Brats in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 16 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook brats in an air fryer at 180°C / 360°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh bratwurst
- 1 tsp oil (optional)
- 1 onion, sliced (optional)
- Brioche or pretzel rolls, to serve
- Sauerkraut, to serve
- Mustard, to serve
Method
- 1Pat the bratwurst dry and prick once or twice.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
- 3Place the sausages in a single layer with room around each.
- 4Cook 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden.
- 5Confirm the centre reaches 71°C/160°F.
- 6Rest 2 minutes and tuck into rolls with sauerkraut and mustard.
Tips for the best results
- German bratwurst turns out plump and evenly browned in the air fryer, with none of the flare-ups of a grill. The circulating heat gives that snappy skin while keeping the coarse pork filling juicy.
- Do not overcrowd; bratwurst are fat and need airflow to brown.
- For extra colour, bump to 200°C for the final 2 minutes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer bratwurst steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Bratwurst is ready at 71°C / 160°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook brats in an air fryer?
Fresh bratwurst takes 12-14 minutes at 180°C / 360°F. Flip halfway. The USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart lists 71°C / 160°F for ground pork. There is no need to boil them first.
What temperature and time for air fryer bratwurst?
A typical starting point is 180°C / 360°F for 12-14 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer bratwurst is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Bratwurst should reach 71°C / 160°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer bratwurst serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Should I boil the brats in beer first?
Not necessary in the air fryer, but a quick beer simmer first adds flavour if you have time.