Print

Air Fryer Bratwurst

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Juicy German bratwurst cooked entirely in the air fryer — no grill required. Ready in about 20 minutes with a deeply browned, crispy casing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bratwurst links (fresh or fully cooked/smoked)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for brushing (optional)
  • Brat buns or hoagie rolls
  • Classic toppings (optional):
  • Sauerkraut, warmed
  • Spicy brown or whole grain mustard
  • Caramelized onions
  • Sliced peppers

Instructions

  1. Let bratwurst rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking. Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Place brats in a single layer in the basket. They can be close together but should have some air space between them. Do not prick or score the casings.
  3. Cook for 15–17 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the casing is deep brown and slightly crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Rest brats for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.
  5. Serve in brat buns with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, and caramelized onions.

Notes

Don’t prick the casing. Keeping the casing intact holds in fat, moisture, and flavor.

Pre-cooked/smoked brats: Cook at 380°F for 9–11 minutes, turning once, until the casing blisters and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Frozen brats: Thaw first for best results. Quick-thaw in cold water for 20–30 minutes.

Warm the buns: Toast in the air fryer at 350°F for 30 seconds right before serving.

Beer brat method: Simmer brats in beer and onions for 10 minutes, then air fry at 390°F for 5–6 minutes to char the casing.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-bratwurst-german-sausage-without-a-grill/