This quick, effortless method delivers perfectly juicy, flavorful brats every time.
I can’t say I’m the biggest baseball fan. But you know what I am totally a fan of? Baseball park food. Popcorn, nuts, and, most of all, brats! I went to a baseball game as a child, but I couldn’t tell you which teams were playing. I CAN, however, tell you about getting my tiny paws on one of those brats. It seemed so huge! I went over to the condiments stand and used the pumps to drizzle on so much ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayo (yes, mayo) on that thing. Then the pickles and onions. I even reached for the banana peppers, but my dad suggested I try the sausage without them first. I must have added an extra pound to the weight of my “snack.” That sausage didn’t stand a chance; I devoured the whole thing and never looked back.
These days, there’s no need to wait for a game to relive that experience. Thanks to the air fryer, you can get perfect brats in minutes with almost no effort at all. It’s the easiest way to get that same sizzling, juicy, flavor-packed sausage without firing up the grill or waiting for perfect weather. They come out browned on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready to load up with every condiment in your fridge.
These brats make for an easy, family-friendly dinner—I defy you to find anyone who doesn’t love a hot dog or a sausage in a bun. It’s all the joy of ballpark eating without crowds, overpriced snacks, or sitting through three hours of baseball.
Build your perfect brat
One of the best parts of serving brats for dinner is that everyone can make theirs exactly how they like it. Start with different sausage varieties—mild, spicy, or even cheese-stuffed brats—for a fun twist on the classic. Then go classic with yellow mustard and sauerkraut, or pile on caramelized onions, spicy brown mustard, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Try topping them with tangy barbecue sauce with crispy fried onions, or tuck them into pretzel-style buns and drizzle on beer cheese for a pub-style twist.
To make things even more fun, turn it into a build-your-own brat night. Set out a toppings bar with all the condiments hiding in your fridge—relish, pickles, banana peppers, mayo, even hot sauce—and let everyone load up their bun just the way they want. It’s a great way to clear out half-empty jars, keep picky eaters happy, and turn a simple dinner into something a little more memorable.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the brats cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, or wrap them individually in plastic. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each brat individually and place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag; they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the brats straight from the freezer in your air fryer until they are hot all the way through.
Serving suggestions
When it comes to sides, serve these brats with Traditional German Potato Salad because one good German dish deserves another! Or keep things bright with a Lemon Macaroni Salad. For something light and cooling, a Creamy Cucumber Salad offers the perfect contrast to the rich sausages. And if you’re craving something starchy and indulgent, Classic Scalloped Potatoes will absolutely hit the spot.
Air Fryer Brats
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst sausages
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the bratwursts into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip over and cook 5-6 minutes on the other side. Serve hot.
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