How long it takes: 14 minutes Equipment you’ll need: air fryer Servings: 5 Like air fryer hot dogs and air fryer Italian sausage, this air fryer brat recipe is ridiculously easy and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack. Plus, the air fryer helps cut down on excess fat (no oil needed here!) without making the bratwurst any less tasty, which is always a bonus!
Juicy Air Fryer Brats
Low effort dinner. You know those nights when your dinner plans fall through and you’re left scrambling for something quick and easy? Put down that Lean Cuisine! This air fryer brat recipe is the perfect solution. It requires minimal prep work and cooks in under 15 minutes! And guess what? Even if the bratwurst are in your freezer, you can still easily cook them in your air fryer with no thawing necessary. It’s a lifesaver. Perfectly cooked every time. The air fryer ensures that your bratwurst will be evenly cooked throughout, with crispy edges and a juicy interior. Absolute perfection! Easy cleanup. One of the best parts about using an air fryer is the easy cleanup. No grill, no oily skillet to wash (and oil spatters on the stovetop), just your air fryer basket.
Ingredient Notes
Bratwurst: That’s it! That’s the ingredient. You can use any kind of raw bratwurst here—beer brats, stadium brats, cheddar brats, etc. Of course, the world is your oyster when it comes to toppings, so don’t forget them (I’m partial to sautéed onions and peppers).
How to Make Air Fryer Bratwurst
Get started. Arrange the brats in your air fryer basket. You can cook as many as will fit in a single layer with a little space between them. (These are the golden rules of air frying: arrange in a single layer and leave room for air to circulate.) Cook. Turn on the air fryer and cook at 360ºF for 6 minutes. Flip the bratwurst and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Serve immediately. The brats tend to shrivel a bit as they cool. Stuff air fryer bratwurst into buns, if desired, and add all your favorite toppings. Be careful not to burn your mouth with that first bite. Air fryer brats are juicy and that first burst of juice can be very hot.
Topping Ideas
Sautéed onions. I love topping brats with sautéed onions. You can even add a splash of beer to the onions while they cook, which is an especially good idea if you’re cooking beer brats. Of course, uncooked chopped sweet onions are great, too. If you have more time, smother your air fryer brats with sweet caramelized onions. Sauerkraut. For a traditional German topping, finish your brats with a spoonful of tangy sauerkraut. Mustard. Whether you prefer Dijon, whole grain, or classic yellow mustard, this is another traditional topping. Cheese. After tucking the air fryer brats into buns, add shredded cheddar, Swiss, or another cheese you like. The hot brats should melt the cheese.
What to Serve With Bratwurst
Fries. For a classic pairing, serve your air fryer brats with air fryer French fries. Chips. You can make a super low effort meal by pairing brats with a handful of your favorite store-bought potato chips, just like at the ballpark! Potato salad. Try my best potato salad recipe, or dill potato salad for something different. Pasta salad. Dill pickle pasta salad and ranch pasta salad are fantastic with air fryer bratwurst.
Leftover Love
Slice up leftover air fryer bratwurst and toss them with cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and shredded Gruyère cheese for an easy weeknight dinner. You can also use them to make a breakfast hash or add them to sautéed cabbage.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Place the air fryer brats in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Freeze: Cooked brats can be frozen for up to 3 months. I highly prefer fresh, so only freeze them as a last resort—like a “I have these leftover brats to use up, but I’m going on vacation tomorrow” situation. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Reheat: Warm up the brats in the microwave (cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out), in a skillet coated with cooking spray, or in a 350ºF air fryer.
