How Long to Cook Brats in Air Fryer Oven

Bratwurst, often called “brats,” is a popular type of German sausage known for its juicy texture and rich flavor. Traditionally grilled or pan-fried, brats can now be easily cooked in an air fryer oven, which has become one of the most convenient kitchen appliances for everyday home cooking.

If you’re wondering how long to cook brats in an air fryer oven, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from cooking time and temperature to simple tips for getting the best results.

What Makes Air Fryer Oven Brats So Popular?

Air fryer ovens use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly with little or no oil. For bratwurst, this method offers several advantages:

Faster cooking compared to grilling or oven baking
Even browning without constant monitoring
Less oil and easier cleanup
Consistently juicy inside and crispy outside

Because of these benefits, air fryer oven brats have become a go-to option for quick meals at home.

How Long to Cook Brats in Air Fryer Oven

Cooking time depends on whether your bratwurst is raw or pre-cooked. The following is a suggested cooking reference guide:

Raw Brats:
Temperature: 370°F (188°C)
Time: 12–15 minutes
Pre-Cooked Brats:
Temperature: 350°F (177°C)
Time: 8–10 minutes

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the brats halfway through the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Here’s a simple method anyone can follow to cook bratwurst in an air fryer oven:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer Oven

Preheat your air fryer oven for about 3–5 minutes. This helps the brats start cooking evenly right away.

2. Arrange the Brats

Place the sausages in a single layer inside the air fryer oven basket. Avoid stacking them so that hot air can circulate properly.

3. Cook at the Right Temperature
Cook raw brats at 370°F for 12–15 minutes
Cook pre-cooked brats at 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Flip them halfway through cooking for a more even golden-brown color.

4. Check for Doneness

Brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

5. Let Them Rest

After cooking, let the brats rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside.

Tips for Better Air Fryer Oven Brats

If you want to improve texture and flavor, keep these simple tips in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Too many brats at once can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking.

Avoid Too High Temperature

Cooking at excessively high heat may cause the casing to split.

Turn Them Halfway

Flipping ensures even browning on all sides.

Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Sausages

Frozen brats require additional cooking time and may not cook as evenly.

What Do Perfect Air Fryer Oven Brats Look Like?

When cooked correctly, bratwurst from an air fryer oven should have:

A golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior
A juicy and tender interior
Even cooking without dry or burnt spots
A rich, savory aroma

This makes them perfect for serving with buns, mustard, sauerkraut, or simple side dishes.

Final Thoughts

So, how long to cook brats in an air fryer oven? The answer is simple:

12–15 minutes for raw brats
8–10 minutes for pre-cooked brats

With the right temperature and a few basic steps, you can easily enjoy perfectly cooked bratwurst at home in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or hosting a casual gathering, air fryer oven brats are a simple and reliable choice that delivers great taste with minimal effort.