How Long Do You Cook Brats in an Air Fryer

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. Cooking brats in an air fryer has become my go-to method because it’s fast, mess-free, and delivers that crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside texture we all crave. But how long do you actually cook brats in an air fryer to get them just right? Let’s dive into the details, covering everything from temperature and timing to tips for perfect results, whether your brats are fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked.

Why Cook Brats in an Air Fryer?

I used to think grilling was the only way to get that perfect bratwurst snap, but the air fryer has changed my mind. It’s a game-changer for a few reasons. First, it’s quick—dinner can be on the table in under 15 minutes. Second, there’s no need to brave the cold or heat to fire up a grill, and cleanup is a breeze compared to scrubbing a greasy skillet. Plus, the air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, giving you that golden-brown crust without drying out the sausage. It’s low-effort cooking that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and it’s keto-friendly or low-carb if you skip the bun.

Cooking Times and Temperatures for Air Fryer Brats

The cooking time for brats in an air fryer depends on whether they’re fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked, as well as the size of the sausages and the model of your air fryer. Here’s a breakdown to help you nail the timing every time:

• Fresh, Uncooked Brats: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brats in a single layer in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), as recommended by the USDA for pork sausages. If you like a crispier skin, bump the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Frozen Brats: No need to thaw! Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway. If your air fryer has a lower wattage, you might need an extra minute or two. Again, check for that 160°F internal temperature.
• Pre-Cooked Brats: These are already cooked, so you’re just heating them through and crisping the casing. Preheat to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, try 400°F (204°C) for 5-6 minutes.

These times are based on standard-sized bratwurst, like those from Johnsonville, which are a popular choice. If your brats are smaller or larger, adjust the time slightly and always use a meat thermometer to be sure they’re done. I’ve found that my Instant Vortex air fryer cooks a bit faster than my friend’s Ninja, so keep an eye on your brats the first time you try this.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Brats in an Air Fryer

Here’s how I make air fryer brats that rival anything off the grill:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for fresh or frozen brats, or 360°F (182°C) for pre-cooked ones. Preheating ensures even cooking and that coveted crispy exterior. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but I find it makes a difference for consistent results.
2. Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or line it with air fryer-safe parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Brats release a lot of fat, so I sometimes place a slice of bread or a bit of water in the drip tray to catch grease and prevent smoking.
3. Arrange the Brats: Place the brats in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed. My air fryer fits about six fresh brats comfortably.
4. Cook and Flip: Cook according to the times above, flipping the brats halfway through with tongs to ensure even browning. If you’re using an oven-style air fryer with trays, flipping might not be necessary, but I still do it for that extra snap.
5. Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature is at least 160°F for fresh brats or 165°F for extra safety. Pre-cooked brats don’t need to hit this mark since they’re already safe to eat; just heat until they’re hot and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the brats rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Serve on a sturdy bun like a brioche or pretzel roll, or go low-carb with a bed of sautéed peppers and onions.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brats

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make air fryer brats even better:

• Don’t Pierce the Brats: I used to poke holes in brats to prevent bursting, but this lets the juices escape, leaving them dry. Modern air fryers control temperature well enough to avoid explosions, so keep the casing intact for maximum juiciness.
• Room Temperature Brats: If you have time, let fresh brats sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking. They’ll cook more evenly and slightly faster.
• Enhance the Flavor: For a smoky kick, add a dash of liquid smoke to the air fryer basket with a bit of water, as suggested by Sula and Spice. It mimics that grilled flavor without the hassle.
• Toast the Buns: After removing the brats, place your buns in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes to get them lightly toasted. If you want melted cheese, add it to the brats on the bun and air fry for another minute with the machine off.
• Watch for Grease: Brats are fatty, and the drippings can cause smoking if your air fryer’s drip pan isn’t clean. Use parchment liners or foil (with holes for air circulation) to keep things tidy.

Topping and Serving Ideas

Half the fun of brats is piling on the toppings. My family loves a classic combo of sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and caramelized onions, but here are a few other ideas to mix it up:

• Traditional German: Sauerkraut, stone-ground mustard, and diced onions on a pretzel bun.
• Kid-Friendly: Ketchup, relish, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese with a side of potato chips.
• Spicy Twist: Jalapeños, sriracha, and bacon bits for a bold kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve over sautéed bell peppers and onions with a dollop of mustard.

For sides, I pair brats with coleslaw, German potato salad, or air fryer breakfast potatoes for a hearty meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a “brat buffet” with a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own.

Common Questions About Cooking Brats in an Air Fryer

Can I cook frozen brats in the air fryer? Absolutely! Just add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time at 350°F and check the internal temperature. No thawing needed.

Do I need to boil brats first? Nope! Boiling can make the casing tough and less juicy. Air frying raw brats straight from the package works perfectly.

Will my air fryer smoke from the grease? It might if the drip pan is dirty or if you overcrowd the basket. Use a liner, a slice of bread, or a splash of water in the drip tray to catch grease and prevent smoking.

Can I cook other sausages this way? Yes, this method works for Italian sausages, hot dogs, or even chicken sausages. Just adjust the time slightly based on size and whether they’re pre-cooked.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the casing crisp without drying out the sausage.

Cooking brats in an air fryer has been a revelation for me—no more standing over a hot grill or dealing with a greasy skillet. With the right temperature, timing, and a few simple tricks, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful bratwurst any time of year. So, grab your favorite brats, fire up the air fryer, and let me know how it goes—your taste buds will thank you!