Cooking frozen brats in air fryer is very easy and fast. No need to thaw before cooking, just put the frozen bratwurst directly into the air fryer basket. It is juicy inside in a short time, and crunchy outside. The air fryer evenly penetrates the fire and confines the taste. It is a great way to have a busy day or a quick meal. The cooked bratwurst is served with ketchup, mustard, onion, sauerkraut and sandwiched between buns. Everyone will love this simple and tasty dinner idea. It is easy to make and sure to make everyone smile after a delicious meal.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Brats?
Cooking frozen brats in air fryer is one of the easiest and fastest way. You do not have to wait for thawing, just put it in the air fryer and cook perfectly every time. The air fryer is crispy outside while the inside is juicy and flavorful. It is also possible to fire evenly without burning or sticking. Furthermore, there is no need for additional oil or grill, making it a cleaner and healthier option. It is a simple and quick way to enjoy delicious Bratwurst without hassle.
Best Air Fryer for Cooking Bratwurst
There are many excellent air fryers that can be used for cooking Bratwurst, but one of the best options is the Instant Pot Air Fryer. Cook the Bratwurst uniformly, keeping it juicy and perfectly crispy on the outside. This air fryer is easy to use, simple to clean, and easily available on Amazon. If you want to enjoy the delicious and perfectly cooked Bratwurst every time, this model is a great choice. If you want to learn more about why Instant Pot Air Fryer is best, read the full guide in this article.
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What You Need Before You Start
Prepare everything you need before cooking frozen brats in air fryer. Frozen bratwurst, air fryer, tongs to turn over during cooking are required. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the brat is fully burned. Buns, mustard, ketchup, or toppings of your choice will make it easier to serve. Also, if the air fryer is preheated for a few minutes, the sausage will fire evenly. With these simple preparations, you can make delicious sausages quickly and easily.
Ingredients:
- 4 to 6 frozen bratwursts (any brand or flavor you like)
- 1 teaspoon of oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Optional seasonings: pepper, garlic powder, or paprika
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Tongs (to flip the brats)
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful to check doneness)
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Brats in Air Fryer
It is very easy and quick way to cook frozen brats in air fryer. Save time because you do not need to unpack. Simply remove the frozen bratwurst from the package and put it in the air fryer basket. The air fryer heats evenly, crunchy outside and juicy inside. It is the best way to eat quickly on busy days. Enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked Bratwurst at any time with simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps your brats cook more evenly and keeps them from sticking to the basket. It also makes the air fryer hot enough to start cooking right away.
Step 2: Place the Frozen Brats
Remove the frozen sausage from the package and place frozen brats in air fryer basket. Be careful not to cram too much into the basket. Leave a little space between each sausage so that the hot air circulates and fires evenly.
Step 3: Start Cooking
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the frozen brats in air fryer for about 7 minutes. This step softens the outside layer and helps the brats start cooking evenly. It is the perfect way to get them ready for the next step.
Step 4: Flip and Continue Cooking
After 7 minutes, open the basket and flip the air fryer brats frozen using tongs. Then increase the temperature to 380°F (195°C) and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. This makes them brown, crispy, and full of flavor on the outside.
Step 5: Check the Temperature
Check the flesh thermometer to ensure that the brats are fully cooked. The internal temperature must reach 160 °F (71 °C). This procedure ensures that Bratz is eaten safely, and the fire passes perfectly to the inside, keeping it juicy and delicious.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
After cooking, remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside so they stay tender and flavorful. Then serve them hot with your favorite sides or toppings.
Air Fryer Cooking Chart for Frozen Brats
Here is a simple air fryer cooking chart to guide you when making frozen brats in air fryer. It shows the right temperature and cooking time for the best results. Use it to get perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy brats every time without any guesswork.
| Air Fryer Temperature | Cooking Time | Notes |
| 350°F (175°C) | 7 minutes | Soften frozen brats |
| 380°F (195°C) | 8–10 minutes | Cook through |
| 400°F (205°C) | Optional 2 minutes | For extra crispy skin |
Tips for Juicy & Crispy Brats
Here are some easy tips to make your frozen brats in the air fryer taste even more delicious. These small steps will help you get perfect brats that are juicy inside and crispy outside every time you cook them.
- Flip while cooking: Turn the brats halfway through so they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 160°F (71°C).
- Add a little oil: Spray a small amount of oil for extra crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Leave space between brats for better air circulation.
- Let them rest: Wait a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Brats
After cooking frozen brats in air fryer, let’s serve them in a delicious way. You can enjoy it in a variety of styles, between buns, on plates, or with your favorite side dish. Brats is excellent with mustard, ketchup, onion, sauerkraut. You can add fries, salads and grilled vegetables. No matter what style you serve, juicy and crispy Brats will be a delicious meal that everyone will be satisfied with. Here are a few tasty ideas:
Classic Brat Sandwich
- Use a warm, toasted hot dog bun.
- Place the cooked brat inside the bun.
- Add some grilled onions and a little mustard on top.
- For extra flavor, add sauerkraut or your favorite toppings.
With Sides
- Crispy French fries for a classic combo.
- Creamy potato salad for a rich and filling side.
- Fresh coleslaw for a crunchy and cool taste.
- Roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful option.
Brat Platter
- Slice your cooked brats into pieces.
- Serve them on a plate with melted cheese.
- Add some pickles on the side for extra crunch.
- Include dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for more flavor.
Variations: Frozen Bratwurst in Air Fryer
You can follow the same steps to cook any kind of frozen brats in air fryer. Whether they are pork, beef, or chicken brats, the method stays the same. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size and thickness.
Here are a few ideas:
- Beer Brats: Brush the brats with a little beer before cooking to give them a rich, deep flavor.
- Cheddar Brats: After air frying, add some melted cheese on top for a creamy, cheesy taste.
- Spicy Brats: Sprinkle a few red chili flakes before cooking for a spicy kick.
- Chicken or Turkey Brats: Cook them 2–3 minutes less because they cook faster than pork or beef brats.
Easy Cleanup Tips
After cooking frozen bratwurst in air fryer, the cleaning process is quick and easy. Several simple steps will keep the air fryer clean and ready for next use. Follow these simple cleaning tips to save time and effort.
- Let the air fryer cool down completely.
- Take out the basket and tray carefully.
- Soak them in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes.
- Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a soft, damp cloth to clean it.
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen brats in air fryer is a way to make easy, quick and delicious meals. No need to thaw or grill. Simply place the frozen sausage in an air fryer and heat it for 15-18 minutes. The inside is juicy and the skin is crispy. Perfect for busy days, family dinners and small parties. This simple method saves time and makes cleanup easy. You still get that homemade flavor every time. To get the best results, try cooking with an Instant Pot Air Fryer. Quick, easy and very delicious, home-style flavor every time.