Air fryer brats develop a crispy exterior and juicy interior when cooked at the right temperature setting. So what temperature do you cook brats in an air fryer? The short answer is 360°F (182°C) for most raw bratwurst, though pre-cooked brats can go a bit higher at 375°F (190°C).
This guide breaks down the exact temps, times, and steps so your brats come out perfect every single time.
What Temperature Do You Cook Brats In An Air Fryer
The ideal cooking temperature for brats in an air fryer is 360°F. This setting gives the sausage enough heat to cook through without burning the casing.
If you set the temp too high, the skin splits open and the juices run out. Too low, and the brats take forever and dry out before they brown.
Here is a quick reference for the most common types:
- Raw bratwurst: 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes
- Pre-cooked or smoked brats: 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes
- Frozen brats: 360°F for 18 to 22 minutes
- Thick jumbo brats: 350°F for 16 to 20 minutes
Always check the internal temp reaches 160°F before you eat them. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Why 360°F Works Best For Bratwurst
Brats are ground pork and beef stuffed into a natural casing. That casing needs moderate, steady heat to crisp up without bursting.
At 360°F, the air fryer circulates hot air around each sausage evenly. The outside browns while the inside stays moist and tender.
Higher temps like 400°F cook the outside way faster then the inside. You end up with a burnt skin and a raw middle, which nobody wants.
How Long To Cook Brats At 360°F
Time depends on thickness and whether the brat is raw or pre-cooked. Use these numbers as your starting point.
- Raw brats: 12 to 15 minutes, flip at the halfway mark
- Pre-cooked brats: 8 to 10 minutes, flip once
- Frozen brats: 18 to 22 minutes, flip twice
Add 2 to 3 minutes if your brats are extra thick. Subtract a minute or two for thin links.
Step-By-Step Guide To Air Fryer Brats
Follow these steps and you will get consistent results without the guesswork.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps the casing crisp up right away.
If your model does not have a preheat function, just run it empty for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prep The Brats
Pat the brats dry with a paper towel. Moisture on the surface steams the meat instead of browning it.
Prick each brat once or twice with a fork. This lets a little steam escape so the casing does not split wide open.
Lightly brush or spray them with a little oil. This helps with browning and keeps them from sticking.
Step 3: Arrange In A Single Layer
Place the brats in the basket in one even layer. Do not stack them or crowd the basket.
If you are cooking a big batch, work in two rounds. Crowding traps steam and you lose that crispy skin.
Step 4: Cook And Flip
Cook at 360°F for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip each brat with tongs. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes.
Flip gently so you do not pierce the casing and lose the juices inside.
Step 5: Check The Internal Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the thickest brat. It should read 160°F.
If it is below 160°F, cook for 2 more minutes and check again. Never rely on looks alone.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Let the brats rest for 3 to 5 minutes on a plate. This lets the juices settle back into the meat.
Serve them in buns with mustard, onions, or sauerkraut. They also taste great sliced into pasta or served with potatoes.
Tips For Better Air Fryer Brats
Small changes make a big difference in texture and flavor. Keep these tips in mind.
- Do not overcrowd the basket, ever
- Flip halfway through for even browning
- Use a thermometer instead of guessing
- Spray lightly with oil for a crispier skin
- Prick once to prevent bursting
- Rest the meat before eating
Also, keep in mind that every air fryer runs a little different. Your model may run hot or cool compared to mine.
Check your brats a minute or two early the first time you make them. Then adjust the time for your next batch.
Raw Vs Pre-Cooked Brats
Raw brats need more time because the inside has to cook fully. Pre-cooked or smoked brats just need reheating and browning.
Read the package label before you start. This tells you which temp and time to use.
Frozen Brats In The Air Fryer
You can cook frozen brats straight from the freezer. Just add 5 to 7 minutes to the total cook time.
Flip them twice during cooking so they thaw and brown evenly. Check the internal temp before serving.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most bad batches come from a few easy-to-fix errors. Here is what to watch out for.
- Cooking at 400°F or higher, which burns the skin
- Skipping the preheat
- Stacking brats on top of each other
- Forgetting to flip them halfway
- Not checking the internal temperature
Avoid these and your brats will come out juicy with a nice snap to the casing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Raw Brats In An Air Fryer?
Yes, raw brats cook great in an air fryer. Use 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes and flip halfway through.
What If My Air Fryer Only Goes To 400°F?
That is fine. Just set it to 360°F, which is well within range for most models.
Do I Need To Add Oil?
Not much. A light spray helps browning, but brats already contain plenty of fat.
How Do I Know When Brats Are Done?
The internal temperature should hit 160°F. The outside should be browned and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts On Air Fryer Brat Temperature
So, what temperature do you cook brats in an air fryer? Set it to 360°F for raw brats and 375°F for pre-cooked ones.
Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flip halfway, and check for 160°F inside. That is all there is to it.
With the right temp and a few simple steps, you get brats with a crispy outside and a juicy middle every time.