Learn how to cook brats in the air fryer in easy steps. Did you know you can cook fresh, precooked, and frozen bratwurst in your air fryer?
The process is easy and quick, just like you cook regular sausages. You may not need to light the grill or use a skillet to cook brats ever again after today!
What are bratwursts
Bratwursts, or brats, are popular seasoned German sausages made from pork or veal. They are predominantly known for the seasoning and spices used, such as marjoram being the main one. Other common seasoning and spices are nutmeg, ginger, onion, fenugreek caraway, coriander, and many more.
Traditionally, bratwursts are grilled or cooked on a stovetop in a skillet. However, with the rise of air fryers, cooking brats has become faster and easier. Let me show you how to make it.
Why you will love to cook brats in the air fryer
- Quick cooking time: Air frying only takes a few minutes. It is a mess-free process that requires no babysitting.
- Evenly cooked: The hot circulating air in an air fryer ensures that the brats are evenly cooked every time. Juicy, tender and delicious with a perfect bite to it.
- No need for oil, especially if cooking a fresh one.
Related recipes: air fryer sausage and peppers and air fryer sausage and potatoes.
What you will need
Bratwurst: this can be any type you desire.
Cooking oil spray: Optional if you are using a pre-cooked one.
How to cook brats in the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 360F/180C for 3-5 minutes.
Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking oil if using precooked brats.
Air fry the brats for 12-15 minutes if cooked from fresh or 8 minutes if using fully cooked one, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.
Remove the brats from the air fryer and serve immediately with bun and any topping of choice. I served mine with stir-fried peppers and onions and then topped the brats with yellow mustard. So, good, the kids cleared their plate.
How long to air fry brats
How long to cook bratwursts in the air fryer will depend on several factors, such as the thickness of the brats, whether they are fresh, fully cooked or frozen, and the wattage of your air fryer.
Generally, it takes around 12-15 minutes to cook fresh brats in the air fryer at 360F/180C. However, if you are using fully cooked brats, they will only need about 8 minutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly if cooking a frozen one.
Flipping the brats halfway through the cooking time is important to ensure even crispness and doneness on both sides. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and it should read 160F/71C for fully cooked brats.
Can I cook brats in my ninja foodi
Yes, you can cook brats (fresh or pre-cooked) in your Ninja Foodi just as you would with any other air fryer brand. I tested this recipe in my Cosori and Instant Vortex air fryer.
How to serve
Traditionally, brats are served with bread, roll or bun with mustard or horseradish and sauerkraut. It can also be served with mashed potatoes and gravy, just as the British serve banger and mash with onion gravy. Other variations include serving it with potato salad or pasta salad.
If you want to experiment, you can also use it as a pizza topping or make brat pasta, just as you would make kielbasa pasta or sausage pasta. Make bratwurst curry on a cold night as a comforting homecooked meal. Check my sausage curry recipe for how to make this happen. Swap regular sausages for brats and make this amazing and comforting sausage and baked beans casserole.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: you can reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. Place the brats in the air fryer and cook at 350F for 5-6 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Watch how to make it
Other air fryer recipes you will love
Air fryer roast pork with crackling
Air fryer shake and bake chicken
Naked chicken tender in air fryer
Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360F/180C for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking oil if using precooked brats.
- Air fry the brats for 12-15 minutes if using fresh or 8 minutes if using fully cooked one, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the brats from the air fryer and serve immediately with bun and any topping of choice.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious air fryer sausage recipe you can make at home in 15 minutes. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 stars and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
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