How To Cook Brats In An Air Fryer?

Do you love the taste of a juicy, flavorful bratwurst but struggle to get it right? If you want to learn how to cook brats in an air fryer, you’re in the right place!

It can be tricky to cook a delicious, tender, and flavorful brat. Fortunately, there’s an easier way that is using your air fryer! 

With this kitchen tool, you can whip up perfectly cooked brats in no time with minimal effort. 

So if you want to enjoy the best-tasting grilled sausages every time, keep reading for our guide on how to cook brats in an air fryer.

Let’s get into it!

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you can cook your brats in an air fryer, there are a few things you need to do. First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need the following:

• Bratwurst sausages
• Air fryer
• Cooking oil (preferably olive or coconut) 
• Seasonings of your choice

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Start by prepping the brats. Prick each sausage several times with a fork or knife. This will help release steam during cooking and prevent bursting. 

Next, rub each sausage lightly with the oil and seasonings of your choice. This step is optional but will add flavor to the brats and help them crisp up during cooking.

Now your brats are ready for the air fryer!  Let’s get cooking.

See also: How To Cook Baby Potatoes In Air Fryer?

How To Cook Brats In An Air Fryer

Cooking brats in an air fryer is quick and easy. Here’s what you need to do: 

Preheat & Cook

Before adding your brats to the air fryer basket, preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Then place the sausage links inside without overcrowding.

Leave at least ½ inch between each one, so they have plenty of space to cook properly. Finally, set the timer for 15 minutes and begin cooking!

As your sausages are frying away in the air fryer, keep an eye on them just in case, as cooking times may vary depending on the size/thickness of each link. 

To check if they’re done, pierce one with a knife. It should be slightly firm but still juicy on the inside.

Let Them Rest & Serve

Once cooked thoroughly, remove from heat immediately and sit for at least five minutes before serving.

Doing this will allow all those delicious juices trapped within the sausage casing to settle back down again, making sure every bite is tender and full of flavor.

See also: How To Cook Breaded Fish In Air Fryer?

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve cooked your brats in an air fryer, you might wonder what to serve them with. As air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying, why not pair it with some equally healthy sides? 

Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes made with low-fat milk, or even a salad are all great choices to complete your air-fried Brat meal.

For a more indulgent side, try some sautéed mushrooms and onions, or mix up your own homemade barbecue sauce for dipping! Nothing beats traditional mustard and ketchup if you want to keep it simple.

The bottom line here is there are many ways to serve your brats. There is no right or wrong. Everyone has different tastes. 

Storage Tips

Here are the best practices for storing leftover or pre-cooked brats for future use.

1. Keep cooked brats in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to four months. 
2. To store uncooked brats, keep them in their original packaging and in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably below 40°F. 
3. Place any leftovers from a cooked meal into an airtight container as soon as possible and refrigerate them within two hours after the cooking time is done. 
4. Reheat any leftovers thoroughly before consuming by bringing them back up to 165°F using either a microwave or oven before serving again.

Cleaning Up Air Fryer After Cooking The Brats

To clean an air fryer after cooking brats, first, remove the basket and empty any remaining food. Then wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove grease and residue. 

Finally, wash the basket in warm soapy water or place it in the dishwasher for thorough cleaning.

See also: How To Cook Boneless Pork Chops In Air Fryer?

Nutrition Considerations

How nutritious are air-fried brats, and what modifications can you make to ensure a healthy meal?

Air-fried brats can be a healthy and delicious option if users try to select the right ingredients. When selecting brats, it’s best to opt for varieties that are low in fat and sodium. 

Additionally, look for brats with more vitamins and minerals, such as those with added spinach or whole-grain options.  

Air-frying can also help minimize fat intake since the air fryer uses little to no oil, so you don’t have to worry about consuming excess calories or saturated fats. 

Air frying is also a great way to cut down on unhealthy additives and preservatives that are often found in pre-packaged brats. 

See also: How To Cook Broccoli In An Air Fryer?

FAQs

Conclusion

Whether you’re a bratwurst connoisseur or just getting started, cooking up juicy, flavorful sausages in an air fryer is the surefire way to success. 

With our guide, you can easily make perfect brats with minimal effort and time – so what are you waiting for? 

Get your grilling on and enjoy the deliciousness of freshly cooked brats!