Juicy Air Fryer Brats in 12 Minutes
Air fryer brats are a weeknight win when you want that snappy sausage without firing up the grill. In about 12 minutes, you get juicy brats with a browned, crisp casing and almost no cleanup.
They’re perfect on a toasted bun with mustard, or sliced into a hearty potato salad. You just set the timer and the air fryer does the work.
Why These Air Fryer Brats Work
The hot circulating air gives you that grill-like char without any charcoal. Because you don’t have to boil or simmer them beforehand, the brats stay plump and full of flavor.
Plus, you’ll dirty exactly one appliance. No spattering grease on the stovetop, no constant turning. That’s the kind of dinner I reach for when time is tight.
Ingredients
- 4 uncooked bratwurst sausages: use any flavor you like, beer brats or classic both work well
- Olive oil spray: helps the casings brown and crisp
Variations / Substitutions
- Try turkey or chicken brats: cook to 165°F instead of 160°F, but the same air fryer time still works
- Add a glaze: brush with honey mustard or barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes for a sticky finish
- Use spicy Italian sausage: the method works for any uncooked link sausage you have on hand
Crispy Air Fryer Hashbrowns go great on the side with these brats.
How To Make Air Fryer Brats
Step 1: Prick and Season the Brats
If your air fryer needs preheating, set it to 380°F now. Meanwhile, use a fork to gently prick each bratwurst a few times on all sides. This helps the sausages release steam so they don’t split open. Give them all a light spritz of olive oil spray, just enough to coat the skins.
Step 2: Air Fry the Brats
Arrange the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, flipping them with tongs halfway through. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the center and the casings are deeply golden and slightly blistered.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
If you’re going the classic route, toast the buns while the brats rest. Split a few hoagie rolls, place them cut-side down in the warm air fryer basket for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Nestle a brat into each toasted bun, pile on sauerkraut and spicy mustard, and serve right away.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brats
- Don’t skip the rest. Let the brats sit for a couple of minutes after cooking so the juices settle. Cutting in right away can leave you with a dry sausage.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Brats are safe at 160°F, but if they’re a little over they’ll still be juicy.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. You can always add a minute, but you can’t undo a burnt casing.
- For a party, you can air fry up to 6 brats at a time as long as they aren’t touching. Cook them in batches if needed.
Air fry times by brat size and state:
| Brat Type | Cook Time at 380°F |
|---|---|
| Standard brat (4 oz) | 12 mins |
| Large brat (6 oz) | 14-15 mins |
| Frozen brat | 16-18 mins |
Storing Leftover Brats
- Refrigerate: store leftover brats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated through. Buns can be toasted at the same time.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brats
Soft pretzel rolls with whole-grain mustard make the brat taste like it came from a beer garden. A spoonful of braised red cabbage or warm German potato salad on the side rounds out the plate. A cold lager or crisp pilsner never hurts, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prick the brats before cooking?
Not absolutely, but it helps prevent the casings from splitting. A few small holes give extra insurance in the air fryer’s strong dry heat, and you still get a juicy sausage.
Can I cook frozen brats in the air fryer?
Yes. No need to thaw, just add 4 to 6 minutes to the cook time and use a thermometer to make sure they reach 160°F in the center.
What temperature should brats reach?
160°F at the center for turkey brats, 165°F for poultry brats. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out.
Why aren’t my brats browning?
A light spray of oil usually fixes this. Also make sure you aren’t overcrowding the basket, which can trap steam and prevent that crisp skin.
Air Fryer Brats Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Prick each brat a few times with a fork and spritz lightly with olive oil spray.
- Place brats in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 160°F and casings are browned and blistered.
- If making brat buns, toast split rolls in the warm air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve brats in toasted buns with sauerkraut, mustard, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
