Cook amazing air fryer brats. Follow my easy recipe, learn a little history, and enjoy some topping, side, and beverage tips too. Air frying is an easy way to enjoy this handheld favorite any time of the year. Let’s dive into it now, but feel free to click the links below if you want to skip to a specific section.
Overview
Brats are one of the most versatile, tasty tubular meats on the planet. Are you heading out to the park for a quick picnic with the family? No problem. Grab a bag of fresh brats and charcoal and you’ve got the makings of a delicious dinner at the community grill.
Do you prefer the stovetop? Then just drop your brats in some boiling water and finish them off in a skillet with some hot oil. Find some of your favorite greens or bagged snacks and you’re ready to feast.
Did your friends just invite themselves over for the game? Don’t panic. Grab some fresh brats or Johnsonville brats and fire up the air fryer. It’s the quickest method to get your food to the table with limited prep. It’s my favorite way to cook because it minimizes the mess. I’ll air fry my brats most of the time.
Brat history
The best part about sharing cooking instructions for my easy air fryer recipes is that it forces me to learn a little something about my food too. Since I’m a junkie about many things, knowing the history of things is important to me.
Where did these delicious brats originate anyway? According to a quick Google search, Wikipedia states that “the first documented evidence of the Bratwurst in Germany dates to 1313 and can be found in the Franconian city of Nuremberg, which is still an internationally renowned center for the production of grilling bratwurst sausages.” Wow. From stick, stones, and a simple fire to the modern-day air fryer oven. Progress is grand! Let’s start cooking.
Cooking air fryer brats
Cooking air fryer bratwurst is as easy as it sounds. I’ll just give you a few tips and tricks that I use to get that crunchy outer skin that packs that bold flavor punch with every bite. Just follow these simple steps to get the perfect brat. It takes less time than you think - 15 minutes to be exact. All you need are your brats, tongs, oil, cooking spray, and aluminum foil (optional).
Step 1: Treat your basket
Wipe your air fryer basket with olive oil using a paper towel or spray it with a non-aerosol EVOO mister.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 360 for 2 minutes
You should preheat your air fryer for the best results. This will allow you to get an even cook on your raw brats (uncooked brats).
Step 3: Load the basket
Load your brats in a single layer so the air can circulate freely around your raw bratwurst. Dust them with a quick spray of cooking oil. NOTE: This recipe is for fresh bratwurst, but I’ll give you some instructions for frozen brats at the end of this section.
Step 4: Cooking Time
For this recipe, I’ll use the 2-6-6-1 methodology. I like to use simple combinations that I can remember for each recipe. We all had to memorize ATM pin numbers or cell lock passcodes, right? These combinations make good lottery numbers if you’re feeling lucky! We already heated our air fryer for 2 minutes. It’s time to cook.
Cook your brats for 6 minutes. Open the basket and flip your brats with your tongs. Dust them with a little more cooking spray, if desired.
Cook for another 6 minutes and you’re done.
Leave them in for an extra 1 minute after the timer expires. Then remove, plate, and server. If you’re still finishing up your sides, then transfer them to a plate and cover them with aluminum foil immediately.
NOTE: This recipe is for fresh, raw, or uncooked bratwurst. For frozen bratwursts, cook an extra 2-4 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. For both methods, insert a meat thermometer and make sure your brats are around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toppings, sides, and beverages
Toppings
When cooked properly, you can just drop your finished creation into a brat bun and start munching away. The flavor burst from that first bite will carry you to the finish line. However, the options to spruce up your brat are endless. My list includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Mustard (yellow, brown, stadium)
- Ketchup
- Sauerkraut
- Chili
- Chopped Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Sauteed Peppers
- Hot Sauce
- Sriracha
- Shredded Cheese
- Jalepenos
Sides
Next up, the beauty of the brat is that the toppings can double as the sides. I would recommend chili and sauerkraut for starters. Whether it’s on your brat or on your plate, the flavors pair perfectly. They can be cooked on your stove or in your microwave while your brats are frying away. Another excellent pairing includes the pierogi. This starchy potato and cheese-filled gem really hits the spot. Speaking of sides, check out some of my favorite side recipes for french fries, tater tots, and dumplings.
Beverages
Brats pair fantastically with many beverages. Add some Arizona Ice Tea or Arnold Palmer half-and-half for those hot summer nights. Try an IBC Cream Soda or a good old-American beer like Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. Adults only, of course.
The junkie lifestyle
Just like I say in all my posts, air frying is a lifestyle. It’s quick, fun, and casual. Just fry, eat and repeat! I recommend keeping a package of frozen brats in your freezer at all times. Their versatile, yummy, and suitable for many different occasions. And they pack big flavor with nearly no prep or mess. Oscar Meyer and Ball Park may have the best brand recognition in the tubular meat wars, but I’ll stake my reputation on some local homemade brats or Johnsonville brats over hot dogs any day of the week. That’s my tip for today!
Air Fryer Brats with Sauteed Peppers, Onions, and Sweet-Heat Drizzle
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Aluminum Foil
- Medium Skillet
- Small Glass Mixing Bowl
- Small Plate/Saucer
Ingredients
- 4 links Uncooked Brats (Raw Brats)
- 1 can Cooking Spray
- 4 buns Sausage/Hoagie Buns
- 1 cup Bell Pepper (Yellow) Sliced
- 1 cup Bell Pepper (Red) Sliced
- 1 cup Onion Diced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Sriracha
- Ketchup Slight squeeze finish
- Yellow Mustard Slight squeeze finish
- Hot Sauce Tattoo Avecado Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees for 2 minutes
- Place the brats in a single layer in your basket and mist with cooking spray
- Cook for 6 minutes. Open, flip with tongs, and mist with cooking spray.
- Cook for another 6 minutes.
- Leave in the air fryer for 1 extra minute.
- Plate and serve immediately (or cover with aluminum foil on the small plate/saucer until your sides are ready).
Toppings
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the peppers and onions once the oil begins to steam.
- Cook down the peppers and onions to your desired texture - about 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper (optional).
- Pour the honey and srirachi into the small glass bowl and wisk together.
Notes
About the author
Tommy Ackerman (aka Global TA) is a professional marketer and an air fryer enthusiast. He has produced hundreds of commercials with top-notch Art Directors, which helped him think about fun, visual arrangements for his food. His love of the Food Network has inspired this blog. If it looks good, it must taste good! His photography is a work-in-progress. Learn more here.