Air Fryer Brats

Juicy, snappy air fryer bratwurst with golden, charred casing and smoky flavor—ready in 10–15 minutes. Healthier than grilled or pan-fried, no mess, no flare-ups. Perfect for quick dinners, game days, or easy cookout-style meals any time of year. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10–15 minutes Total Time: 15–20 minutes Servings: 4–6

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 –6 bratwurst sausages pork, beef, turkey, chicken, or flavored like beer brats
Olive oil spray or canola/avocado spray — light coating
Optional seasonings for extra flavor:
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of salt most brats are seasoned
For Serving optional but classic:
Brat buns or hoagie rolls
Sauerkraut
Mustard yellow, Dijon, spicy brown
Caramelized onions
Relish or pickles

Method

If using fresh/raw brats, prick each sausage 3–4 times with a fork to prevent bursting. Pat dry if needed.
Preheat air fryer to 380–400°F for 3–5 minutes.
Optional: Lightly spray brats with oil and toss or rub with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
Place brats in a single layer in the basket (no overcrowding; cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops with olive oil.
Air fry at 380–400°F for 10–15 minutes:
Pre-cooked: 10–12 minutes
Fresh/raw: 12–15 minutes
Flip halfway through (around 5–7 minutes) with tongs for even browning and crispiness.
Check doneness: Casing golden-brown and crisp. Fresh brats should reach 160°F internal (carryover to 165°F).
Rest 2–3 minutes, then serve hot in buns with sauerkraut, mustard, onions, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

Prick fresh brats only → prevents splitting.
Single layer + flip halfway = even char and snap.
Oil spray lightly → golden casing without greasiness.
Use thermometer for fresh brats to ensure safety.
Rest 2–3 minutes → juices stay inside.
Customize: beer bath before cooking or glaze with BBQ last few minutes.