How Long Do You Cook Brats In An Air Fryer
Timing brats in an air fryer usually falls between 12 and 18 minutes at 350°F to 375°F, with a flip halfway through for even browning. So how long do you cook brats in an air fryer exactly? It depends on the thickness of the sausage, your model, and whether they are raw or pre-cooked.
This guide breaks down the timing, temperature, and simple steps so you get juicy brats with a crisp skin every time.
How Long Do You Cook Brats In An Air Fryer
For most raw brats, set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Flip them at the halfway mark. If your brats are pre-cooked (like many store brands), 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F is enough to heat them through and brown the casings.
Thicker brats, like a 1-inch diameter sausage, need the full 18 minutes. Thinner ones finish closer to 12 minutes. Always check the internal temperature before serving.
Quick Timing Chart By Brat Type
- Raw brats (1 inch thick): 16 to 18 minutes at 360°F
- Raw brats (thinner): 12 to 14 minutes at 360°F
- Pre-cooked brats: 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen brats: 18 to 22 minutes at 360°F (add 3 to 5 minutes)
- Beer brats (already simmered): 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F
These times assume a single layer with a little space between each sausage. Crowding the basket steams the brats instead of browning them.
What Temperature Works Best For Air Fryer Brats
350°F to 375°F is the sweet spot. Lower heat (325°F) cooks them slower and can dry out the meat. Higher heat (400°F) browns the outside fast but may leave the center undercooked.
If you want a snappy skin and juicy inside, go with 360°F. That temp gives you a good balance of browning and even cooking.
Should You Prick The Brats First
No. Pricking lets fat and juice escape, which makes the brats dry. Air fryers already circulate hot air, so the casings will brown without any poking.
If a brat splits during cooking, it is usually because the heat was too high or the sausage was too cold when it went in. Let raw brats sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
Step-By-Step Instructions For Air Fryer Brats
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. This helps the casings crisp up faster.
- Pat the brats dry with a paper towel. Moisture on the surface prevents browning.
- Lightly coat the basket with oil or use a perforated liner. Do not use parchment paper that blocks airflow.
- Place brats in a single layer. Leave about half an inch between them.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then flip each brat with tongs.
- Cook another 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F for raw pork brats or 165°F for chicken brats.
- Rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside.
Total time from start to plate is about 20 minutes, including preheat and rest.
How To Tell When Brats Are Done
Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the thickest part. For raw brats, 160°F is the target. For pre-cooked brats, 145°F is fine since they are already safe to eat.
No thermometer? Cut into one brat. The inside should be grayish-white with no pink and the juices should run clear.
Common Mistakes That Affect Cooking Time
- Overcrowding the basket. This adds 3 to 5 minutes and steams the meat.
- Not preheating. Cold air fryers need 2 to 3 extra minutes.
- Skipping the flip. One side gets dark while the other stays pale.
- Using high heat to save time. You get burnt skin and a raw center.
- Forgetting to rest. Cutting too soon loses juice and makes them dry.
Small changes like these can shift your total cook time by several minutes. Stay close to the fryer the first time you make a new brand of brats.
Do You Need To Add Oil Or Butter
A light spray of oil helps browning, but it is not required. Brats have plenty of fat. If you want extra flavor, brush them with a little melted butter or beer during the last 2 minutes.
Adding liquid inside the air fryer is not a good idea. It creates steam and ruins the crispy texture.
Reheating And Storing Leftover Brats
Store cooked brats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes. Microwaving works but makes the skin rubbery.
You can also freeze cooked brats for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brats
Classic pairings include toasted buns, sauerkraut, grilled onions, and mustard. You can also slice them into pasta, soups, or sheet-pan dinners. Air fryer brats hold up well in all of these.
If you cook onions and peppers alongside the brats, add them during the last 8 minutes. They need less time than the sausage.
Final Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Brats
Stick with 360°F for raw brats and 350°F for pre-cooked ones. Flip at the halfway point. Check the internal temp instead of guessing. And always leave space in the basket.
Once you know your air fryer’s quirks, you can nail the timing without a thermometer. Most people find 15 minutes at 360°F with one flip is the magic number for a standard raw brat.
Try a small batch first, note the time that works for your model, and use that as your go-to from then on.