Step up your sausage game with Air Fryer Bratwurst! Cooking sausages in the air fryer is a hands-off method that delivers crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside brats in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and effortless summer entertaining!
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Brats are often cooked on the grill, but when it’s too cold for grilling or you’re simply looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, air frying is where it’s at!
This Air Fried Brats recipe swaps the hot grill for the convenience of an air fryer. It’s a hands-off cooking method that still gives you golden brown and crisp German sausages with their flavorful natural juices sealed in the middle. It’s as easy as placing the brats in the basket and waiting for the air fryer to work its magic!
What is bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a savory German sausage made from a blend of ground pork, beef, and veal seasoned with spices, like salt, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger.
These sausages are fantastic on their own, served in a bun with German-style condiments and toppings (sauerkraut and mustard, anyone?), or incorporated into recipes, like this Sausage and Sauerkraut Bake and Warm German Potato Salad.
How to cook brats in an air fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then lay the brats in a single layer in the basket. Leave space in between each one to allow the hot air to circulate.
Air fry the brats for 13 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once the brats are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them in a soft bun with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- Make sure the brats are at room temperature before air frying. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- The best way to tell when bratwurst is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. The brats are ready when their internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Leaving space in between each sausage in the air fryer basket helps the hot air circulate, resulting in even cooking. Crowding the basket will lead to soggy sausages. Cook in batches if you need to!
- It’s normal for the fat drippings from the brats to smoke in the air fryer. To reduce the amount of smoke, make sure your air fryer basket is very clean before you get started.
Bratwurst topping ideas
Serving your bratwurst in buns? Make sure you have all of the right toppings for the best sausage dinner! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sauerkraut – Love kraut? Be sure to check out these 37+ recipes that use sauerkraut.
- Mustard (classic yellow, spicy brown, stone ground, or Dijon mustard)
- Peppers and onions
- Diced raw onion
- Sweet relish
- Honey mustard sauce
- Sliced pickles or cornichons
- Shredded cheese
- Jaeger sauce
- Chili
- BBQ sauce
Serving suggestions
Make this air fried bratwurst recipe a feast by serving the sausages alongside any of these sides:
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- Warm German Potato Salad
- Zucchini Fries
- Crispy Fries
- Corn on the Cob
- Mac and Cheese
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- More → 30+ Sides for Brats
FAQs
Boiling the brats ahead of cooking is an optional step, but not necessary if you’re short on time. Try simmering the brats in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to help seal in their flavors, add moisture, and make the sausages extra juicy.
Yes, you can cook fresh bratwurst, peppers, and onions together in the air fryer. Simply toss the veggies with salt, pepper, and oil, then spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Place the brats on top of the veggies, and air fry as normal.
Sure! You can air fry frozen brats straight from the freezer, although you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. But for the best results, thaw them in the fridge ahead of cooking.
Storing
Wrap each cooked and cooled sausage in plastic wrap or place them all in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Wine pairings for bratwurst
Bratwurst is traditionally paired with beer in Germany, like a lager or pilsner. But if you prefer wine with your sausage, use these pairing ideas:
- These flavorful German sausages are complemented by the slightly sweet and acidic qualities of German Riesling and light-bodied red wines, such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.
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Air Fryer Bratwurst
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst (uncooked (or as many as can fit in your air fryer) )
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the bratwurst.
- Cook for 13-14 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the brats are at room temperature before air frying. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- The best way to tell when bratwurst is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. The brats are ready when their internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Leaving space in between each sausage in the air fryer basket helps the hot air circulate, resulting in even cooking. Crowding the basket will lead to soggy sausages. Cook in batches if you need to!
This is a great air fryer bratwurst recipe! I made it as written and it was delicious. I would recommend serving it with a side of sauerkraut or ketchup.