How Long to Cook Brats in Air Fryer: Easy and Tasty Recipe Guide

You may cook the brats on the grill or in the frying pan, but are you tired of the smoky flavor and the char marks on them and want a new cooking method for bratwurst? Then you should try the low-calorie way - cooking brats in an air fryer. In this article, we will talk about what brats are and teach you how long to cook brats in air fryer and how to air fry brats with crispy casing. Once you try it, you will be amazed!

What is Brat?

Brat, an abbreviation of Bratwurst, is a type of German sausage, made of pork, veal, or beef. Bratwurst is made with unique spices like nutmeg, salt, pepper, garlic, cardamom, marjoram, allspice, caraway, and sometimes lemon zest. There are different types of brats in the US, while Johnsonville Brats are the most popular. Brats are commonly cooked in grills and are a popular choice for barbecues and game days. People usually eat bratwurst with mustard, a slice of bread, and their flavored toppings like sauerkraut.

Air Fryer Brats Ingredients

Cooking brats in an air fryer is indeed one of the easiest ways. It usually takes less time than the traditional ways like grilling or pan-frying. To air fry brats, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

• A pack of brats: Johnsonville brats recommended
• Buns: soft white buns, you can also use crusty rolls, sliced baguettes, or hoagie rolls
• Mustard
• Sauerkraut

How to Make Air Fryer Brats?

Then, let’s learn how to make air fryer brats. Here is the step-by-step guide to cooking brats in the air fryer.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer. Warm up the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the brats in a single layer. Remember to leave room around each other.
2. Cook with Air Fryer. Cook brats in the air fryer for around 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway during the cooking time.
3. Check the Temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check if the brats are done. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for safe to eat.
4. Remove the Brats. Remove the brats from the air fryer. Place the brat on the soft white bun, and add the toppings like sauerkraut and mustard. You can also add other ingredients like chopped onion, according to your flavor.

How Long to Cook Brats in an Air Fryer?

We have mentioned the process of cooking brats in the previous part, so you can calculate the cooking time based on the guidelines. Generally, the cooking time varies based on difference in bratwurst, the size of the air fryer, as well as the status of the brats.

How Long to Cook Raw Brats in Air Fryer?

It usually takes about 12 minutes to cook raw brats in the air fryer. But before cooking, you need to preheat the air dryer for around 5 minutes. During the cooking process, you should also flip the brats. The total time for air frying bratwurst should be about 17 minutes.

How Long to Cook Pre Cooked Brats in Air Fryer?

For pre-cooked brats, it will take less time - around 9 minutes. Please make sure to flip them over during the cooking process.

How Long to Cook Frozen Brats in Air Fryer?

For cooking frozen brats, you should preheat the air fryer first. Then place the frozen brats in the air fryer and cook them for 13 to 15 minutes, and flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Tips for Successful Cooking Brats

In this part, we will share some essential tips you need to keep in mind during cooking:

• Put a parchment paper or aluminum foil in the air fryer before putting the brats in, for easy cleanup.
• The appropriate temperature for cooking brats in air fryer is 350°F to avoid them drying out.
• You may need to cook brats several times if you have a small air fryer but need to cook more brats.
• If your brats are frozen, it is necessary to thaw them in cold water or a microwave. Room-temperature brats will be cooked more evenly and juicier.
• The cooking time can be adjusted based on the brands, power, and wattage of the air fryer.

Different Condiments and Toppings for Brats

With different condiments and toppings, you can try different flavors of brats. Here are some tasty toppings recommended besides the sauerkraut and mustard toppings:

Spicy and Bold Flavors:

• Horseradish
• Hot sauce, jalapenos, or hot peppers
• Buffalo sauce & blue cheese
• Giardiniera

Sweet and Tangy:

• Ketchup, diced onion, and relish
• Sweet or dill pickles, or pickled red onions
• Baked beans & chips
• Mayonnaise

Savory and Rich:

• Sauteed peppers and caramelized onions
• Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
• Cheese sauce with fried pickles
• Coleslaw
• Fried egg

Conclusion

In conclusion, air frying brats is an easier, smoke-free, healthier cooking method than grilling them. By following the recipe, we hope that you can make fantastic brats on your own. Besides, if you are seeking a change from the classic German-type flavor, you can try different condiments and toppings for new tastes and experiences. So, start cooking and enjoy the burst of juicy flavor with each bite of these delicious brats!