Got these brats from Johnsonville the other day and let me tell you – cooking them in the air fryer is just plain smart. No fussing with a grill or making a mess on the stovetop. Pop those sausages in the basket, and the air fryer does all the work, giving you that lovely crispy outside and keeping all the good juicy stuff inside where it belongs.
Started doing this when I needed to feed a bunch of folks at our block party, and wouldn't you know it – worked like a charm. The hot air swirls around each brat just right, getting that skin nice and snappy (you know, that satisfying bite you're after), while the meat stays moist and flavorful.
It's become my go-to way for cooking brats now, whether it's just for a regular Tuesday supper or when the neighbors drop by. Nothing fancy about it – just good, honest cooking that gets the job done right every time. Simple as that.
Recipe
Air fryer brats offer a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional grilling or pan-frying methods. Using Johnsonville Bratwurst guarantees a perfect blend of seasonings and high-quality meat that delivers authentic German-inspired flavor right from your kitchen.
The beauty of cooking bratwurst in an air fryer lies in its ability to achieve that desirable crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. This method also reduces the mess associated with grilling or stovetop cooking, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or indoor cooking during inclement weather.
Ingredients:
- 5 Johnsonville Bratwurst links
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 bratwurst buns
- Yellow mustard (optional)
- Sauerkraut (optional)
- Diced onions (optional)
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly brush the bratwurst with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Cook for 12-14 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving. Place the cooked bratwurst in buns and add desired toppings.
For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as this can result in uneven cooking. If the bratwurst are frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. To keep the buns warm and slightly toasted, place them in the air fryer for the last 30 seconds of cooking. Pierce the bratwurst a few times before cooking to prevent them from splitting, but don't pierce too many times as this can release the flavorful juices.
Bratwurst has been a cherished German sausage tradition since the 1300s, and today it remains a staple at backyard gatherings and sporting events across America. While grilling is the conventional cooking method, air fryers offer a convenient alternative that delivers the same golden-brown exterior and juicy interior without firing up the grill.
This recipe features Johnsonville bratwurst, a Wisconsin-based company that's been making authentic German-style sausages since 1945. Air frying brats takes less time than traditional methods, requires minimal cleanup, and can be done year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Conclusion
Air fryer brats are a real game-changer in my kitchen. While my grandmother would've simmered these beauties in beer and onions for hours, I've found these Johnsonville bratwursts turn out just perfect in the air fryer. They get that satisfying snap when you bite into them, and stay wonderfully juicy inside. Just like the traditional way, but without all the fuss.
Now, some folks might say it's not proper to cook brats this way, but let me tell you – when you're tired after a long day and craving a hearty sausage with some good mustard and sauerkraut, this method is a blessing. The brats develop a nice golden-brown crust, and the meat stays tender and flavorful. I've been cooking these for years, and while it may not be what they do in Munich, it sure works in my kitchen.
No standing over a hot grill, no worrying about flare-ups, just honest-to-goodness good eating in minutes. Sometimes the simplest methods give the best results, and these air fryer brats prove it every time.