This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Weeknights just got a whole lot easier and tastier! These Air Fryer Brats are juicy, full of flavor, and on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Whether you’re throwing together a quick dinner after work or looking for something hearty to serve at your next backyard gathering, Air Fryer Bratwurst is the answer. No grill? No problem. Your air fryer does all the work, and cleanup is a breeze.
Why I Love This Recipe
First of all, no grill required. This is one of those weeknight dinner miracles that gives you that classic bratwurst flavor without the hassle. I love how air fryer bratwurst gets beautifully browned on the outside while staying super juicy inside. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to customize with toppings and sides like my favorite German Cucumber Salad, which means everyone gets what they want.
Also? It’s just one of those nostalgic foods that makes dinner feel fun without adding any extra effort. A win all around!
Ingredients for My Air Fryer Brats
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe and chances are, you’ve already got them on hand.
- Bratwurst – I like uncooked pork brats because they stay super juicy in the air fryer. You can totally use chicken brats or turkey brats for a lighter option or even try beer brats if you want extra flavor built-in.
- Long rolls or hot dog buns – Any long sandwich roll will work here. Brioche buns make it feel extra indulgent, while whole wheat rolls give it a bit more nutrition. Soft pretzel rolls are also amazing.
- Toppings (optional but recommended) – I’m all about grainy mustard, sauerkraut, and beer cheese sauce. If you want to keep it classic, stick with dijon or yellow mustard. If you’re feeling fancy, caramelized onions or pickled jalapeños are a fun twist. Want it creamy? A slather of garlic aioli never hurt anyone.
How to Make Air Fryer Bratwurst
You won’t believe how easy it is to make Air Fryer Brats. Here’s what you do:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. (Don’t skip this step, preheating helps achieve that beautiful browning.)
- Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them!
- Cook for 8 minutes.
- Flip them over and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve hot in your favorite roll with all the toppings your heart desires.
How to Store Leftover Brats
If you happen to have leftover Brats, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 360°F for about 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. They’ll be just as juicy as day one, I promise.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brats
kellie’s tips for the best air fryer brats
- Don’t pierce the brats! It’s tempting, but resist. Piercing lets all those flavorful juices escape, and you’ll end up with dry brats.
- Let them rest. Just a few minutes after cooking helps keep everything juicy and flavorful.
- Watch the temp. Use a meat thermometer and make sure they hit 165°F. Safety first!
- Go big with toppings. Grainy mustard, beer cheese, sauerkraut, or even pickled onions, there’s no wrong way to top a bratwurst.
What to Serve with Bratwurst
Want to round out your dinner? Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with Air Fryer Bratwurst.
- German Potato Salad
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Homemade Steak Fries
- Classic Coleslaw
- Easy Boston Baked Beans
Brat night just became your new favorite dinner tradition.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Love your air fryer as much as I do? Here are a few more recipes you’ll want to try next.
- Juicy Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Crispy Air Fryer Salmon
For more easy dinner ideas, follow us on Facebook!
Air Fryer Bratwurst Recipe
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked bratwurst
- 5 long rolls
- Grainy mustard, sauerkraut, beer cheese sauce, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
- Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the bratwurst for 8 minutes. Using tongs, flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant read thermometer.
- Serve in rolls and with favorite toppings.
Notes
- Do not pierce the brats before cooking. The juices will run out during the cooking process and result in dry bratwurst.
- Be careful when checking the internal temperature, the hot juices can squirt out.
- Let the bratwurst rest a few minutes before serving.
- Nutritional info is for bratwurst only, buns and toppings are not included in the calculation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
