Perfect Air Fryer Bratwurst: Juicy, Flavorful & Ready in Minutes
Craving a classic bratwurst but don’t want the fuss of firing up the grill or boiling them on the stovetop? Look no further! These incredibly easy air fryer bratwurst cook up in under 10 minutes, delivering that authentic, juicy, and flavorful brat experience with minimal effort and cleanup. Say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to perfectly cooked brats, every time!
Why Cooking Brats in the Air Fryer is a Game-Changer
This simple air fryer bratwurst recipe is a true kitchen hero, delivering perfectly cooked brats in as little as 9 minutes. The convenience factor is off the charts – forget the heavy outdoor grill, the smoky mess, or the extra pot for boiling. The air fryer handles everything, making it an ideal method for quick weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you’re craving a delicious brat without the hassle.
One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the consistent heat circulation, which cooks the bratwurst evenly from all sides. This results in a beautifully browned, slightly crispy exterior while locking in all the natural juices, ensuring a tender and flavorful interior. Unlike boiling, which can sometimes dilute the flavor, or grilling, which requires constant attention to prevent burning, the air fryer offers a hands-off approach to perfection.
Having already perfected air fryer Italian sausage, we knew it was time to bring that same effortless magic to bratwurst. The results speak for themselves: these brats are not only incredibly easy and quick to make but also taste just like a classic, old-fashioned brat, perhaps even better thanks to that air-fried crispness!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Bratwurst
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. For exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe, scroll down to the end of this post!
- Bratwurst: You’ll need a package of raw bratwurst, typically around 1 lb for 5 brats. You can choose your favorite flavor – classic German, beer brats, cheddar-infused, or even a spicy variety. Just ensure they are raw, not pre-cooked, for the best air frying results.
- Buns: While classic brat buns are always a good choice, we particularly enjoy using hoagie rolls for a sturdier, more substantial sandwich that can hold all those delicious toppings. Pretzel buns also make an excellent, flavorful alternative.
- Sauerkraut: A quintessential bratwurst topping! A can of drained sauerkraut adds a tangy, savory bite that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the brat.
- Onion: Diced white onion provides a fresh, sharp crunch that cuts through the richness and adds a layer of complexity to each bite.
- Mustard: Our go-to is Grey Poupon, but any high-quality mustard works. Whether you prefer a classic yellow mustard, spicy brown, Dijon, or a robust German mustard, it’s an essential element for a truly authentic brat experience.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: A light spray helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevents the brats from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Bratwurst
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Begin by pre-heating your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket or grate with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps ensure an even, beautiful sear on your brats.
- Arrange the Brats: Carefully place the raw bratwursts into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; arrange them in a single layer so that air can circulate freely around each brat. Once arranged, lightly spray the brats themselves with olive oil cooking spray. This adds to the browning and crisping process.
- Air Fry and Shake: Cook the brats for a total of 9 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-5 minute mark), open the air fryer and give the basket a good shake, or use tongs to flip each bratwurst. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. Once done, remove the perfectly cooked brats from the tray with tongs.
- Prep Your Toppings: While the brats are air frying, take this opportunity to prepare your buns and toppings. Cut your hoagie rolls (or brat buns), finely dice your white onion, and thoroughly drain the sauerkraut. Having these ready will make assembly quick and easy.
- Toast Buns & Sauerkraut (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of warmth and flavor, line your cut rolls with sauerkraut and nestle the cooked brats inside. Place 2-3 assembled sandwiches back into the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and the sauerkraut is warmed through. This step truly elevates the entire experience.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finish your delectable air fried bratwurst with a generous drizzle of your favorite mustard and a sprinkle of freshly diced white onion. Serve immediately with a cold beer or your beverage of choice. Enjoy the perfectly cooked brat, crispy bun, and tangy toppings!
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fried Brats:
- Don’t Pierce the Brats: Unlike traditional grilling where some might pierce brats, avoid doing so in the air fryer. Piercing can cause the flavorful juices to escape, leading to a drier brat.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes. This ensures the brats start cooking immediately at the right temperature, resulting in better browning and an overall superior texture.
- Single Layer is Key: Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook brats in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to allow hot air to circulate evenly. This is essential for achieving that desirable crispy skin.
- Check Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure your brats are fully cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the brat; it should register 160°F (71°C).
- Rest Time: While not strictly necessary for brats, allowing them to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking can help redistribute the juices, making them even more tender.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Air Fryer Bratwurst
While we adore serving our air fryer bratwurst with the classic trio of sauerkraut, onion, and mustard, the beauty of brats is their versatility! Here’s an expanded list of popular and creative toppings to customize your brat experience:
- Classic Combo: Our favorite – tangy sauerkraut, sharp diced white or red onion, and a generous drizzle of your preferred mustard (Dijon, spicy brown, or classic yellow).
