Have you ever craved that satisfying snap of a bratwurst without the fuss of firing up the grill? Me too—especially on busy weeknights or casual weekends. That’s why I fell in love with cooking brats in the air fryer.

Hi, I’m Olivia Bearish, certified dietician and founder of Fruititian.com. Here I’ll show you how to whip up perfectly crispy, juicy brats with minimal effort—and less guilt—while keeping things balanced and flavorful.

Why I Use the Air Fryer for Brats

Because who has time to grill in winter? Not me! But I didn’t want to sacrifice that beloved brat texture. The air fryer turned out to be a revelation:

• Zero charcoal or hassle, just push a button

• Less oil, less fat, but still crispy

• Fast heating and no cleanup stress—baskets pop right out!

If you’re someone like me, who loves that brunch dater vibe but with kitchen sanity, this method is for you.

How to Cook Brats in the Air Fryer (Simple & Reliable)

Here’s exactly how I do it—no guessing, no mishaps, just brats that make you feel like you’ve fired up a grill.

Ingredients I Use

• 4 uncooked bratwursts (pork, chicken, or plant-based)

• Optional: spritz of olive oil (about 1 tsp) for extra crisp

Nutrition pick: I look for nitrate-free, low-sodium brats—because I believe in enjoying the flavor without sacrificing health.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes.

2. Place brats in a single layer in the basket. They need space to crisp.

3. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.

4. Check internal temp: 160°F for pork, 165°F if poultry.

5. Optional: spritz with oil again for an extra golden snap—then air fry 1-2 minutes more.

Tip: Rest them 2 minutes before slicing. That way, every bite stays juicy.

Frozen Brats? No Problem!

If you forgot to thaw your brats, just add about 5 extra minutes and cook straight from frozen. The air fryer handles it beautifully. Just verify that internal temperature hits the safe mark.

What to Pair with Your Air-Fried Brats

I always aim for balance—so while brats are indulgent, I serve them with nourishing sides. Here’s what works best:

Olivia’s Go-To Pairings

• Air-fried sweet potato wedges (cooked alongside brats)

• Tangy sauerkraut or cabbage slaw (fiber-rich and refreshing)

• Whole grain mustard or pickles (adds brightness without extra calories)

• Simple grain bowls: brown rice + veggies + sliced brat

• Lettuce wrap or whole grain bun, if you’re in bun mode

These sides bulk out the meal with fiber, vitamins, and color—with no extra effort.

Nutrition Breakdown: Air Fryer Brats

Even comfort foods can fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a snapshot for one pork brat (85g) cooked in the air fryer:

Pro Tips from Olivia:

• Choose poultry or lean pork variants to cut down on saturated fat.

• Watch added sodium by selecting brands under 700mg per link.

• Pairing with fiber-rich veggies fills you up with less effort.

Fun Ways to Use Leftovers

Air fryer brats can carry over beautifully into other meals. Here are ideas for busy or celebratory days:

Creative Brat Bowls & Slices

• Chop into pieces for protein-packed salads or grain bowls.

• Brat scramble: add chopped brats to eggs with peppers and spinach.

• Use slices as toppings for flatbreads or homemade pizzas.

You can enjoy that brat flavor without repetition fatigue.

Expert Storage & Reheat Hacks

• Keep cooked brats in the fridge for up to 4 days in sealed containers.

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes for peak crispness.

• Avoid the microwave—it tends to soften the casing and lose texture.

Final Thoughts (From Olivia)

There’s something deeply satisfying about that brat casing snap—but it doesn’t have to be messy or greasy. Cooking brats in the air fryer delivers grill-like results with none of the extra oil or cleanup stress.

As a dietician, I believe every meal should bring you joy and nourishment. When paired with fiber-rich sides and high-quality ingredients, brats become an indulgence you don’t need to feel guilty about—just look forward to.

Want To Learn How To Make The PERFECT BRATWURSTS? Click Here!