These air fryer brats provide the simplest method for cooking them! In just 10 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked brats without any mess. While grilling or baking brats are traditional methods, using the air fryer is a game-changing alternative.
When you cook brats in the air fryer, you avoid oil or grease splatter, messy kitchens, and the process is remarkably quick. Aside from the characteristic grill marks, you’ll hardly be able to distinguish between air-fried and grilled brats!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Quick and Convenient: Your brats will be ready to savor in just 10 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Air frying brats yields a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier cooking method.
- Easy Clean-Up: Unlike stovetop or grill cooking, which often results in oil splatter, air frying keeps your kitchen mess-free. You can even use air fryer liners to simplify cleanup further.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Bratwurst sausages: Easily found at any grocery store, you can start with the original flavor and brand (like Johnsonville or Boars Head) for your first time cooking bratwurst. However, if you have access to a butcher, explore their homemade variations or those with fillings and extras (such as cheese or jalapenos).
- Spray oil: Used to grease the air fryer basket.
How to Make Brats in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating the air fryer to 150°C/300°F. Spray a little oil in the air fryer basket.
- Cook Bratwurst in the Air Fryer: Place the bratwurst in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook the brats for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking without any burnt edges.
Recipe Tips and Tricks:
- Use Air Fryer Liners: Disposable air fryer liners are incredibly useful for cooking brats and sausages. These parchment paper liners fit the air fryer basket perfectly and prevent the need for excessive heat circulation.
- Bring Brats to Room Temperature: Just like with steaks or other proteins, allowing the brats to reach room temperature before cooking will result in quicker and more even cooking.
- Flip Brats Halfway Through: While not obligatory, flipping the brats halfway through cooking ensures that both sides achieve even browning.
- Cook in Batches: Ensure that the brats are arranged in a single layer inside the air fryer. If your air fryer can’t accommodate all the sausages at once, cook them in separate batches.
Storage Instructions:
- To Store: Place any leftover brats in the refrigerator, covering them, for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: For longer storage, put the cooked and cooled brats in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Reheat the bratwurst in the microwave, a non-stick pan, or the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Explore:
- Meatloaf
- Hamburgers
- Chicken wings
- Pork tenderloin
- Chicken wings
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Should I pre-cook brats before air frying?
- Pre-cooking or boiling brats is not necessary, as the air fryer cooks them thoroughly.
- How can I tell when the brats are done cooking?
- Checking the internal temperature is the best way to determine if the brats are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- How long does it take to cook frozen bratwurst in the air fryer?
- Frozen bratwurst can be added directly to the air fryer without thawing. Cook them for 9 minutes on each side.
- Can I use pre-cooked brats?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked brats. They will require a shorter cooking time of a total of 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
