Can You Cook Raw Brats in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can cook raw brats in an air fryer perfectly every time with the right temperature and timing—achieving juicy, evenly browned sausages without the guesswork. Preheat to 360°F, cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, and ensure an internal temperature of 160°F for safe, delicious results.

Key Takeaways

• Cook raw brats directly: No pre-boiling needed—air fryers handle them perfectly.
• Optimal temperature: Set to 375°F for even browning and juicy results.
• Flip halfway: Ensure even cooking by turning brats at the 6-minute mark.
• Check internal temp: Use a thermometer; 160°F means they’re safely done.
• Minimal oil required: A light spray prevents sticking without excess fat.
• Batch wisely: Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches for crispier brats.

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Raw Brats in Your Air Fryer

Let’s be honest: bratwurst is one of those foods that just feels like home. Whether it’s a backyard cookout, a football Sunday, or a rainy evening when you just need comfort food, a juicy, flavorful brat hits the spot. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably faced the same dilemma: you’ve got raw brats, a hungry family, and zero patience for firing up the grill or babysitting a stovetop. Enter the air fryer—your kitchen’s quiet hero. It promises crispy exteriors, juicy interiors, and a hands-off cooking experience. But can you really cook raw brats in an air fryer and get them perfectly every time? The short answer: absolutely. The long answer? That’s what we’re diving into.

I’ve been cooking brats in my air fryer for over two years now—through summer heatwaves, winter storms, and even the occasional “I forgot to defrost dinner” crisis. And after dozens of batches, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to make every brat a winner. This isn’t just another “quick recipe” post. It’s a deep dive into the science, timing, and little tricks that turn a simple air-fried brat into a meal your family will beg for. Whether you’re a first-time air fryer user or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you master the art of cooking raw brats in air fryer—without overcooking, drying out, or undercooking them.

Why Air Frying Raw Brats Is a Game-Changer

Speed, Convenience, and Consistency

If you’ve ever tried grilling brats, you know the drill: preheat the grill, wait for the coals to turn white, flip them every few minutes, and hope they don’t flare up. It’s messy, time-consuming, and—let’s be real—unreliable. Stovetop? You’re stuck stirring and flipping in a crowded pan, often ending up with uneven browning. The air fryer changes the game. It’s fast, hands-off, and delivers consistent results every time. No more guessing if the center is done or if the outside is charred to a crisp.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect that mimics deep frying—but with little to no oil. For brats, this means the fat renders evenly, the casing crisps up beautifully, and the inside stays moist. Plus, you can cook raw brats straight from the fridge (or even the freezer—more on that later) without thawing. That’s a win for busy weeknights.

Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

Let’s address the elephant in the room: brats aren’t exactly diet food. But compared to grilling over an open flame (which can produce carcinogens from charring) or deep frying (which adds unnecessary oil), air frying is a healthier option. The air fryer allows excess fat to drip away as the brats cook, reducing overall fat content by up to 75% compared to pan-frying. And because you’re not adding oil, you’re not adding extra calories or unhealthy fats.

But don’t worry—this isn’t a “diet brat” experience. The high heat seals in juices, and the Maillard reaction (that golden-brown, flavorful crust) happens just as well in an air fryer as it does on a grill. In fact, many people say air-fried brats have a cleaner, more balanced flavor because they’re not absorbing smoke or char.

Perfect for Small Kitchens or Indoor Cooking

Not everyone has a backyard or a grill. Maybe you live in an apartment, it’s pouring rain, or you just don’t want to deal with the smoke. The air fryer lets you cook brats indoors without setting off the smoke alarm or heating up your kitchen. It’s compact, easy to clean, and perfect for small batches. And if you’re cooking for just one or two people? No need to fire up a whole grill. Just pop a couple of raw brats in the air fryer and have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

How to Cook Raw Brats in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose the Right Brats

Not all brats are created equal. For best results, start with high-quality raw brats. Look for brands that use real pork, natural casings (not synthetic), and minimal fillers. Some popular options include Johnsonville, Usinger’s, or local butcher shops. Avoid pre-cooked or smoked brats for this method—they’re already partially cooked and won’t benefit from the air fryer’s high heat.

