Oven to Air Guide

How Long to Cook Bratwurst in the Air Fryer

By Updated Last reviewed How we calculate

Cook raw (fresh) bratwurst in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until they reach 160°F (71°C) inside. In a conventional oven they take about 25 minutes at 375°F. Pre-cooked brats only need 8–10 minutes to heat through.

Oven

375°F

190°C

25 min

Oven, on a sheet pan

Air fryer

350°F

175°C

18–20 min

Preheated, single layer

How the oven directions convert

These air fryer directions come straight from the oven to air fryer converter using its “Most recipes” setting:

375°F − 25°F = 350°F · 25 min × 0.8 = 20 min · check at 18 min

Air fryers vary by model and basket load, so start checking at 18 minutes.

Step by step

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the brats in a single layer with space between them. Do not pierce the casings.
  3. Air fry for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway.
  4. Check for 160°F (71°C) in the center and rest for 2 minutes.

How to tell it’s done

Ground beef and pork are safe at 160°F (71°C). Check with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part; see theFoodSafety.gov safe minimum temperature chart.

Tips

  • Add a tablespoon of water to the drawer under the basket to stop dripping fat from smoking.
  • For beer brats, simmer them in beer and onions for 10 minutes first, then air fry for about 5 minutes to brown.
  • Toast the buns in the basket for the last minute.

Different box or recipe?

Package and recipe directions vary. Enter the oven temperature and time from yours and the calculator converts them with the standard rule.

Convert your recipe

Oven type

Food type

Air fryer setting

350°F

20 min

About 175°C. Start checking at 18 minutes.

375°F − 25°F = 350°F · 25 min × 0.8 = 20 min · check at 18 min

Shake or flip halfway for even browning.

Accuracy and limitations

These times are starting points built from typical oven directions, converted with the same rules as the calculator. They are not lab measurements, and your food and appliance will differ.

  • Appliances vary. Wattage, basket size and how close the element sits to the food change cooking speed. That’s why every result includes a “check at” time.
  • Load matters. A full or stacked basket cooks more slowly than a single layer.
  • Temperature limits. Many basket air fryers stop at 400°F (200°C). Converted settings above that are flagged.
  • Poor fits for any formula: wet batters, delicate cakes, low-and-slow recipes and roasts over an hour. Use a thermometer and expect to adjust.
  • Food safety comes from internal temperature, not time. Check meat, poultry, seafood and leftovers against the USDA safe minimum temperatures.
  • Packaging wins. If your box prints air fryer directions, follow them.

Found a number that looks wrong? Report it and it will be checked against the methodology. Fixes are listed in the change log.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you cook brats in the air fryer?

Raw brats take 18–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C), turning halfway. Pre-cooked brats take 8–10 minutes.

What temperature should bratwurst reach?

160°F (71°C) for pork or beef bratwurst, or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausage.

Should I poke holes in brats before air frying?

No. Piercing lets the juices run out and makes them dry. Moderate heat keeps the casings from bursting.

Times are starting points; air fryers vary. Always check doneness with a thermometer. Want everything on one page? See the air fryer cooking times chart.

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