mix of toppings and sides to please all guests.

Make-Ahead And Storage Tips

Proper planning and storage are key to ensuring your air-fried brats stay delicious and fresh for whenever you need them. Here are essential tips for making your bratwurst ahead of time and storing them correctly:

Make-Ahead Preparation

Cook in Advance: You can fully cook your bratwurst in the air fryer up to 2 days ahead. Follow the recipe steps to cook them thoroughly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let the brats cool completely before moving on to storage.
Under-Cook Slightly (Optional): If reheating later, consider undercooking the brats slightly (around 10 minutes instead of 12-15) during the initial preparation. This helps them retain better texture and juiciness when reheated.
Prepare Toppings Ahead: Slice onions or prep any desired toppings in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Place cooked bratwurst in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked brats. Wrap each sausage individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and consume within 2 months for best quality.

In the Air Fryer: Reheat the brats in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
In the Microwave: For a quicker option, warm the brats in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
On the Stove: Warm the brats in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent them from drying out. Cover the skillet during reheating for even heat distribution.

By following these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy flavorful, juicy bratwurst with minimal effort, whether you prepare them for a busy weeknight meal or a larger gathering.

Conclusion

Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, delicious meals with minimal effort. It’s a versatile method that delivers perfectly cooked sausages every time, whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or hosting a gathering. With endless topping and side options, you can easily customize your dish to suit any occasion.

By following the tips and steps outlined, you’ll master this hassle-free cooking technique and enjoy flavorful results. Don’t forget to experiment with serving ideas and storage methods to make the most of your air-fried brats. Your next meal is about to get a whole lot tastier!