Pro tip: If you’re using brats with natural casings, they’ll crisp up beautifully. But if you prefer a softer texture, you can poke a few small holes in the casings with a fork before cooking. This lets steam escape and prevents bursting.

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

No oil spray is needed, but you can lightly coat the basket with cooking spray (like avocado or olive oil) to prevent sticking—especially if your brats are on the leaner side. Alternatively, use parchment paper liners (air fryer-specific) or a silicone mat. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the brats from sticking to the basket.

Arrange the brats in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding = steam buildup = soggy brats. If you have a large air fryer (5.8 quarts or more), you can cook 4–6 brats at once. Smaller models (3–4 quarts) should stick to 2–3 brats to ensure even airflow.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the magic formula I’ve perfected after years of trial and error:

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through

Start at 12 minutes and check for doneness. Brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—don’t rely on color alone. If they’re not quite there, add 1–2 minutes. But don’t overcook! Brats dry out quickly once past 160°F.

For frozen brats, increase time to 18–20 minutes, flipping once. No need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes. The air fryer’s convection heat will penetrate the center without drying out the outside.

Step 4: Flip and Monitor

At the halfway point (around 6–7 minutes), open the basket and flip the brats. Use tongs, not a fork—poking them releases juices. Look for even browning on both sides. If one side is browning faster, rotate the brats for balance.

Optional: For extra crispiness, spray the brats with a light mist of oil at the flip point. This helps the exterior crisp up without adding much fat.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, let the brats rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing or serving. This lets the juices redistribute, preventing a burst of hot liquid when you bite in. It also makes them easier to handle.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcooking: The #1 Enemy of Juicy Brats

Brats are dense, fatty sausages. They go from “perfectly juicy” to “dry hockey pucks” in seconds if overcooked. The key? Don’t trust the clock—trust the thermometer. Even if the outside looks done, the center might still be cold. A meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part—avoid touching the casing—and wait for 160°F.

Another sign of overcooking: the brat shrinks significantly or the casing splits open. If this happens, you’ve cooked it too long or at too high a temperature. Stick to 375°F—higher temps (like 400°F) can char the outside before the inside is done.

Undercooking: When “Just a Little Pink” Isn’t Okay

Brats are raw pork products. Undercooking them risks foodborne illness (like trichinosis or salmonella). Even if the outside looks browned, the center might still be unsafe. Always check internal temperature. If you’re unsure, cut one open—it should be opaque, not pink or translucent.

For extra safety, especially if using wild game or homemade brats, aim for 165°F. But for store-bought brats, 160°F is sufficient.

Crowding the Basket: The Steam Trap

Air fryers rely on air circulation. If you cram too many brats in, they’ll steam instead of crisp. The result? Soggy, unevenly cooked sausages. Give each brat space—about 1 inch between them. If you need to cook more, do it in batches. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes.

Skipping the Flip: Uneven Browning

Air fryers heat from the top and sides. Without flipping, one side will brown while the other stays pale. This isn’t just about looks—uneven browning means uneven cooking. Always flip halfway through.

Ignoring the Rest Time: The Juice Drain

Cutting into a hot brat releases a flood of juice. Not only is it messy, but it also means you’re losing flavor. Resting lets the juices settle, so every bite is moist and flavorful. Even 3 minutes makes a difference.

Pro Tips for Crispy, Juicy Brats Every Time

Use a Meat Thermometer (Seriously)

I can’t stress this enough. A $10 digital meat thermometer is the best investment you’ll make for your air fryer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures perfectly cooked brats every time. Look for one with a quick-read feature (under 5 seconds).

Preheat the Air Fryer

Just like an oven, preheating ensures even cooking from the start. Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding the brats. This helps the casing crisp up faster and prevents sticking.

