How to Cook Johnsonville Brats in the Air Fryer

Looking to find out how to cook Johnsonville brats in the air fryer? It’s super easy! Simply place your favorite packaged brats in the air fryer at 400 for about 6 minutes and you have perfectly cooked beef brats! This is perfect for when you can’t get outside to grill or for those in small spaces or apartments that don’t have access to a grill. Top with your favorite toppings such as raw onions, marinated onions, mustard, sauerkraut, or ketchup.

Highlights of this air fryer recipe and why you’ll like it:

• Short-cut recipe: using pre-cooked packaged brats, this recipe is done in minutes. While the brats air fry, you can prep your buns and toppings of choice plus any side dishes you may want. See side dish ideas below!
• Perfect for small spaces: cooking brats in the air fryer means you don’t need a grill or grill pan to cook these brats. This recipe is perfect for small apartment or small spaces where you may not be able to get a grill but you still want a “grilled” flavor.
• Endless variety: any type of brat, hotdog, or sausage can be used in this recipe. Think kielbasa, flavored chicken sausages, cheddar brats, pork sausage, or beef hotdogs. Plus, the topping ideas are infinite as well, load these up with your favorite toppings, topping ideas below!
• Family favorite: kids and adults will love this recipe as it is as delicious as it is simple!

Pre-cooked brats make a quick meal, you’ll find many flavors at your local grocery store. Pick up a pre-made side dish for a super quick weeknight meal or serve with your favorite side dish recipes for a short cut recipe that tastes homemade! I love air fryer cooking for it quick cook time and easy clean up. I like to use these smoked beef brats but the Johnsonville cheddar brats are also a family favorite. Serve these delicious brats with classics like potato salad, coleslaw or potato chips.

Ingredients & Ingredient Notes:

• Johnsonville brats: I like the smoked beef brats but any variety will work here. I noted in the recipe that if the brats are uncooked cook time will need to be increased. Cheddar brats, jalapeno brats, pork sausage, chicken sausage, or hotdogs can work here as well.
• Hotdog buns: I like a hearty pretzel or brioche bun, but any bun variety will work such as bakery style hoagie rolls or hot dog buns.
• Toppings of choice: I listed some fun toppings below, but ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, or sauerkraut are all tasty toppings here.

How to Cook Johnsonville Brats in the Air Fryer (with step by step instructions):

Let’s talk a little about how to make these air fryer brats (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Quick Overview:

• Preheat air fryer
• Add in packaged brats and cook
• Serve and enjoy

1: Gather ingredients including toppings and buns.

2: Add brats to an air fryer basket, arrange in a single layer. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 5-6 minutes (cooking time will increase to 12-15 minutes for uncooked, raw bratwurst).

3. Prepare buns, I like to toast my buns under the broiler.

4. Add air fried brats and top with desired toppings and condiments. A meat thermometer can help you check the internal temperature of the drats.

Tools I used for this air fryer recipe:

• Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers – the square containers are the perfect size for lunches, stain proof, and they are dishwasher safe. Great air-tight container for storing leftovers or meal prep!
• Tongs – a must have kitchen tool! I love these for flipping things in the air fryer. They are stainless steel and clean up super easy.
• Instant 6 qt. Air Fryer – Sleek and functional, the perfect size for 2-3 people. I like this because it has a tray in the bottom which make cleaning easy and it allows for air to circulate evenly. I has a large tray so you don’t have to do so many batches and a window to see into the air fryer while cooking!

If you liked this post on How to Cook Johnsonville Brats in the Air Fryer, you’ll love these other easy recipes…

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Try these other delicious air fryer recipes, like Instant Pot Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe, Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken, Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer, or Homemade Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer! These are all perfect for busy weeknight or Sunday family dinner.

Brat topping ideas:

• Sauerkraut or cabbage slaw
• Cornichons or pickle relish
• Sliced or marinated onions
• Ketchup, spicy mustard, or aioli
• Sautéed bell peppers and onions
• Swiss cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese

Recipe FAQ’s:

What should I serve with my air fryer brats?

These air fryer brats go great with

How long do you cook air fryer bratwurst?

Uncooked brats take 12-15 minutes in the air fryer. Cooked/smoked brats take 5-6 minutes.

Do you need to poke holes in the brat before air frying?

No, you do not need to do anything to the brats prior to cooking.

Does this work for hot dogs and other sausages?

Yes! This works on any kind of hotdog, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, beer brats, or pork sausage.

Tips for the best air fryer brats:

• Check the brats with a meat thermometer and take them out of the air fryer when they reach 160 degrees F.
• Melt cheese on bratwurst leave brats in the air fryer after cooking, cover with cheese and allow to melt.
• Air fry bratwurst in a single layer to let them cook evenly and brown on all sides.
• If you brat has a casing spray air fryer basket with cooking spray before cooking.