Easy Air Fryer Brats

This is a recipe for juicy brats in the air fryer. It’s the best way for brats to get a golden brown sear on the outside as if they were cooked on the grill.

Can you put brats in an air fryer? Absolutely! 

This is an air fryer bratwurst recipe that uses Johnsonville’s raw brats. Any brand of brats will work so long as they are a similar size, Johnsonville just happens to be my favorite brand of brats. 

Air fryer brats are cooked to perfection with a crispy and golden outside while maintaining a juicy and flavorful inside.

The hot circulating air in the air fryer creates a delicious sear on the savory brats, enhancing their texture and taste as if they were cooked on the grill.

This cooking method makes for a quick meal and mouthwatering, juicy brats.

We like to cook brats year-round during those busy weeknights because they cook so fast and have very little prep. I also like to cut them up into little coins with toothpicks in them to serve as an appetizer for game day or family gatherings.

Brats vs Sausages

There are a variety of different flavors of brats out there including original, beer, cheddar, hot 'n spicy, and cheddar & bacon.

Not to be confused with Johnsonville’s sausages that come in the same package and have the same shape as brats.

Bratwurst, brat, and sausage are all used interchangeably because bratwurst is a type of German sausage, just made differently.

The meat inside German sausages is more coarsely cut and skips the curing process that sausage is made with. This leaves it the grayish color it tends to have compared to the brightly colored red and pink sausage links.

Brats are also made of pork, veal, and beef whereas sausage is made with cured ground meat like beef, pork, poultry, or game meat.

Ingredients

• Uncooked Johnsonville Brats, any flavor
• Hoagie Rolls, Brat Buns, or Hot Dog Buns

How to Cook Air Fryer Brats

• Place brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit a whole package of brats at once.

• Set the temperature to 350℉ and the cook time to 8 minutes. Flip the brats over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.
• The internal temperature for bratwurst (brats) should reach 160°F. Cooking brats to the recommended internal temperature helps ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed, making the brats safe to eat. If needed, use a digital meat thermometer.
• Serve on a hoagie roll or hot dog bun with your favorite toppings.

Toppings

As you can see in my photos, I added sautéed onions to the brats using a recipe for Carlton Farm’s onions braised in beer and mustard (which is now our new favorite way!), but some of the other popular favorite condiments out there include:

• Mustard: Classic yellow mustard or Dijon spicy mustard are traditional choices.
• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adds a tangy and crunchy element. Bratwurst and sauerkraut is a very popular dish in Germany, where bratwurst originates.
• Onions: Grilled or caramelized onions can add sweetness and depth.
• Peppers: Sautéed or grilled peppers, such as bell peppers or banana peppers, provide a colorful and flavorful addition.
• Pickles: Sliced dill pickles or pickle relish can add a zesty kick.
• Cheese: Melted cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, can add a creamy texture.
• Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, hot sauce is a great option to give a little kick.
• Ketchup: Some people enjoy ketchup on their brats for a sweet and tangy flavor.

What to Serve with Brats

Not Your Grandma’s Potato Salad: A twist on classic potato salad, served warm or cold, makes for a hearty and satisfying side dish.

Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bratwurst.

Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, adds a healthy and flavorful touch.

Sauerkraut: This is listed both as a topping with bratwurst in a bun and as a side without a bun because it’s often served as both. It’s a very popular dish in Germany, where bratwurst originates.

French Fries: Golden and crispy french fries make the perfect salty side dish to juicy brats.

Baked Beans: The sweetness and smokiness of baked beans pair well with the savory flavor of brats.

Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that complements the grilled bratwurst.

Pasta Salad: This Zesty Italian pasta salad is great for pairing with summer brats.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Any uncooked brats need to be used within 1-2 days if kept in the refrigerator.

Freezer

If you don’t plan on eating them right away, freeze extra cooked or uncooked brats in an air-tight container for up to 2 to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat leftover brats or cook Johnsonville pre-cooked brats in the air fryer:

• Add them to the air fryer in a single layer.
• Set the temperature to 350 degrees and the cooking time to 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.

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