Try the “Sear” Method for Extra Crispiness

If you want restaurant-quality crispy skin, try this trick: cook the brats at 375°F for 10 minutes, then increase the temp to 400°F for the last 2–3 minutes. This “sears” the exterior for a golden, crackling crust—without drying out the inside. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Add Flavor with a Marinade (But Keep It Simple)

Brats are flavorful on their own, but a quick marinade can elevate them. Try:

• Beer (1 cup, any kind) + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp garlic powder (marinate 30 mins–2 hours)
• Apple cider vinegar + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp smoked paprika (marinate 1 hour)
• Butter + minced garlic + a splash of Worcestershire sauce (brush on halfway through cooking)

Don’t marinate too long—acidic ingredients can toughen the meat.

Pair with the Right Sides

Air-fried brats are versatile. Serve them in buns with sauerkraut and mustard, slice them into pasta, or pair them with roasted potatoes and green beans. For a low-carb option, serve over a salad or with grilled veggies.

Air Fryer Brats vs. Other Cooking Methods: A Data Breakdown

How does air frying stack up against grilling, stovetop, and baking? Here’s a quick comparison based on my testing and research:

Method	Cook Time (Raw Brats)	Texture	Fat Retention	Ease of Use	Best For
Air Fryer	12–15 mins	Crispy outside, juicy inside	Low (fat drips away)	Very Easy	Quick meals, small batches, indoor cooking
Grilling	15–20 mins	Smoky, charred, slightly dry	Medium (fat drips, but charring adds fat)	Moderate	Backyard cookouts, smoky flavor
Stovetop (Pan-Fry)	15–18 mins	Even browning, can be soggy	High (fat stays in pan)	Moderate	When you want to cook with beer or broth
Baking (Oven)	20–25 mins	Soft, even, less crispy	Medium (fat drips, but slower)	Easy	Large batches, hands-off cooking

As you can see, air frying wins on speed, texture, and ease. It’s not just convenient—it’s the best way to get that perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness without the hassle.

Troubleshooting: When Your Air Fryer Brats Don’t Turn Out Right

“My Brats Are Bursting Open!”

This happens when steam builds up inside the casing. To prevent it:

• Poke small holes in the casings before cooking (1–2 per brat)
• Don’t overcook—bursting often happens at high temps or long cook times
• Use brats with natural casings (they’re more durable)

“They’re Dry and Tough”

This means you overcooked them. Solutions:

• Use a meat thermometer (160°F max)
• Reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes
• Choose fattier brats (look for 20–25% fat content)

“The Outside Is Charred, Inside Is Raw”

This happens when the temp is too high. Fix it:

• Stick to 375°F max
• Flip halfway through
• Preheat the air fryer (so cooking starts evenly)

“They Stick to the Basket”

Prevent sticking by:

• Using parchment paper or silicone mats
• Lightly spraying the basket with oil
• Not overcrowding (steam = sticking)

Cooking raw brats in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s perfect. With the right technique, you can achieve crispy, juicy, flavorful brats in under 20 minutes, every single time. No grill, no mess, no stress. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food without the fuss, the air fryer is your secret weapon.

The key takeaways? Use a thermometer, don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, and let them rest. Experiment with marinades and sides to make it your own. And if something goes wrong? Don’t panic—troubleshoot, adjust, and try again. That’s how you master the art of cooking raw brats in air fryer.

So the next time you’re craving a brat, skip the grill and grab your air fryer. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook raw brats in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook raw brats in an air fryer. This method yields juicy, evenly browned bratwurst with minimal oil and effort.

What’s the best way to cook raw brats in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), arrange raw brats in a single layer, and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures perfect browning and safe internal temperatures.

Do you need to poke holes in brats before air frying?

No, avoid poking holes—this can dry them out. The air fryer’s circulation cooks brats evenly without releasing their natural juices.

How long to cook raw brats in air fryer for crispy results?

Cook raw brats at 375°F (190°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping once. For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil or air fry 1–2 minutes longer.

Can you cook frozen brats in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook frozen raw brats at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw—just add a few minutes to the cook time.

Should you preheat the air fryer for raw brats?

Preheating ensures even cooking and better browning. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes before adding raw brats.