Raw brats take roughly 15 minutes in the air fryer, while pre-cooked varieties finish in about 8 to 10 minutes. So if your wondering how long should i cook brats in the air fryer, the answer mostly depends on whether your brats are raw or already cooked.
That is the short version. The rest of this guide breaks it down by type, temperature, and size so you get juicy brats every single time.
How Long Should I Cook Brats In The Air Fryer
Most air fryers run hot and fast, which makes them great for brats. The key is matching your cook time to the type of brat you bought.
- Raw brats: 14 to 16 minutes at 360°F (182°C)
- Pre-cooked brats: 8 to 10 minutes at 360°F (182°C)
- Frozen raw brats: 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C)
- Thin breakfast-style brats: 10 to 12 minutes at 360°F
Always flip them halfway through. This helps them brown evenly and keeps the casing from splitting on one side.
Why The Type Of Brat Matters So Much
Raw brats are ground meat in a casing. They need to reach a safe internal temp of 160°F (71°C) before you eat them.
Pre-cooked brats are already fully cooked at the factory. You are basically reheating them and adding color, so they finish much faster.
If you cook a pre-cooked brat for 15 minutes, it will dry out. If you pull a raw brat at 8 minutes, it may still be pink inside. So check the package first.
Best Temperature For Air Fryer Brats
360°F is the sweet spot for most air fryers. It is hot enough to brown the outside without burning the casing.
Some people like 350°F for a gentler cook. Others bump it to 375°F for a crisper skin. Both work, but you may need to adjust the time by a minute or two.
- 350°F: softer skin, slightly longer cook
- 360°F: balanced browning and juiciness
- 375°F: crispier outside, watch closely near the end
Step-By-Step: Cooking Raw Brats In An Air Fryer
Here is the simple method that works in almost every air fryer model.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. This is optional but helps with browning.
- Prick each brat once or twice with a fork. This lets some fat escape and stops the casing from bursting.
- Place brats in a single layer. Do not stack them or they will steam instead of brown.
- Cook for 7 minutes, then flip each brat with tongs.
- Cook another 7 to 9 minutes until the internal temp hits 160°F.
- Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. The juices settle and the skin tightens up.
Total time is usually right around 15 minutes. Thicker brats may need 16 or 17 minutes. Smaller ones might be done at 13 or 14.
How To Tell When Brats Are Done
The best way is a meat thermometer. Stick it into the center of the thickest part.
- 160°F (71°C) for raw pork or beef brats
- 165°F (74°C) for raw chicken brats
- 140°F (60°C) is fine for pre-cooked brats since they are already safe
No thermometer? Cut one brat open. The inside should be firm and gray-brown, not pink and squishy.
Tips For Better Air Fryer Brats
Small changes make a big difference in texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave a little space between each brat.
- Flip halfway. This is the number one rule for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Skip the foil. Air fryers need airflow to work right.
- Add a splash of water to the bottom tray if your brats are very lean. It keeps them moist.
Should You Boil Brats Before Air Frying
You do not have to. Air frying alone gives you a good result.
But if you want that classic beer-brat texture, you can simmer them in beer or broth for 10 minutes first. Then air fry for 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F to crisp the skin.
This two-step method takes longer, but the inside stays extra juicy. It is a popular move for game day and cookouts.
Can You Cook Frozen Brats In The Air Fryer
Yes. You just need more time and a slightly lower temp.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place frozen brats in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip.
- Cook another 8 to 10 minutes until the center reaches 160°F.
Frozen brats can take 18 to 20 minutes total. Do not thaw them first unless you are in a hurry. Cooking from frozen actually helps them stay moist inside.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most bad air fryer brats come from one of these five mistakes.
- Cooking pre-cooked brats as long as raw ones
- Forgetting to flip them halfway
- Stacking brats on top of each other
- Not checking the internal temperature
- Walking away during the last few minutes
That last one matters. Air fryers cook fast, and a brat can go from perfect to burnt in 90 seconds.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brats
Brats go with almost anything. Some easy sides that cook well in the same appliance or on the stove:
- Air fryer potato wedges
- Grilled onions and peppers
- Toasted buns with mustard and sauerkraut
- Simple coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1 minute at 350°F while the brats rest. It makes a big difference.
Storing And Reheating Leftover Brats
Keep leftover brats in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not use the microwave if you can help it. It makes the casing rubbery and the inside dry.
You can also slice cold brats and toss them into pasta, soup, or a breakfast hash.
Quick Recap
Raw brats need about 15 minutes at 360°F. Pre-cooked brats need 8 to 10 minutes. Frozen raw brats need 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F.
Flip halfway, check the internal temp, and do not overcrowd the basket. Do that, and your air fryer brats will come out juicy with a nice snap every time.