Can You Cook Brats in the Air Fryer

Can You Cook Brats in the Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Juicy, Crispy Bratwurst

Bratwurst, those savory German sausages packed with flavor, are a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a game-day party or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner. Traditionally grilled or pan-fried, brats have found a new home in the air fryer, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. If you’re wondering, “Can you cook brats in the air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes! Not only is it possible, but it’s also incredibly easy, fast, and delivers results that rival the grill. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make perfectly crispy, juicy brats in your air fryer, from temperature settings to topping ideas.

Why Cook Brats in the Air Fryer?

I used to think grilling was the only way to get that perfect snap of the casing and juicy interior, but the air fryer has changed my mind. Here’s why it’s become my go-to method:

• Speed: Air fryer brats are ready in about 10-15 minutes, compared to the 25-30 minutes it might take on a grill or stovetop.
• No Mess: Unlike pan-frying, there’s no grease splattering your kitchen. The air fryer contains the mess, and cleanup is a breeze, especially if you use parchment paper.
• Year-Round Convenience: No need to brave freezing winters or scorching summers to fire up the grill. The air fryer works indoors, anytime.
• Consistent Results: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, giving you a crispy exterior and a juicy interior every time.

Plus, you can cook fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked brats with minimal adjustments, making it a versatile option for any schedule.

How to Cook Brats in the Air Fryer

Let’s get to the good stuff: how to make those brats. I’ve tested this method with different air fryers and brat brands, like Johnsonville and local butcher varieties, and it’s foolproof. Here’s the step-by-step process for fresh, uncooked brats:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking, though some models, like my Chefman, work fine without it. If you skip preheating, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
2. Prepare the Brats: Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed. No oil is necessary since brats are naturally fatty, but a quick spritz of cooking spray on the basket can prevent sticking.
3. Cook the Brats: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the brats halfway through to ensure even browning. The USDA recommends cooking pork sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, but avoid piercing the casing too early to keep the juices locked in.
4. Rest and Serve: Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist. Serve on a sturdy bun with your favorite toppings or enjoy them on their own for a low-carb option.

Pro Tip: If you want extra-crispy skins, bump the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Cooking Frozen or Pre-Cooked Brats

One of the air fryer’s superpowers is its ability to handle frozen or pre-cooked brats just as easily as fresh ones. Here’s how to adjust:

• Frozen Brats: No need to thaw! Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. If they’re sticking together, cook at 320°F (160°C) for 7 minutes to separate them, then increase to 350°F for another 7-8 minutes until they hit 160°F internally.
• Pre-Cooked Brats: These cook faster since they’re already safe to eat. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the casing is crispy and they’re heated through.

I’ve cooked frozen Johnsonville brats straight from the freezer, and they turn out just as juicy as fresh ones, with no noticeable difference in flavor.

Should You Pierce the Brats?

This is a hot debate in the brat-cooking world. Some folks swear by piercing the casing to prevent bursting, while others, like me, prefer to keep the juices locked in. My advice? Don’t pierce the brats before cooking. Piercing can cause the flavorful juices to escape, leaving you with drier sausages. The air fryer’s controlled heat reduces the risk of bursting, so you’re safe skipping the fork. If you’re worried about grease buildup, use air fryer-safe parchment paper or poke a few holes in aluminum foil to allow air circulation, as suggested by Allrecipes.

Topping and Serving Ideas

Brats are a blank canvas for delicious toppings, and half the fun is customizing them. Here are some of my family’s favorites:

• Classic German Style: Sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and diced onions on a pretzel bun. Simmer the sauerkraut with a splash of beer for extra flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Ketchup, mustard, and a side of potato chips. My kids love this combo, and I don’t judge!
• Gourmet Twist: Sautéed bell peppers, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce or cheese sauce for a decadent treat.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve over a bed of air-fried peppers and onions with a dollop of German mustard.

For a complete meal, pair your brats with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or air-fried zucchini. If you’re feeling fancy, try making Bonappeteach’s beer cheese sauce for dipping—it’s a game-day hit!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brats

After countless batches, here are some tricks I’ve learned to elevate your brat game:

• Bring to Room Temperature: Letting brats sit out for 20-30 minutes before cooking helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Check Your Air Fryer’s Power: Models vary in wattage, so cooking times may differ. My Ninja Foodi XL cooks slightly faster than my friend’s Cosori, so start checking the internal temperature around the 10-minute mark.
• Clean the Drip Pan: Brats release a lot of fat, which can smoke if your air fryer isn’t clean. Wipe down the basket and drip pan before cooking.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, onions, or potatoes alongside the brats for a one-basket meal. Just ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem. Store cooked brats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—wrap each brat individually in plastic wrap to prevent sticking. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave; it can make the casing soggy.

Why the Air Fryer Beats Other Methods

I’ve cooked brats every which way—grilled, oven-baked, stovetop-seared, even boiled in beer (a Wisconsin classic). The air fryer stands out for its balance of speed, ease, and flavor. Unlike boiling, which can dilute the sausage’s flavor, or grilling, which requires constant attention, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort. Plus, it’s healthier than pan-frying since you don’t need extra oil. As The Kitchn notes, the air fryer’s convection-like heat crisps the casing perfectly while keeping the inside tender.

Final Thoughts

Cooking brats in the air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s one of the best ways to enjoy these German sausages. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked brats, the air fryer delivers juicy, crispy results in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup. Experiment with toppings, pair with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Next time you’re craving bratwurst but don’t want to fire up the grill, give your air fryer a chance to shine. You might just find yourself saying, like I did, that you’ll never go back to the old ways.