Are you craving a juicy bratwurst but don't want to deal with the mess of grilling or frying? Look no further than air fryer brats! It is perfect for cooking up delicious, crispy brats with minimal fuss.
Why You'll Love This Quick Meal
- Quick.
- Easy.
- Low Carb.
- Delicious.
Can You Cook Raw Brats In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw brats in the air fryer. They will cook in the same manner you cook a ready-to-eat brat. They will need to be cooked longer to ensure they reach an internal temperature that is safe to consume to kill harmful bacteria.
Ingredients You'll Need
Really, the only thing you NEED for an air fryer brat is a bratwurst and an air fryer, but if you want an authentic ballpark experience, here's what you should grab before you get started:
- Bratwurst sausages
- Buns
- Optional toppings (such as sauerkraut, onions, mustard, and ketchup)
How To Make Air Fryer Brats
Recipes just don't get any easier than this. Basically, all you need to do to make a perfectly cooked air fryer bratwurst is pop it in the air fryer, cook until it reheats to the desired internal temperature, and enjoy!
Follow the steps below for a perfectly cooked air fryer sausage every time!
- Preheat your air fryer to 370F for 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that your brats cook evenly and quickly.
- Place your brats in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the brats for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the brats in batches.
- While the brats are cooking, prepare your buns and any desired toppings.
- Once the brats are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Place the brats in the buns and add your desired toppings.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer brats!
How Long Do You Cook Brats In The Air Fryer?
Generally, you can cook brats in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 370F. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size of the brats, as well as the model and brand of air fryer you are using.
It's also important to ensure that the brats have reached a safe internal temperature of 160F before consuming them. You can use a meat thermometer to quickly and easily check the internal temperature.
Variations
- Bacon-wrapped brats- Wrap the brats in bacon before air frying for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Cheese-stuffed brats- Cut a slit lengthwise down the brat and stuff it with your favorite cheese before air frying.
- Veggie brats- Try using vegetarian or vegan brats made from plant-based ingredients instead of traditional meat brats.
- Hawaiian brats- Top the brats with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Brats with peppers and onions- Add sliced peppers and onions to the air fryer basket with the brats for a delicious and easy one-pan meal.
- Reuben-style brats- Top the brats with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing for a tasty Reuben-inspired meal.
Tips And Tricks
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer can help ensure even cooking and better browning of the brats.
- Flip halfway through. Flipping the brats halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Avoid overcrowding. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many brats. Leave enough space around each brat to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature. It's important to make sure the brats have reached a safe internal temperature of 160F before consuming them. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
What To Serve With Them
There are many delicious sides and toppings that you can serve with air fryer brats. Here are some of my favorite things to serve alongside them:
- Buns- You can serve the brats on traditional buns, pretzel buns, or even top-sliced buns.
- Sauerkraut- Sauerkraut is a classic topping for brats that adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor.
- Mustard- Mustard is another classic topping that pairs well with brats. You can use yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or any other type of mustard that you prefer.
- Onions- Grilled or caramelized onions can add sweetness and texture to your brats.
- Potato salad- Potato salad is a popular side dish that complements brats well. You can make a traditional potato salad or experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
- Coleslaw- Coleslaw is another classic side dish that pairs well with brats. It adds a refreshing crunch and creamy texture to your meal.
- Baked beans- Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that can be served hot or cold.
- French fries- Air fryer French fries are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be cooked at the same time as your brats.
- Grilled vegetables- Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can add color and flavor to your meal.
- Beer- Brats are often enjoyed with beer, so consider serving your meal with your favorite brew.
How Long Do They Last
Cooked bratwurst can last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can You Freeze Them?
If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze cooked bratwurst for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the bratwurst cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the packaging with the date so you can keep track of when you put them in the freezer.
You can reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until they are warmed through.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Cowboy Chicken
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Meatball Casserole
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Pin It!
If you love these easy Air Fryer Brats as much as we do, make sure you share the recipe with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try them too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make them again soon!
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370F for 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that your brats cook evenly and quickly.
- Place your brats in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the brats for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the brats in batches.
- While the brats are cooking, prepare your buns and any desired toppings.
- Once the brats are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Place the brats in the buns and add your desired toppings.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer brats!
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Nutrition
And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.
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