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Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

Brats in Air Fryer

Published: Nov 18, 2021 · Modified: Dec 7, 2021 by Kate

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Pictures of bratwurst with text: Air Fryer Brats.
Plate of bratwurst, peppers and onions with text: Easy Air Fryer Brats.

This easy Air Fryer Brats recipe shows you exactly how to cook bratwurst in the air fryer quickly and easily! Whip them up on a busy weeknight to enjoy with peppers, onions, and sauerkraut or on hot dog buns. They're juicy, tasty and beautifully cooked in the air fryer.

Air Fried Brats on a plate with sauerkraut.

Air Fryer Brats make, a quick, easy and tasty dinner! Cooking the brats in air fryer makes it quick and they really retain their juices.

Bratwurst is a type of German sausage traditionally made with ground pork and spices. Check out the difference between sausages and brats.

It's typically grilled or pan-fried, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer!

Using the air fryer to cook bratwurst is my favorite method. The air fryer is a small convection oven that uses dry circulating heat.

This means that it is cooking the entire surface area of the food evenly. Once it’s done, the brats are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Bratwurst comes in all different flavors and sizes, but I love using Johnsonville the best.

Pair it with peppers and onions that are also made in the air fryer (or skillet) for a quick meal with lots of protein and flavor.

You could also serve your brats in hot dog buns, topped with onions, ketchup and mustard. Delicous!

For more air fryer recipes, be sure to check out Air Fryer Cauliflower and Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.

Jump to:
  • Why Make This Recipe
  • Ingredients & Tools
  • How to Air Fry Brats
  • Cook's Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage & Freezing
  • FAQs
  • More Easy Dinner Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll get perfectly cooked bratwurst each time.

The air fryer cooks this German sausage in less time than it takes to grill or pan fry. 

Perfect for when you need a quick protein for lunch or dinner.

This method works with any type of pre-cooked sausage, though I use Johnsonville Brats.

Pack of Johnsonville Brats.

Ingredients & Tools

Bratwurst - This German sausage is traditionally made with veal, beef, or pork. They can be flavored in many different ways. In this recipe, we use Johnsonville bratwurst because it has the best flavor and can be found in most grocery stores.

Peppers and Onions - While optional, cooking peppers and onions in the air fryer cooks them quickly and easily making them the perfect topping for a juicy brat.

Air Fryer - These days, air fryers are extremely popular and can be found anywhere. For this recipe, any air fryer will work as long as the basket is large enough to hold the bratwurst as it cooks

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

How to Air Fry Brats

Wondering how to make this recipe? It's easy!

Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

Brats in air fryer ready to be cooked.

Preheat the air fryer: While not always necessary, preheating the air fryer may cut down on cooking time and helps to make sure the elements of the air fryer are evenly heated. Turn the air fryer to 375F for 3-5 minutes.

Cook the brats: If you are not preheating your air fryer, turn the temperature to 375F, then add the raw brats. Set the timer for 15 minutes of cooking time and flip them halfway, checking towards the end to see if they're done earlier. Remove with tongs.

OPTIONAL Cook the peppers and onions: While the air fryer is still warm, turn the temperature up to 400F. Toss sliced peppers and onions in some cooking oil, then add to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes making sure to toss every few minutes with tongs or by shaking the air fryer basket.

Assemble and serve: Add the bratwurst to a bun, then add the peppers, onions, and any other toppings you enjoy.

Cooked brats in air fryer.

Cook's Tips

To save time, you can pan-fry the peppers and onions in a skillet while the brats are still cooking in the air fryer.

If using buns, you could toast them in the air fryer at 350F for 5 minutes.

Depending on the size of your bratwurst, you may need more or less cooking time. It’s helpful to get a kitchen thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165F for uncooked bratwurst.

If you are using the air fryer to cook pre-cooked brats, you may need less cooking time depending on their size.

Serving Suggestions

While traditionally brats are served on a bun with some homemade sauerkraut, you can also add these fun topping ideas to change things up!

  • Caramelized onions
  • Chopped jalapenos
  • Wingstop ranch
  • Coarse grain mustard
  • Marinara sauce
  • Pickle Relish
  • Pimento Cheese
  • Salsa
  • Ranch Dressing
  • Hot Sauce
  • Coleslaw
  • Buttered Cabbage

Storage & Freezing

Storing: Cooked brats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm in a skillet or use the air fryer at 325F until warmed through.

Freezing: Uncooked brats can be frozen if sealed in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

FAQs

How long do you cook brats in the air fryer? 

This depends on the size and if they are cooked or uncooked. Usually, 12-15 minutes will be enough time to cook most bratwurst in the air fryer. Check out my hints and tips for best results.

Can you air fry raw bratwurst?

Yes! This recipe shows you how to cook Johnsonville bratwurst that is uncooked and raw right in your air fryer in just a few easy steps.

Should you use parchment paper in the air fryer?

While parchment can help with clean-up, it can also block the airflow when cooking the food. You can purchase special air fryer parchment paper that comes with air holes to avoid this issue.

Table with a plate of air fryer brats, sauerkraut, peppers and onions.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Mexican Ground Beef Sheet Pan
Spicy Pork Noodles
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

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📖 Recipe

Plate of air fryer brats topped with onions, peppers and sauerkraut.

Brats in Air Fryer

This easy Air Fryer Brats recipe shows you exactly how to cook bratwurst in the air fryer quickly and easily! Juicy, tasty and air fried.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, German
Keyword: air fryer brats, brats in air fryer
Prep Time: 0 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 240kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
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Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 brats I use Johnsonville Brats

To serve (optional)

  • 1 red pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • Sauerkraut

Instructions

  • Place the brats into the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until cooked through.

For the peppers and onions

  • To cook the onion and peppers in the air fryer, slice them, toss them in 1 teaspoon of oil and air fry at 400F for 10 minutes, shaking occasionally. Alternatively, pan fry until tender.
  • Serving suggestion: serve the air fryer brats topped with peppers, onions and sauerkraut.
Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Notes

  • To save time, you can pan-fry the peppers and onions in a skillet while the brats are still cooking in the air fryer.
  • If using buns, toast them in the air fryer at 350F for 5 minutes.
  • Depending on the size of your bratwurst, you may need more or less cooking time.
  • It’s helpful to get a kitchen thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165F for uncooked bratwurst.
  • If you are using the air fryer to cook pre-cooked brats, you may need less cooking time depending on their size.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 936IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Gina

    November 18, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    5 stars
    Another reason to love the air fryer! A quick and easy way to cook up brats makes my husband and I happy!

    Reply
  2. Ashley

    November 22, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    5 stars
    These came out great. I will definitely use my air fryer again to make these.

    Reply

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Kate cooking.

Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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