This recipe is great for a quick and tasty meal and a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of brats sausages without having to fire up the grill. So, if you want to try something new and tasty, let’s start and learn how to make air fryer brats!

Make this currywurst sauce for your brats for a truly authentic German culinary experience.

Using an air fryer, you can easily cook up a batch of perfectly crispy bratwurst sausage.

Ingredients

• 1 package uncooked bratwurst (about 4–5 brats)

• Optional veggie mix:

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

  • ½ onion, sliced

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ⅓ tsp black pepper

• Optional beer brats: soak brats in beer for 30 minutes before air frying

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the brats
Arrange bratwursts in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C). For extra browning and crispy skin, cook to 185–190°F (85–88°C).

(Optional: Flip the brats halfway through for even browning, though it’s not required.)

3. Add peppers & onions (variation)
In a small bowl, toss sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add them to the basket with the brats, spreading them out evenly. Cook together until the brats are done and the veggies are tender.

4. Serve
Remove brats from the air fryer, let rest for 2–3 minutes, then serve on buns or with your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer — it’s the best way to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat brats.

• For a beer flavor boost, simmer brats in beer for 15–20 minutes before air frying.

• Avoid overcrowding the basket — airflow is key for crisp, evenly browned sausages.

Serving Ideas

• On a toasted bun with mustard and sauerkraut

• With roasted potatoes or fries

• With peppers, onions, and a side of German potato salad

These bad boys are packed with flavor, and cooking them in the Air-Fryer ensures that they’re juicy and succulent every time. So go ahead, share the love and pin this amazing recipe to your Pinterest board! Your taste buds (and your followers) will thank you.

Brats Variations and Toppings

When it comes to simple yet delicious toppings, sauerkraut, onions, and mustard are always at the top of our list. But if you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few more of our favorite options:

How about trying caramelized onions or adding chopped bell peppers to your air fryer for the last minutes of cooking? This will give your dish a unique and delicious twist! Plus, it’s easy to add color and flavor to your meal. Give it a try and see how it transforms your dish into something truly special.

Elevate your sandwich game by adding some tangy, crunchy pickles! Try sweet or dill pickles, pickled red onions, or relish to boost your brats.

How about spicing up your brats with a generous dollop of your favorite cheese or tangy ketchup? Or why not try a new burger sauce to add some extra flavor to your meal? You can also add some bacon bits; why not? The possibilities are endless! 

Cooking time for frozen brats in the air fryer

When you cook frozen bratwurst in an air fryer, you can expect a cooking time of around 16-17 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the bratwurst, using a meat thermometer, to ensure that they reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is especially important when cooking beer brats, as the extra moisture can affect the cook time. To be safe, add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure that your bratwurst are cooked to perfection.