When you’re in the mood for bratwurst but the weather isn’t cooperating, using your air fryer is an excellent option!
Air fryer brats cook up quickly, with a crispy exterior and perfectly done interior. I’ve tested cooking times and temperatures with my Instant Pot Air Fryer lid and will provide 2 options for you to choose from, depending upon how you like your brats to be cooked.
Either way, you’ll be delighted to enjoy your delicious bratwurst in less than 20 minutes of cooking time. Absolutely perfect for those days when you’re trying to throw a meal together in between dozens of other things.
Which is practically every day, am I right?
Why I love this recipe
I’ve always been skeptical about cooking sausages on anything other than an outdoor grill. It’s tough to replicate that texture grilling provides: crispy bits on the outside holding in that piping hot filling.
But let's face it, some days are just not "grill friendly."
The air fryer is a lot like a broiler and convection oven all in one small space. Intense heat coming from above and air movement circulating that heat around to facilitate even cooking.
I have made these at 2 different temperatures. In order to get crispy brats in the air fryer, use the higher temp (400F). You will be rewarded with well-done brats with a slight char, just how you like them.
Want less crisp? Use the lower temp (375F). The brats are just as well done but will not have the crisp exterior. This is especially helpful to know if you are feeding multiple people with different preferences about this.
Ingredients
You need bratwurst of course, plus I recommend a little oil in the basket to help prevent sticking. I also add a little Liquid Smoke to the air fryer to provide a little "smoky" essence, but this is optional. 😀
How to make air fryer bratwurst
I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, and these instructions are specific to that model. Air fryers do vary, so if you have a different kind use these instructions as a starting point which you might need to tweak.
I like to start by greasing the air fryer basket a little. You wouldn’t think this would be necessary, right? Brats have grease of their own!
But for me, they do tend to stick to the basket a little. So I find it easier to just brush a little olive oil on the basket before adding the brats.
I also include one optional ingredient: Liquid Smoke. I like to put a dash of it in the bottom of the Instant Pot liner with some water. This is entirely optional, but it does provide just a little bit of that smoky essence you get from a grill.
Now, place the air fryer basket in the inner pot and fill it with the brats in a single layer. I can squeeze 5 in the basket at a time, which is about the limit.
Cover with the air fryer lid and set the cycle one of these ways:
For well done, not crispy brats: 375F for 12-15 minutes, turning midway. (see note)
For well done with crispy skins: 400F for 12-15 minutes, turning midway. (see note)
NOTE: brats should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. I use a meat thermometer to verify when the brats are up to temperature, which is typically at the-12 minute mark. If you are not using a meat thermometer, the longer time is recommended to be safe.
These recipes will make it a meal
- Red Skin Potato Salad
- Vegetarian Slow Cooker Beans
- Homemade Coleslaw
- Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
- Cheesy Brat Stew
📖 Recipe
Brats in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bratwurst about 5
- Oil for basket
- Optional: Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- Lightly coat Instant Pot air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.Oil for basket
- If using, place a dash of Liquid Smoke in the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot and add a little water. Then place the basket inside the inner pot.Optional: Liquid Smoke
- Place bratwurst in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If using a meat thermometer, insert the probe lengthwise into one of the brats before placing in the air fryer basket.16 ounces bratwurst
- Place air fryer lid on the Instant Pot and set cycle to Air Fry for 15 minutes at 400F. For less crispy brats, set temperature to 375F.
- Turn the brats midway through the cycle, or when the air fryer lid signals to do so.
- If using a meat thermometer, brats are done when the internal temperature reaches 160F. A few more minutes will make the skin a little more crispy!
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Emily
Such an easy way to cook brats and the liquid smoke addition was so smart. Everyone loved them.
Sula
Wonderful! Thanks for the kind review!