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    Bites with Bri » Air Fryer » Easy Bratwurst in Air Fryer

    Easy Bratwurst in Air Fryer

    Published: Sep 27, 2021 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    These Air Fryer Brats are the most delicious quick & hassle free dinner. Caramelized on the exterior and super juicy on the inside, the air fryer is the perfect way to cook bratwurst. You can’t forget about the sweet and smokey beer braised onions. This simple meal is a crowd pleaser! 

    overhead of brats on buns with onions

    Serve these with Seasoned Frozen Tater Tots.

    Jump to:
    • Highlights
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Helpful Equipment & Tools
    • How to Cook Brats in Air Fryer
    • Make Ahead & Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe Notes
    • Variations
    • FAQs
    • Toppings
    • Side Dishes
    • Related Recipes
    • Brats in Air Fryer

    Highlights

    • No grill or parchment paper needed
    • Caramelized exterior & juicy on the inside
    • Brats cook in less 15 minutes
    • Simple dinner idea
    • Low carb/keto 
    • Beer braised onions 
    • Kid friendly

    Ingredient Notes

    overhead of ingredients
    • Onions: Any kind of onion will work.
    • Bratwurst: You can use thawed or frozen brats. If you cook frozen brats, add about 3 minutes to cook time. This is just an estimate based on my air fryer. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. 
    • Beer: Any beer you have on hand will work. I used Rainier. 

    Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

    Helpful Equipment & Tools

    • Ultrean 8.5 Quart Air Fryer: Great size & price point. 
    • Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pots and Pans: High quality, heavy duty, & even heating.   
    • ThermoPro TP01A Digital Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked meat every time & is only around $10.

    How to Cook Brats in Air Fryer

    Overview

    • Brown the onions.
    • Braise them in beer. 
    • Air fryer the brats, flipping halfway through.
    • Enjoy the beer brats with lots of beer braised onions!

    Step by Step

    Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until browned.

    Step 2: Deglaze the pan with the beer and stir in the sugar, paprika, and salt.

    steps 1 & 2 
browned onions
beer added to onions

    TIP - Be sure to allow the onions to develop some color before adding the beer. 

    Step 3: Turn the heat to medium low. Braise for about 20-25 minutes (stirring occasionally) or until the beer has reduced.

    Step 4: After the onions have been braising for about 10 minutes, place the bratwursts in the air fryer basket not touching (no need to grease it).

    steps 3 & 3
onions with no liquid left
raw brats in air fryer

    TIP - If the beer is boiling too rapidly, turn the heat to low.

    Step 4: Air fry at 380 for 5-7 minutes.

    Step 4: Flip and air fry at 380 for another 5-7 minutes or until the bratwursts reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees, then remove the brats from the air fryer.

    steps 5 & 6
brats halfway cooked
brats finished in air fryer

    TIP -  Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the bratwursts. 

    Make Ahead & Storage

    • Refrigerator: Store cooked bratwurst in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer at 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes.
    • Freezer: You can freeze bratwurst raw or cooked for up to 3 months. Raw or cooked bratwursts will stick together if frozen touching. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a large freezer bag. This way you can thaw only what you need. Thaw raw bratwurst in the refrigerator overnight. Thaw cooked bratwurst in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the air fryer or microwave. 
    • Make Ahead: The onions can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving in the microwave or on the stove. 

    Expert Tips

    • Don’t rush the onions. The onions develop flavor as they braise in the beef. I recommend starting them at least 10 minutes before the brats. You can even braise them longer if needed, just be sure to keep them on low. 
    • Don’t grease the air fryer. The bratwursts a high enough fat content that they will not stick to the basket without any additional greasing. Adding more oil will cause the air fryer to smoke (see note below). 
    • Use a meat thermometer. The bratwurst need to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. 
    • Toast the buns. If you are serving them on buns, throw them in the air fryer at 400 for a few minutes to toast them. 
    • Load up on toppings. Don’t forget about the toppings. There are so many possible flavor combinations (see ideas below).

    Recipe Notes

    • The air fryer may smoke. Since bratwurst have a high fat content, oil will splatter and begin to circulate in the air fryer. When the oil hits the hot coils in the top of the air fryer smoke is created. The best way to prevent smoke is to be sure the air fryer and drip tray are cleaned well before cooking the brats.
    close up of brat on bun with onions

    Variations

    • Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place brats on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway through. Broil for a couple of minutes at the end to brown the brats more. The brats are done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

    FAQs

    How is bratwurst different than sausage?

    Sausage comes in many different shapes and forms. Bratwurst are a specific kind of fresh pork sausage link. 

    How do you cook uncooked brats?

    There are many different ways to cook raw bratwurst. You can air fry, grill, sauté, boil, braise, or bake them. My preferred method is the air fryer because it is quick, easy, and able to be done indoors. 

    What is traditionally served with bratwurst?

    Bratwurst are traditionally served on bread or a bun with mustard, sauerkraut, and onions. They can also be served without bread. 

    What temperature should bratwurst be cooked to?

    Bratwurst must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. 

    Can bratwurst be pink in the middle?

    Yes. Fully cooked bratwurst might still be pink when cut into. The only way to ensure they are fully cooked is to use a thermometer. They need to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. 

    How long does it take to cook brats in an air fryer?

    Cooking brats in the air fryer is simple. Simply air fry at 380 degrees for about 10-14 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees (depending on size), flipping halfway through. 

    How do you cook pre cooked brats in an air fryer?

    Brats that are already cooked can be reheated in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or until heated through. 

    Toppings

    • Beer braised onions are my favorite topping (of course)
    • Bacon bits
    • Shredded cheese
    • Sauerkraut 
    • Pickles or pickled jalapeños
    • Coleslaw 
    • Sautéed bell peppers and onions
    • Sriracha, hot sauce, or buffalo sauce
    • Ketchup, mustard, or relish
    • Chunky salsa

    Side Dishes

    • Potato chips
    • Simple green salad
    • Potato salad
    • Mac and cheese
    • French fries
    • Beans
    • Fruit or raw veggies and dip

    Related Recipes

    • Air Fryer Spinach Dip
    • Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tacos
    • Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
    • Mini S’mores Pie
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE COMMENT
    5 from 8 votes

    Brats in Air Fryer

    These Air Fryer Brats are the most delicious quick & hassle free dinner. Caramelized on the exterior and super juicy on the inside, the air fryer is the perfect way to cook these. You can’t forget about the sweet and smokey beer braised onions. This simple meal is a crowd pleaser!
    Servings4 people
    Prep2 minutes
    Cook25 minutes
    Total27 minutes
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American, German
    Author: Brianna May

    Equipment:

    • Air Fryer
    • Nonstick pan/pot
    • Meat Thermometer
    • Stirring Spoon

    Ingredients:

    • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • 3 yellow or white onions
    • 2 cups light beer
    • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 4 bratwurst, 1.25 pounds

    Instructions:

    • Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
    • In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until browned.
    • Deglaze the pan with the beer and stir in the sugar, paprika, and salt.
    • Turn the heat to medium low. Braise for about 20-25 minutes (stirring occasionally) or until the beer has reduced.
    • After the onions have been braising for about 10 minutes, place the bratwursts in the air fryer basket not touching (no need to grease it).
    • Air fry at 380 for 5-7 minutes.
    • Flip and air fry at 380 for another 5-7 minutes or until the bratwursts reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

    Notes:

    Onions: Any kind of onion will work. 
    Bratwurst: You can use thawed or frozen brats. If you cook frozen brats, add about 3 minutes to cook time. This is just an estimate based on my air fryer. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. 
    Beer: Any beer you have on hand will work. I used Rainier.
    The air fryer may smoke. Since bratwurst have a high fat content, oil will splatter and begin to circulate in the air fryer. When the oil hits the hot coils in the top of the air fryer smoke is created. The best way to prevent smoke is to be sure the air fryer and drip tray are cleaned well before cooking the brats. 
    Use a meat thermometer. The bratwurst need to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
    Refrigerator: Store cooked bratwurst in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer at 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes.
    Freezer: You can freeze bratwurst raw or cooked for up to 3 months.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1544mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      February 11, 2022 at 1:47 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! This looks like the perfect dinner for my boys. I'm going to make this tonight.

      Reply
      • Thomas

        July 01, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        Wow, these look AMAZING! Will have to try them.

        -T-

        Reply
        • Brianna May

          July 05, 2022 at 8:29 am

          Thanks!

    2. Melinda

      February 09, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      A great new spin a brats! Love the touch of smokiness that the paprika adds too. A winning recipe!!

      Reply
    3. Colleen

      February 09, 2022 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      These brats are so easy and delicious. Love doing them in the air fryer. We are making them again for game day. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    4. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings

      February 09, 2022 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      YUM! We love the snap these brats get on them from the air fryer. Delicious, easy, fabulous recipe!

      Reply
    5. Bernice

      February 09, 2022 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      Any style of sausage is great in the air fryer but wow, these brats are killer! I just loved the beer braised onions. They really make this dinner a special treat and they smell amazing too. Will be making on repeat.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Bri!

    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

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