Brats in the air fryer come out juicy with a snappy casing when you get the cook time right for their thickness. So how long does it take to cook brats in the air fryer? For most raw bratwurst, it takes 12 to 15 minutes at 360°F to 375°F, depending on how thick they are and whether they are raw or pre-cooked.
This guide breaks down exact times by thickness, temperature settings, and a few easy steps so your brats cook through without drying out.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Brats In The Air Fryer
The short answer sits between 12 and 15 minutes for raw brats. Pre-cooked or par-boiled brats need less time, usually 8 to 10 minutes. The number moves up or down based on three things: thickness, starting temperature, and your air fryer model.
Here is a quick reference table you can follow.
- Thin raw brats (about 1 inch thick): 10 to 12 minutes
- Standard raw brats (1.25 to 1.5 inches): 12 to 15 minutes
- Thick raw brats (over 1.5 inches): 15 to 18 minutes
- Pre-cooked brats: 8 to 10 minutes
Always flip them halfway through. This helps both sides brown evenly and keeps the casing from splitting on one side.
Why Thickness Matters More Than Weight
A brat can weigh the same as another but cook at a different speed. What really matters is how far heat has to travel to the center. A fat, short brat takes longer than a long, thin one.
Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure. Bratwurst should hit 160°F in the middle. If you see that number, pull them out even if the timer has not gone off.
Best Temperature For Air Fryer Brats
Set your air fryer to 360°F for raw brats. This gives the inside time to cook before the outside burns. If you want a darker, crispier skin, bump it to 375°F for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
Pre-cooked brats do fine at 375°F the whole way. They only need to heat through and brown.
Step-By-Step: Cooking Raw Brats In The Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes. This is not required on every model, but it helps the casing crisp up faster.
- Prick each brat once or twice with a fork. This lets steam escape and stops the skin from bursting.
- Place brats in a single layer. Do not stack them. Leave a little space between each one so air moves around.
- Cook for 6 minutes, then flip with tongs.
- Cook another 6 to 8 minutes, checking the internal temp at the 12-minute mark.
- Pull them at 160°F. Let them rest 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Total time lands between 12 and 15 minutes for standard raw brats. Add 2 to 3 minutes if yours are on the thick side or if you started them cold from the fridge.
Do You Need To Preheat The Air Fryer
Not all air fryers need preheating, but it helps. A hot basket gives the brats a head start on browning. If you skip it, add about 2 minutes to the cook time.
Small basket models heat faster than large oven-style air fryers. Watch your first batch closely and note the time that works for your machine.
Should You Boil Brats Before Air Frying
You can, but you do not have to. Boiling for 10 minutes first cuts air fryer time to about 6 to 8 minutes. It also lowers the risk of a raw center in very thick brats.
If you skip boiling, just give thick brats the full 15 to 18 minutes and check the temp. Both ways work fine.
Tips For Juicy Brats With A Snappy Casing
- Do not overcrowd the basket. One layer only.
- Flip once at the halfway point.
- Use tongs, not a fork, for flipping after the first prick. Too many holes let juice out.
- Spray a light coat of oil on the basket or the brats for better browning.
- Rest the brats a few minutes before eating so the juices settle.
- Cook to temp, not just to time. Every air fryer runs a little different.
These small habits make a big difference. A brat that hits 160°F and rests briefly stays moist inside while the skin stays crisp.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
The biggest mistake is cooking at too high a heat for too long. That splits the casing and dries out the meat. Stay at 360°F for raw brats and only raise the heat at the end if you want more color.
Another common slip is stacking brats on top of each other. The ones in the middle steam instead of roast, so they never brown.
Also, do not rely on the timer alone. Air fryer models vary a lot. A 1400-watt basket fryer cooks faster than a 1700-watt oven-style unit in some cases, and slower in others. The thermometer is your best friend here.
How Long To Cook Different Types Of Brats
Raw Pork Bratwurst
Raw pork brats are the standard. Cook at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once. Target 160°F internal.
Chicken Brats
Chicken brats are leaner and can dry out fast. Cook at 360°F for 10 to 13 minutes. Chicken needs 165°F internal, so check early and often.
Pre-Cooked Or Smoked Brats
These are already safe to eat, so you are just heating and browning. Cook at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once. They are done when the outside is browned and the inside is hot.
Frozen Brats
You can cook brats from frozen, but add time. Expect 18 to 22 minutes at 360°F. Flip twice during cooking so they thaw and brown evenly. Check the temp before serving.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brats
Brats pair well with simple sides. Try toasted buns, sauerkraut, grilled onions, or a mustard dip. Air fryer fries or roasted peppers cook in the same machine, which saves you time.
If you have leftover brats, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes so the casing crisps back up. The microwave works too, but the skin turns soft and rubbery.
Final Word On Cook Time
For most raw brats, 12 to 15 minutes at 360°F gets you a juicy center and a snappy skin. Thicker brats need closer to 18 minutes. Pre-cooked ones finish in 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
Use a thermometer, flip halfway, and do not crowd the basket. Do that and your air fryer brats will come out right every single time, no guesswork needed.