- Sautéed Peppers & Onions: Slice green, red, or yellow bell peppers and onions, then sauté them until tender and slightly caramelized for a sweet and savory addition.
- Pickle Power: Add a zesty crunch with dill pickles, sweet pickle relish, or even spicy pickled jalapeños for a kick.
- Cabbage Slaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a cool, crisp contrast to the warm brat.
- Ketchup Varieties: Beyond traditional ketchup, try spicy ketchup for a subtle heat, or even a curry ketchup for a unique, German-inspired twist.
- Chili Brat: Transform your brat into a hearty chili dog by topping it with a spoonful of warm chili, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and some finely diced onions.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese takes brats to the next level! Options include:
- Swiss cheese (classic for German dishes)
- Warm beer cheese sauce for a pub-style treat
- Nacho cheese sauce for a fun twist
- Shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend for easy melting
- Gourmet Mustards: Experiment with different mustards like whole grain mustard, honey mustard, or stone-ground mustard to discover new flavor profiles.
- Crispy Fried Onions: For an added texture and savory depth, sprinkle on some store-bought crispy fried onions.
- Bacon Bits: Everything is better with bacon! Crumbled crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch.
- Pickled Red Onions: For a vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor, quick-pickled red onions are fantastic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bratwurst
Yes, you absolutely can cook frozen brats in the air fryer! This is one of the many benefits of this cooking method. To do so, simply increase the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 13-15 minutes. Remember to give the bratwurst a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly and brown nicely on all sides. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C).
For food safety, a bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Always use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the brat to verify this temperature. This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Leftover bratwurst can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain their juicy texture and a slight crispness.
Most air fryer models, whether basket-style or oven-style, will work wonderfully for cooking bratwurst. The key is to ensure you don’t overcrowd the cooking area, allowing for proper air circulation. A basket-style air fryer is often preferred for brats as shaking the basket helps ensure even cooking and browning.
If your brats aren’t getting crispy, a few factors might be at play. First, ensure you’re not overcrowding the basket, as this prevents hot air from circulating effectively. Second, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature. A light spray of olive oil can also help with crisping. Finally, check if your brats are very watery; patting them dry before cooking can improve crispiness.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Air Fryer Bratwurst
No bratwurst meal is complete without some delicious side dishes! Here are some classic and easy options that pair perfectly with your juicy air fried brats:
- Potato Salad: A creamy, tangy potato salad is a timeless partner for bratwurst, offering a satisfying and cool contrast.
- Coleslaw: Whether you prefer a creamy dressing or a zesty vinegar-based one, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a simple yet delightful summer-ready side.
- German Potato Salad: For an authentic experience, a warm, bacon-infused German potato salad with a tangy dressing is a must-try.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the brat and offer a fresh element.
- French Fries or Tater Tots: Crispy fries or tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser and can often be cooked right in your air fryer alongside or in batches after your brats!
- Onion Rings: Another air fryer-friendly side, crispy onion rings are a fantastic complement to brats.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a comforting and hearty addition to your meal.
Making air fryer bratwurst is not only incredibly quick but also significantly easier and less messy than traditional boiling or grilling methods. We are confident you’ll love the juicy results and the sheer convenience. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a fast weeknight dinner, or simply craving that classic bratwurst flavor, the air fryer makes it possible with minimal fuss. Enjoy!
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
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Air Fryer Bratwurst
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 hoagie rolls or brat buns
- 5 bratwursts 1 lb package, your choice of flavor
- 14.5 oz sauerkraut 1 can
- Grey Poupon mustard or other mustard, optional
- olive oil cooking spray
- 1 cup white onion chopped, about 1/2 of an onion
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
Before You Begin
- A bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160F.
- You can store leftover bratwurst in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 325F for 3-5 minutes.
Instructions
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Pre-heat the air fryer to 325F and spray the grate with non-stick cooking spray.
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Add the brats to the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil cooking spray.
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Air fry for 9 minutes, shaking halfway through. Remove from tray with tongs when done.
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While the brats are cooking, cut the hoagie rolls, dice the onion, and drain the sauerkraut.
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Line the cut rolls with sauerkraut and nestle the cooked brats into the bun. 2-3 at a time, add the sandwiches to the air fryer. Turn up to 400F and air fry for 3-5 minutes, toasting the bun and sauerkraut.
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Finish with a drizzle of mustard and diced white onion. Enjoy with a cold beer or drink of choice.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.