Juicy & Crisp Air Fryer Brats Recipe
This easy recipe will have you cooking juicy and perfectly crisp bratwurst right in your air fryer. It’s a quick and straightforward method that delivers great texture and flavor without the hassle of grilling or stovetop cooking.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4-5 uncooked bratwurst links (fresh, not pre-cooked)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil or a quick spray of cooking oil (helps with browning, especially if your brats are lean)
- Optional for serving:
- Buns
- Mustard (stone ground, Dijon, yellow)
- Sauerkraut
- Relish
- Grilled onions/peppers
Instructions:
1. Preheat (Recommended):
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking from the start.
2. Prep the Brats:
- If you’d like, lightly score the brats with a knife in a few places (don’t cut too deep). This helps prevent them from bursting, but it’s usually not necessary.
- Optionally, coat the brats with a light spray or brush of oil. This will enhance the browning, especially if your brats are lean.
3. Arrange in Basket:
- Place the bratwurst links in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd them – leave a little space between the links to allow air to circulate properly. If needed, cook in batches.
4. First Cook:
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 7-8 minutes.
5. Flip the Brats:
- Carefully flip the bratwurst using tongs, ensuring they are evenly cooked on both sides.
6. Second Cook:
- Continue to air fry for another 5-8 minutes.
7. Check for Doneness:
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They are perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If they haven’t reached this temperature, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and check again.
8. Rest (Optional but Recommended):
- Once cooked, remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the brats even tastier.
9. Serve:
- Serve hot on buns with your favorite toppings like mustard, sauerkraut, relish, or sautéed onions and peppers. You can even toss sliced onions and peppers with a little oil and add them to the air fryer during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air circulation is key! If your air fryer basket is small, cook the brats in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Thermometer: This ensures perfectly cooked brats, making it easier to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Know Your Air Fryer: Some air fryer models run hotter or cook faster than others, so keep an eye on the brats during the first few minutes of cooking.
- Raw vs. Pre-cooked Brats: This recipe is for raw bratwurst. If you’re using pre-cooked brats, you’re just heating them through and crisping the skin. For pre-cooked brats, cook at around 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A)
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked brats instead of raw ones?
A: Yes! Pre-cooked brats only need to be heated through and crisped on the outside. Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 6-8 minutes.
Q2: How do I prevent the brats from bursting while cooking?
A: You can lightly score the brats in a few places with a knife before cooking. This helps prevent them from bursting due to the heat. However, it’s not strictly necessary.
Q3: Can I cook more than 5 bratwurst at a time?
A: It depends on the size of your air fryer. For even cooking, make sure there’s space around each bratwurst for air circulation. If your air fryer basket is small, cook the brats in batches.
Q4: Do I have to use oil on the brats?
A: Using oil is optional. If your brats are lean or if you prefer a crispier exterior, a light coat of oil will help with browning. A quick spray of cooking oil will do the trick.
Q5: What are some good toppings for serving the brats?
A: Classic options include mustard (stone ground, Dijon, or yellow), sauerkraut, relish, and sautéed onions and peppers. You can also add your favorite condiments to customize the flavor.
Q6: How do I know when the brats are done?
A: The best way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Q7: Can I cook other sausages in the air fryer using this method?
A: Yes! You can use this method for other types of uncooked sausages. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of the sausage.
Enjoy Your Juicy & Crisp Air Fryer Brats!
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal, whether you’re having a casual dinner or serving a crowd. The air fryer does the work, giving you perfectly cooked brats with minimal effort and cleanup. Enjoy!