Even if you’re a die-hard brats-on-the-grill person, you won’t believe how good these brats in the air fryer are! Air fryer brats are juicy, have amazing flavor, and can be made in just 17 minutes from start to finish!
I’m a brat snob. I grew up in Wisconsin and have been eating beer brats topped with mustard and sauerkraut since I was two years old. It wasn’t easy to get me to try making brats in the air fryer versus the grill, but once I did, I was hooked.
What are Bratwurst?
Bratwursts are a type of German sausage that is typically made from beef, pork or veal and seasoned with spices such as marjoram, ginger, paprika, nutmeg, and coriander. In Germany, “brat” means ground meat and “wurst” means sausage.
There are many varieties of bratwurst including my personal favorite, Nürnberger Bratwurst, which hails from the city of Nuremberg and is partially boiled in onions and vinegar. Other newer types of brats include smoked, cheddar, cheese and jalapeño (yum), beer brats, Hawaiian style and even vegan plant based brats (if that counts).
Air Fryer Brats Ingredients
- Brats
That’s right, you only need one ingredient for air fryer brats! It’s especially great if you’re low-carb or keto since you can top brats with almost anything, just skip the bun. You can even cut the brats into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks as an appetizer. Serving on a bed of sauerkraut optional.
Choose your favorite brats including Johnsonville, Boar’s Head, grocery store label or a local butcher. If you happen to live near a German deli I highly recommend checking out what they have to offer.
(Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with exact measurements and recipe instructions.)
How to make Brats in the Air Fryer
This air fryer brats recipe is for uncooked, fresh brats. See below for air fryer instructions for air fryer frozen and pre-cooked brats.
- Bring the brats to room temperature for 30 minutes (optional).
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. This should only take a few minutes.
- Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ideally, you want the brats to have a bit of space around each one. You can cook as many brats at one time as you want as long as they fit in one layer.
- Set the timer on your air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. Bratwurst sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 152°F-160°F. If your brats aren’t quite there yet, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
- Carefully remove the brats from the air fryer. Place each brat on a bun and add your desired toppings.
Frozen Brats Air Fryer Time & Temperature
Frozen brats in an air fryer should be cooked at 350 degrees for 9 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 8-9 minutes. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and check them towards the end of time as smaller brats cook more quickly and air fryer cooking times vary.
Pre-Cooked Brats Air Fryer Time & Temperature
Pre-cooked brats in an air fryer should be cooked at 360 degrees for 7 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 6-7 minutes. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and check them towards the end of time.
Best Buns for Brats
I love my brats on a hoagie roll or brioche bun. For a more classic bratwurst bun try German brötchen or a pretzel bun. Some purist might may say never on a hot dog bun but they probably wouldn’t agree with cooking brats on an air fryer either. Do what you prefer. Many stores also label buns as sausage and brat buns which are usually artisan or high-quality buns worth trying.
Air Fryer Brat Tips
- Make sure your air fryer is clean as well as your drip pan. Brats have a high fat content and there will be a lot of drippings. Your air fryer could smoke if you don’t start from a clean slate…er…drip pan. You can also poke some holes in some aluminum foil or parchment paper and line your air fryer basket.
- Make sure the brats are in one layer so they cook evenly. If possible, leave a little space between each one.
- Flip the brats halfway through the cooking time so they cook and brown evenly.
- Room temperature brats will cook faster and more evenly. It’s not a required step but something to consider if you have the time.
- For less mess use air fryer disposable liners or reusable air fryer silicone liners.
Toppings for brats
- Mustard – I love stone ground German mustard like Inglehoffer or a horseradish mustard. Dijon or yellow mustard will work in a pinch.
- Sauerkraut – I still make my sauerkraut the same way that my mom has for years: simmer it on the stove with a little beer and dark brown sugar.
- Horseradish
- Sauteed peppers and onions – another great classic. Definitely add good mustard, too.
- Coleslaw – always a solid choice.
- Ketchup, diced onion, and relish – this Wisconsin girl would never enjoy my brats this way. I have a few friends who go this route and I’m sure it’s delicious!
- Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
- Cheese sauce with fried pickles – yes, it’s a thing.
- Buffalo sauce & blue cheese
- Baked Beans & Chips
- Fried egg – this works best if you squeeze the meat from the casings and form patties before cooking.
Air Fryer Brats
These easy Air Fryer Brats are juicy on the inside with that little bit of crispiness at the ends, and the flavor is amazing.
Ingredients
- 5 uncooked bratwurst (such as Johnsonville or a local butcher)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air-fry the brats for 12-15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
- Carefully remove the brats from the air fryer. Place each brat on a bun and add your desired toppings.
Notes
Cook time may need to be adjusted up or down depending on the brand, wattage and power of the air fryer.
Bratwurst sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 152°F-160°F.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 144mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix using only the bratwurst.
Side dish ideas to serve with air fryer brats
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Salted Pretzels
- Macaroni Salad
- Honey Chipotle Baked Beans
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Creamed Corn (two recipes; one is made with only fresh summer corn!)
- Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
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