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GET IT NOWI’ll admit it, some days I just don’t want to make dinner! That’s when I turn to my almost-no-cook solution: Air fryer brats. Like other air fryer sausages, cooking bratwurst in the air fryer is super fast with no prep whatsoever. And sometimes that’s just what you need, you know? If you’re having one of those nights, make this not-a-recipe recipe with me, and all you need is a simple side dish for a satisfying meal!
Why You Need My Air Fryer Brats Recipe
- Perfectly done every time – Cooking brats in the air fryer makes the outside crisp and golden, while keeping the inside super juicy. While the main reason I make this recipe is the ease and speed (see below!), I also just love how tasty they turn out.
- Fastest, easiest way to cook brats – There’s no standing by the stove or grill, and these are faster than baking brats in the oven.
- Minimal cleanup – I find the air fryer much easier to clean than the grill, sheet pans, or a skillet. Perfect for busy days!
How To Cook Brats In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep. Arrange the uncooked bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without touching each other. (I have this air fryer and love the roomy basket without a big counter footprint.)
- Air fry. Cook the sausage, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. See my tips below!
My Recipe Tips
- Wondering what kind of bratwurst to get? The simple answer is any flavor you like! I’ve made this air fryer bratwurst recipe with less conventional options like spicy jalapeno brats, turkey brats, and beer brats, but most often I just get regular ones.
- My cooking time is based off 3.8-ounce uncooked bratwursts. That’s the size I always get, and it’s pretty common. I’ve seen some that are 3.5 ounces and the time for those would be pretty similar. But if yours are much larger or smaller, I recommend checking on them.
- Use a meat thermometer to be sure — aim for 160 degrees F. This isn’t required because it’s hard to overcook air fryer brats, but I like them to be just perfect. 😉 And if you’ve made virtually any of my other proteins, you probably have a thermometer anyway. If you don’t, I recommend either this meat thermometer, or even better, a probe thermometer to avoid opening the air fryer to check.
- Try not to poke through the casing. This can cause the brats to collapse when air frying.
Serving Ideas
You can serve your air fryer brats on your favorite bun if that’s your thing, but I usually keep it low carb with only sugar-free BBQ sauce or mustard. If you want to get fancy, top them with a mix of sauteed peppers and onions, or even sauerkraut or roasted red peppers.
For a well-rounded meal, try one of these simple sides:
- Salad – I like these with keto coleslaw or my creamy cucumber salad for a quick 5-minute side. For a more filling option, try my cauliflower potato salad or 3 bean salad.
- Veggies – Start some brussels sprouts or asparagus in the oven before cooking your brats in the air fryer. I usually make my entire meal in the air fryer more often, with air fried sweet potatoes or air fried cauliflower as my side.
Air Fryer Brats (Fast, Easy Method)
Air fryer brats are super easy with minimal cleanup, and turn out so juicy. Cooking bratwurst in the air fryer is my go-to zero-prep meal!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for a few minutes.
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Arrange the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without touching each other.
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Cook air fryer brats for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) and the outside is golden brown.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 bratwurst
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you cook these perfectly, without over or undercooking, as well as different options for bratwurst.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: I usually toss the brats in the air fryer again for 2-3 minutes (at the same temperature).
- Freeze: You can freeze bratwurst cooked or raw. I wrap it in plastic wrap and store in a zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or a bowl of cold water (still in the bag) before reheating.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Brats
3 Comments
Natasha
0i love making brats in the air fryer because they’re so easy so make, easy to clean and they cooked perfectly!
Kim
0I’ve never even thought of cooking these in the air fryer! Thanks for the tips.
Jess
0Oh yum!! This gave them a crispy outside that I LOOOVE on a bratwurst, thank you!!