Air Fryer Brats-Air Fryer Brats: A Healthier and Tastier Way to Cook Your Favorite Sausage

Bratwurst is a popular type of sausage that originates from Germany. It is a flavorful and juicy sausage that can be enjoyed in many ways, such as grilling, pan-frying, and boiling. However, if you’re looking for a healthier and tastier way to cook your favorite sausage, then consider using an air fryer.

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It circulates hot air around the food, which produces a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with little to no oil. This means that you can enjoy the delicious flavor and texture of bratwurst without the added oil and calories.

Tips and suggestions for air fryer brats recipes

Name: Best Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Brats ready in 15 Mins
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked bratwurst; 5 hoagie rolls optional; toppings for serving dijon mustard sauerkraut, pickles, etc

Preheat the air fryer: It’s important to preheat your air fryer before adding the brats. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get that crispy, browned exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to leave some space between each brat to allow for air to circulate.
Brush with oil: To ensure that the brats get crispy and browned, brush them lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Flip halfway through cooking: To ensure that both sides of the brats cook evenly, flip them over halfway through the cooking time.
Check for doneness: To make sure the brats are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe minimum internal temperature for brats is 160°F.
Add toppings after cooking: Once the brats are cooked, you can add your favorite toppings such as sauerkraut, onions, mustard, or cheese.
Experiment with seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to add some extra flavor to your brats. Some popular seasonings for brats include garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
Pair with a side dish: Air fryer brats pair well with a variety of side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

By following these tips and suggestions, you can make delicious, crispy air fryer brats that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

Air fryer brats recipes have several benefits:

Healthier Option: Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer can be a healthier option as it requires little to no oil, which means that you’ll consume fewer calories and less fat. This can be especially beneficial if you’re trying to watch your weight or have certain health concerns.
Convenience: Air fryers are very easy to use and require little preparation, making them a convenient option for busy individuals who want a quick and delicious meal.
Even Cooking: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring that it cooks evenly on all sides. This is especially important when cooking bratwurst, which can be tricky to cook evenly on a grill or stove.
Versatility: Air fryers can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, and even desserts. This makes them a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to prepare a variety of meals.
Time-Saving: Cooking bratwurst in an air fryer is much faster than cooking it on a grill or stove, which can save you time in the kitchen. It also means that you can have a hot meal on the table in no time.

Most asked questions about air fryer brats

1. How long do I cook brats in air fryer?

The cooking time for bratwurst in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the bratwurst. However, as a general guideline, you can cook bratwurst in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the bratwurst using a meat thermometer, and make sure it reaches 160°F to be considered fully cooked. If you’re cooking frozen bratwurst in an air fryer, it may take a few extra minutes to cook, so you should add a few more minutes to the cooking time.

2. How do I know when the air fry brats are done cooking?

To know if the air fryer brats are done cooking, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the brats using a meat thermometer. The brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be considered fully cooked and safe to eat.

You can also slice into the bratwurst to check if it’s fully cooked, but it’s not the best method as it can release the juices and result in dry bratwurst. So, it’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Once the bratwurst has reached the desired temperature, you can remove them from the air fryer and serve them as desired.

3. What other seasonings or ingredients can I add to the brats air fryer?

You can add a variety of seasonings and ingredients to your bratwurst before cooking them in an air fryer to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include:

1. Onions and peppers: Slice up some onions and peppers and add them to the air fryer basket with the bratwurst. They will cook together, and the onions and peppers will add some sweetness and crunch to your brats.
2. Garlic: Crush some garlic cloves and rub them over the bratwurst before cooking them. Garlic adds a bold and savory flavor to the brats.
3. Mustard: Brush some mustard over the bratwurst before cooking to add some tanginess and depth of flavor.
4. Sauerkraut: You can add some sauerkraut to the air fryer basket with the brats during the last few minutes of cooking. The sauerkraut will add some tanginess and crunch to the brats.

4. Why ninja foodi air fryer brats is healthy?

Cooking brats in a Ninja Foodi air fryer can be a healthier alternative to traditional methods of cooking because it requires little to no oil. Air frying uses hot air to circulate around the food, which produces a crispy texture similar to deep frying, but without the added oil and calories.

By using an air fryer to cook brats, you can reduce the amount of fat and calories consumed compared to traditional cooking methods like pan-frying or grilling, which often require added oil or butter. In addition, air frying can also help reduce the formation of harmful compounds that may be produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures.

Furthermore, the Ninja Foodi air fryer has a non-stick ceramic coating, which means you don’t need to add additional fats or oils to prevent sticking. This can further reduce the overall fat and calorie content of your brats.

That being said, it’s still important to keep in mind that bratwursts are processed meat and can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats. So, while air frying can be a healthier alternative to other cooking methods, it’s still recommended to consume brats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

5. Can I cook frozen brats in air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen brats in air fryer, but it will require a longer cooking time. When cooking frozen brats in air fryer, you will need to add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Here’s how to cook frozen brats in air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
Place the frozen brats in air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Cook the brats for 18-20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking process.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bratwurst, which should be 160°F to be fully cooked.
Once the bratwurst is fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the bratwurst, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Also, it’s important to note that frozen brats may release more moisture during cooking, which can cause the air fryer basket to become more crowded with steam. If this happens, you may need to adjust the cooking time or remove some of the brats from the basket to ensure they cook evenly.

Best Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Brats ready in 15 Mins

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Brats: A Healthier and Tastier Way to Cook Your Favorite Sausage

Author: Natalie
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound uncooked bratwurst
5 hoagie rolls optional
toppings for serving dijon mustard sauerkraut, pickles, etc

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
Place the brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook them for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve in rolls and/or with desired toppings.

Notes

Ensure brats reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do not pierce the brats before cooking or they will lose their juices. Use caution when checking the temperature, they can squirt hot liquid when pierced.
Allow brats to cool for a few minutes before serving or topping.
Nutritional information is for brats only and does not include toppings or buns. Information is an estimate and will vary based on brands.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for up to 5 minutes or until heated through.
Leftovers are great added to pasta or pizza.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 302 | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 767mg | Potassium: 316mg | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg