These juicy Air Fryer Brats deliver the perfect combination of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior in just 25 minutes. A weeknight dinner game-changer, this recipe transforms traditional bratwurst into a healthier version without sacrificing that authentic German taste.
With only 389 calories per serving and minimal prep work, you’ll love how the air fryer creates that irresistible snap while keeping the sausages moist and delicious. Perfect for busy families, game days, or casual entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Uncooked Brats: 1 package, ensure they’re fresh for the best flavor
- Bell Pepper: 1 whole, deseeded and sliced into strips
- Onion: ½ large, cut into even slices
- Oil: Just enough for a light coating on vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Slice your bell pepper and onion into even strips for consistent cooking
- Initial Vegetable Cook: Place prepared vegetables in air fryer basket, lightly coat with oil, and cook at 350°F for 5 minutes
- Add Brats: Place brats alongside the partially cooked vegetables in the basket
- Complete Cooking: Continue cooking at 350°F for 15 minutes, shaking basket twice during cooking for even results
- Final Check: Ensure brats are cooked through and vegetables are tender
- Serve: Plate your brats with the caramelized vegetables and enjoy while hot!
Cooking Techniques
Your air fryer’s even heat circulation gives these brats a perfectly crispy outside while keeping them juicy inside! For the best results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a bit of space between the brats so the hot air can flow around them. The veggies will soften and start to caramelize, adding sweet, roasted flavors to your meal.
Variations
Feel free to mix up the vegetables! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini slices, or carrots for extra color and flavor. You can also swap regular brats for turkey or chicken sausages if you’d like a lighter option. Love spicy food? Add some jalapeños to your pepper and onion mix!
Serving Suggestions
These brats are amazing on toasted buns with a squirt of mustard and the cooked peppers and onions on top. You can also slice them up and serve them with potato salad, coleslaw, or a green salad for a complete meal. Want to keep it simple? Just add some whole grain mustard and sauerkraut on the side!
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover brats and vegetables in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until they’re warm through. The veggies might be a bit softer when reheated, but they’ll still taste great!
Air Fryer Brats
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package uncooked brats
- 1 whole bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1/2 whole onion sliced
- oil
Instructions
- Put sliced bell pepper and onion into air fryer basket. Lightly coat with oil and cook at 350°F or 175°C for about five minutes.
- Add brats to air fryer with vegetables. Cook at same temperature about 15 more minutes. Shake or stir the sausages and veggies twice during the cook time.
- Serve and enjoy!
