There’s something about a juicy bratwurst that makes everything feel a little more like summereven in January. Brats in air fryer cook up crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and they’re ready faster than you’d believe.
I tested this method back in 2019 when my sister challenged me to skip the grill during a snowstorm. The air fryer gave them that perfect snap when you bit inno boiling first, no flare-ups. After ten years of blogging and countless recipe tests, I can tell you this one hits every time.
Joe Rooney
Brats in Air Fryer: Quick and Delicious Recipe
Enjoy perfectly cooked brats in the air fryer with this quick and delicious recipe. These brats feature a crispy stadium-style snap and are served on soft brioche hoagie rolls with tangy stone ground mustard, sauerkraut, and caramelized onions for a classic American main course.
Warm up the air fryer by setting it to 400°F (200°C) and running it for about 3 minutes to create a hot basket.
Take the bratwurst links out of their packaging and dry them well with a paper towel to reduce surface moisture.
Lightly spray each brat with olive oil to help them brown evenly during cooking.
Place the brats separately in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each for proper air circulation.
Cook the brats for 8 minutes, listening for a consistent sizzling sound that signals proper searing.
Carefully flip each brat using tongs to ensure even browning on all sides.
Continue cooking for an additional 7 minutes until the brat skins look golden and tight.
Check that at least one brat has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a thermometer.
Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
Finally, spread stone ground mustard inside each brioche roll, add the rested brats, and top with sauerkraut and caramelized onions before serving.
Notes
Resting the brats after cooking ensures they remain juicy and flavorful when bitten into. For best results, use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Why You’ll Love This Method
The air fryer delivers that crispy, golden skin you’d normally only get at the ballparkwithout standing over a grill or heating up your whole kitchen. Brats in air fryer come out juicy every time, and there’s no boiling step to dilute the flavor.
Fast: Prepped and cooked in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal cleanup: One basket, one plateno splattered stovetop or charcoal ash.
Beginner-friendly: No flipping schedule to memorize; just two simple turns and you’re done.
Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters demolish these when they smell that crispy snap.
Key Ingredients & What They Do
You only need a handful of items, and most are pantry staples you probably already have. Here’s what makes each one count:
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Raw Bratwurst Links
The starlook for plump, fresh sausages with natural casings for that signature snap.
Olive Oil Spray
Acts as a heat conductor to crisp the skin without making it greasy.
Brioche Hoagie Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet buns that soak up mustard and juices without falling apart.
Stone Ground Mustard
Tangy kick that cuts through the richnessuse whatever mustard you love.
Sauerkraut
Adds acidity and crunch; drain it well so your bun doesn’t get soggy.
Caramelized Onions
Sweet, jammy depth that makes every bite feel special.
How to Make Them (Step by Step)
Start by preheating your basket to 400°F for three minutesthis jumpstarts the sear and keeps the casings from sticking. Pat your raw bratwurst links dry with a paper towel, then give them a quick coat of olive oil spray. Arrange them in a single layer so air can flow all the way around.
Cook for eight minutes, flip with tongs, then continue for another seven minutes until the skins are taut and golden. Check the internal temperature with a thermometeryou’re looking for 160°F. Let the sausages rest on a plate for three minutes so the juices settle, then tuck them into brioche hoagie rolls with stone ground mustard, sauerkraut, and caramelized onions.
Timing & Temperature Guide
Step
Temperature
Time
Preheat basket
400°F (200°C)
3 minutes
First cook (before flip)
400°F (200°C)
8 minutes
Second cook (after flip)
400°F (200°C)
7 minutes
Rest on plate
3 minutes
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the preheatit creates an immediate sizzle that prevents sticking and locks in moisture. If your sausages are frozen, add two extra minutes to each side and check the temperature carefully.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. If the links touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp. For a beer-hall twist, brush the buns with melted butter and toast them cut-side down in the air fryer for one minute after the brats come out.
How to Serve & Store
Serve these immediately for the best snap, piled high with your favorite toppings. Leftover cooked brats will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three daysreheat at 350°F for four minutes to bring back that crispy skin.
Storage Method
Duration
Reheating Notes
Refrigerator (cooked)
3 days
Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes
Freezer (cooked)
2 months
Thaw overnight, then reheat as above
For meal prep, cook the brats and store them plain; assemble with fresh toppings right before serving so the rolls stay fluffy.
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FAQs ( Brats in Air Fryer )
How long to cook bratwurst in air fryer?
Cook bratwurst for 12-15 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway through. Thicker sausages may need an extra 2-3 minutes. Always check that internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
Should you poke holes in brats before air frying?
No, avoid poking holes as this releases flavorful juices and can dry out the sausage. The air fryer’s circulating heat cooks them evenly without bursting when cooked at the right temperature.
What temperature is best for cooking this dish?
Set your air fryer to 350°F for perfectly cooked sausages. This temperature ensures the casing gets golden brown while the inside cooks thoroughly without drying out.
Can you cook frozen bratwurst in air fryer?
Yes, add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time for frozen sausages. Start at 350°F and flip once during cooking. No need to thaw first – the air fryer handles frozen perfectly.
How do you prevent sausages from splitting?
Cook at 350°F rather than higher temperatures to prevent the casing from bursting. Let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking if refrigerated for even better results.
You’ll love how brats in air fryer deliver that ballpark snap in under twenty minutescrispy golden skin, juicy inside, zero grill cleanup. The aroma alone will have everyone asking when dinner’s ready. This method works every single time, and it feels like a little victory each round.
Try brushing the cooked brats with beer or apple cider in the last minute for extra depth. Swap sauerkraut for pickled peppers if you want heat, or add a handful of grilled onions straight from the freezerthey crisp up beautifully. Leftovers reheat in four minutes at 350°F, so make extra for quick lunches. A trick I learned from my uncle’s tailgate setup: toast those buns face-down for thirty seconds so they soak up all the good stuff without getting soggy.
Did you grow up eating brats at summer cookouts or Friday night football games? I’d love to hear what toppings remind you of hometag me when you make these or leave a note below. Save this recipe for your next gathering, or text it to someone who needs an easy weeknight win. Here’s to crispy skins and full hearts.
