Air Fryer Brats Recipe

This air fryer brats recipe is the perfect way to keep the bratwurst juicy and delicious on the inside while achieving the perfect golden brown outside. Pair with your favorite toppings of sauerkraut, onions, and mustard on a bun for the perfect meal or game day treat.

Juicy beer brats are a quick and classic way to enjoy a summer evening dinner al fresco, a football game tailgate, or as an easy recipe for busy weeknights.

While I love to find any excuse to fire up the grill (like these spiralized brats), utilizing the air fryer for those extra busy days is the best way to achieve juicy brats with a perfectly crisp outside at the same time, with little prep.

If you have made bratwurst in the past, you may have experienced the frustration of a raw inside and a very overcooked outside. While I wouldn’t say cooking this classic German sausage is super difficult, I do find they are going to take a little more know-how than tossing some hot dogs onto the grill.

The air fryer, however, is a low effort and easy way to mitigate this issue entirely because it blows the hot air around and cooks all sides of the sausages evenly using indirect heat. This prevents the outside from burning to a crisp while cooking the inside correctly.

Check out all the helpful cooking tips below for making these air fryer bratwurst and some great ways to serve (with air fried cheese curds) and enjoy them too. Let’s dive in!

“School” Supplies:

• Meat Thermometer
• Tongs
• Air Fryer (I absolutely love this Ninja Foodi Air Fryer)

“Class” Notes:

Welcome to my virtual classroom! Use the guided notes below where I often answer commonly asked questions I get from readers and cooks just like you. 

This information is meant to help you have a stronger understanding of this recipe and the process so you can find success all on your own. 

Ready to begin cooking? Simply jump to the recipe card below and begin. 

Do I Boil Brats Before Air Frying?

No, you can air fry uncooked brats straight from the package without boiling them beforehand.

You often see boiling brats as a method to pre-cook the inside ground meat and then the outside casing is browned often over a direct flame on the grill. While I can’t deny I love a brat infused with beer, I’d actually encourage you to use raw brats when utilizing this cooking method instead for a better outcome.

Why? Boiling is a moist heat method that rapidly cooks the inside of the brat and can sometimes damage the outside casing, causing it to retract. Messing with the sausage casing actually prevents the bratwurst from staying as juicy.

If you prefer a beer brat, boil the brats with your favorite beer for about 8-10 minutes prior to placing them in the air fryer. I will give notes below on how to adjust the cooking time as well.

How To Cook Bratwurst Sausages In The Air Fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 365 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place each brat into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them (you do not need any aluminum foil or parchment paper either).
3. Simply cook the brats until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. This takes about 12-14 minutes. Flip the brats halfway through cooking as well for that perfect golden brown color.
4. Remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Brats FAQ:

Should I PierceThe bratwurst skin before air frying?

No! Piercing the skin damages the casing and releases the juices and fat from the inside of the sausage. Sometimes this excess grease mixture will naturally erupt if it becomes pressurized during cooking. While brats do have a higher fat content, this is what gives the sausage flavor.

What Temperature Should I Air Fry Bratwurst?

Air fry brats at 365 F. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time and temperature per your manufactures instructions.

How Long Do I Air Fry A Brat?

Air fried brats take about 12-14 minutes. It takes less time than other methods (like grilling, broiling, and pan searing).

Can I Air Fry Frozen Bratwurst?

Yes, but you will need to alter the cooking time and temperature to account for this. Reduce the air fryer’s temperature to 325 F. Air fry frozen brats for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Increase the heat to 365 F. and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes or until the brats hit 165 F. internally.

Can I Cook Other Sausages This Way?

Yes. This method works well for Italian Sausage, breakfast sausage links, Johnsonville brats (or your favorite brand of bratwurst), etc.

How Do I Store Leftover Bratwurst?

Place the cooked brats into an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge. Cooked brats and best when eaten within 3 days of cooking.

How Do I Reheat Cooked Bratwurst In The Air Fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 365 and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

What To Serve With Bratwurst:

I love classic savory brats served with diced white onions, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard served on a large roll or hot dog bun.

If you are looking for a great option that’s low carb and keto diet friendly, serve over a pile of your favorite sauerkraut and skip the bun.

Additionally, you and other ingredients like sauteed peppers and onions or topped with this beer cheese sauce too.

A good bratwurst is always one that involves your favorite condiments. Use what you like!

Pair these tasty brats with delicious sides like potato salad, these kitchen aid mashed potatoes, or crispy egg noodles (a family favorite in my house).

Want other easy air fryer recipes? Check out these recipes too!

• Air Fried Salmon
• Air Fryer Pork Belly
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Air Fried Crab Cakes