You can cook precooked brats in the air fryer in just 8–10 minutes at 350°F (177°C) with no preheating required. Air frying keeps the sausages juicy and full of flavor without needing to simmer them in butter or beer. This simple method makes brats an easy year-round favorite — top with your preferred condiments and serve.
🌭 Precooked Brats in Air Fryer
Ingredients for fully cooked brats in the air fryer:
- 2 precooked bratwurst sausages (increase quantity if they fit in a single layer)
- 2 hot dog buns
- Sausage toppings (optional): mustard, sauerkraut, sautéed onions, cheese, etc.
Printable recipe card is available below in the recipe section.
No cooking spray is necessary for this recipe: pork brats contain enough fat that they won’t stick to the air fryer basket. If you prefer to make sausages from scratch, homemade chicken bratwurst mixed with pork is an option — note raw sausages need a longer cook time than precooked ones.
Most air fryer brands will work: Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Instant Vortex, Philips, Cuisinart, etc. You may need to adjust cook times slightly depending on your model.
How long to cook precooked brats in the air fryer:
Remove brats from packaging and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the top rack for air fryer ovens. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes. No preheating or flipping required.
Place cooked brats into buns and air fry an additional 2 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to warm the buns and lightly toast the sausages. Let rest 3–5 minutes before adding toppings and serving.
Because these brats are already cooked, the goal is to warm and brown them. Raw sausages should reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), or 165°F (74°C) if poultry is included.
How to Make Frozen Brats in the Air Fryer
Cook frozen brats in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 13–15 minutes, and verify they reach a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.
How to Cook Raw Brats in the Air Fryer
Raw brats typically take 13–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer. Ensure they reach at least 160°F (71°C) internal temperature before serving. Adjust timing for larger or denser sausages.
🌡️ How to Reheat Brats in Air Fryer
Store cooked brats in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.
🧂 Toppings for Brats
Classic toppings include sautéed onions, mustard, and sauerkraut. Other tasty options:
- Swiss or cheddar cheese
- Caramelized onions or peppers
- Crumbled bacon
- Pickles or fermented vegetables for brightness
Mix and match toppings to suit your taste — bacon and cheese add richness, while sauerkraut and pickles bring acidity to balance the sausage.
Watch How to Make It!
Precooked Brats in Air Fryer (How Long to Cook Pre Cooked Brats)
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 precooked brats
- 2 hot dog buns
- sausage toppings (optional; mustard, sauerkraut, onions, etc.)
Instructions
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1. Remove precooked brats from the package and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the top rack for air fryer ovens. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes.
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2. Transfer brats to buns and air fry an additional 2 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to warm buns and brown the sausages. Let rest 3–5 minutes, add toppings, and serve.
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Bratwurst is a relatively fatty sausage; air frying helps render and reduce some of that fat, especially with raw brats. Unlike simmering brats in butter or beer, air frying doesn’t add extra fat to the sausage.
If your air fryer smokes when cooking fatty meats, try placing a small amount of water or a piece of bread beneath the basket to catch drips; this can help reduce smoke in some models.
Nutrition varies by brand of brat and roll used. The values provided are estimates.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes may not suit everyone’s medical needs or preferences. Consult a registered dietitian or physician for personalized advice.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
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🍟 Side Dishes for Brats
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Kale Apple Slaw
- Air Fryer Whole Baby Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Sausage Recipes
Try these other air fryer sausage dishes for variety:
- Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
- Pork Sausage with Eggs
- Sausage-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Polish Sausage with Potatoes and Mustard Vinaigrette
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