Air-Fryer Brats

Speed up a German-style favorite with this recipe for Air-Fryer Brats! The modern cooking method ensures a juicy-yet-crispy sausage every time.

I don’t really care for baseball. It seems like a lot of sitting around, waiting for things to happen, and then missing the things when they do happen. Baseball is also so full of stats and acronyms (what the heck is a RISP anyway?) that I can’t keep track of what anything means. So, I get flustered.

But there’s a reason I accept my husband’s invitations to the ballpark, and that reason is juicy, salty, delicious bratwurst. Yes, I’m one of those people who thinks the best thing about baseball is the food. Namely, the sausages. Why do they taste so good at the ballpark? Nobody really knows. I certainly didn’t know… until I got an air fryer.

This air-fryer bratwurst recipe makes quick and easy work out of cooking sausages. What’s more, it saves me from having to sit through three hours of baseball (or more, God forbid). With the help of my trusty air fryer, I can choose to spend that time preparing my elaborate bratwurst toppings, which is half the fun, in my opinion. Thanks to my air fryer, my brats are a home run every time. (Or is a grand slam better? I can never keep track.)

Are Air-Fryer Brats Healthy?

That really depends on how the brats are made and what they’re made with. They generally have a decent amount of protein, but along with that protein comes a significant amount of fat and sodium. Considering this, you probably shouldn’t feature bratwurst regularly in your diet, but they can be a healthy occasional meal for many diets when eaten in moderation. It’s important to remember that the toppings you choose for your brats can have a huge impact on their nutritional value, so keep that in mind. If you prefer a healthier brat, top it with veggies, like sauerkraut, onions, and tomatoes, for example. You also may be able to find chicken-based bratwurst for an even healthier option.

More About Bratwurst

Like most sausages, traditional bratwurst is made from pork, though you can find varieties made from beef, chicken, and even veal. It’s usually seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, like salt and pepper, nutmeg, caraway, and coriander. But there are other, non-traditional brats out there.

For instance, we Americans have created our own version of the brat—the Wisconsin brat—made with more pork and additional fillings like onion and garlic. You’ll also find some brats with cheese worked right into the meat, as well as spicy brats made with spicy peppers. These days, brat purveyors will also have meat-free variants, made with tofu, seitan, lentils, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these brats inside a big fluffy bun, loaded with all the toppings you love! Toppings I’m partial to include sauerkraut, caramelized onions, mustard (Dijon, spicy, or stone-ground), pickles, cheese (try cheddar, Swiss, or provolone), sautéed bell peppers and onions, mayo, or your favorite hot sauce.

As for sides, I like to serve my brats alongside something green and healthy to offset the brats a bit. Try a big side of Spinach Salad, a Green Salad, or a Cucumber And Tomato Salad (With Onions). I also love a side of Ranch-Style Beans with any type of sausage or hot dog; it just feels right!

Recipe