Yes, the air fryer is more than capable to cook your favorite brats. In fact, I think it’s the superior choice. It yields the same results, but it’s much faster. Fifteen minutes, and they’re done! Who says you can’t have a great-tasting brat without the grill? With the air fryer, nothing is impossible.
Air Fryer Brats
Cooking in the air fryer is the surest way to enjoy your favorite sausage, even if the weather isn’t cooperating. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or just way too hot outside, it doesn’t matter. There’s no outdoor grilling necessary – the air fryer gets the job done. All you’ll need is a pack of your favorite brats and the trusty air fryer. There’s absolutely no waiting needed. Just pop them in the air fryer, and 15 minutes later, they’re ready to be devoured.
How to Cook Brats in the Air Fryer
Place the brats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. One package usually contains 5 brats, which perfectly fits my air fryer. If yours is too small, cook the brats in batches. Do not stack or overlap the brats. If you overcrowd the basket, the brats won’t cook properly. Air fryers work by creating and circulating hot air throughout the basket. There has to be enough space for the hot air to circulate, or it won’t be able to heat the food evenly. Air fry the brats at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to preheat first. Check the manual and be sure you adhere to its specifications. Cook the brats for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the basket halfway through and flip the brats over to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Your brats should be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 seconds. If you’re cooking chicken or turkey sausage, the internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the brats rest for 5 minutes before you serve them. Cooking the brats on high heat causes their fat to melt into juice. These juices need a bit of time to redistribute throughout the meat. After 5 minutes or so, they’ll turn into a creamy, semi-solid substance that makes your brats immensely delicious. Besides, your brats will be too hot to eat right after cooking, anyway. You’ll really need a bit of time before you can enjoy them. It’s definitely worth the wait!
How Long Do You Cook Brats in an Air Fryer?
The great thing about air frying brats is that they take way less time to cook. They’re done in just 12 to 15 minutes! Be sure to let the brats rest for 5 minutes post-cooking, though. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the sausage.
Tips for the Best Brats
This recipe calls for frozen brats. There’s no need to thaw beforehand!
Besides, you know how people say you need to let meats come to room temperature before cooking? Yeah, that’s a myth. In fact, it’s harmful to let meats sit out at the counter for prolonged periods! Sausages, in particular, are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria because they’re made of ground meat.
Use uncooked brats for this recipe, not precooked ones. Those only need to be heated in the microwave.Do not stack or overlap the sausages. If it gets too crowded in there, there won’t be enough space for the hot air to move around in.Flip the brats halfway through! That way, both sides will cook perfectly.Do not spray non-stick spray on the basket, as it will damage it over time. Use regular cooking oil instead.Line the air fryer with parchment paper so it absorbs excess grease. This is a useful tip when air frying fatty foods.Place 1 to 2 pieces of bread underneath the air fryer basket. You might have to push down the bread so the basket still fits in the drawer.
The sausages will release grease and fat as they cook. all of that goes under the basket’s holes and then goes up the air fryer’s fan and heating coils. Aside from it being messy, it also causes the air fryer to emit smoke. The bread serves like a sponge that absorbs the fat dripping from the brats, avoiding all that mess and smoke. This technique is useful when air frying fatty foods in general.
Brats are tasty on their own, but they’re even tastier in a bun, topped with sauteed onions, peppers, and melted cheese. Heaven!
How to Make Cheese Sauce
Speaking of cheese, here’s a fantastic cheese sauce recipe for ya! It yields a thick and gooey sauce that pairs beautifully with brats. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup beer 1/2 milk 2 cups shredded cheddar 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons chopped chives Directions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute.
- Pour the beer and milk and stir until thick, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese and paprika. Sprinkle with chives.
What Temperature are Brats Done?
The best way to test for brat doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the tip of the needle into the sausage and check its internal temperature. It should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for pork and beef sausages and 165 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken and turkey. It should stay at that temperature for at least 30 seconds.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
Air Fryer AppetizersAir Fryer DumplingsAir Fryer Dinner RecipesAir Fryer RibsAir Fryer Breakfasts Click on a star to rate it!
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