Brats in the Air Fryer – Juicy Bratwurst Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook brats in the air fryer, you’re in the right place. Forget about firing up the grill—making bratwurst in the air fryer is quick, easy, and delivers juicy brats with that perfect golden-brown crisp. Whether you call them brats, bratwursts, or sausages, the air fryer makes them tender on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside in less than 15 minutes.

This simple air fryer bratwurst recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or when you just don’t want to cook outside. Serve your air-fried brats on a toasted bun with mustard, sauerkraut, or your favorite toppings for a meal everyone will love.

Why Make Brats in the Air Fryer?

• Fast & Easy – No grill or stovetop required.
• Juicy Every Time – The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping the outside crisp.
• No Weather Worries – Rain or snow, you can still enjoy bratwurst indoors.
• Minimal Cleanup – Just one basket to wash.
  

Whether you’re wondering “Can you air fry brats?” or “How long to air fry bratwurst?”, this guide has all the answers.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray or parchment liner
• 4 uncooked bratwursts (such as Johnsonville® or your favorite brand)
• 4 brat or sausage buns
• Optional toppings: sauerkraut, caramelized onions, mustard, ketchup, or pickles
  

How to Cook Brats in the Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to make the best brats in the air fryer:

Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or use an air fryer liner to prevent sticking.

Step 2 – Place Brats in the Basket

Arrange the bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—leave a little space around each sausage for even cooking.

Step 3 – Air Fry the Brats

Cook the brats for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The brats should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 4 – Toast the Buns (Optional)

If you like crispy buns, place them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes after cooking the brats.

Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy

Place each brat on a bun, top with mustard, sauerkraut, or your favorite condiments, and enjoy your perfectly air-fried bratwurst.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brats

• Room Temperature Brats Cook Better – Let brats sit out for 5–10 minutes before cooking for even results.
• Check Your Air Fryer Model – Cooking times can vary slightly by brand and wattage.
• Add Veggies – Toss in sliced peppers and onions to cook alongside the brats.
• Air Fryer Oven? – If you’re using an air fryer oven, cook at the same temperature but check doneness at 12 minutes.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you air fry brats?
On average, 12–15 minutes at 380°F works for most air fryers. Always check that the internal temperature is 160°F.

Can you air fry frozen brats?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 3–4 minutes.

Do you need to poke holes in bratwurst before air frying?
No, keep the casing intact to hold in all the juices.

Can you put brats in the air fryer with foil?
Yes, but it’s best to use parchment liners specifically designed for air fryers, allowing air to circulate properly.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 246
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  

(Nutrition values may vary depending on the brand of brats and buns used.)

Conclusion

Making brats in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy juicy, golden-brown bratwurst at home. With just a few simple steps and less than 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, BBQ cravings, or game day gatherings. Try this air fryer bratwurst recipe once, and you’ll never go back to boiling or grilling again.