Crispy Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer in 12 Minutes

Craving juicy, perfectly browned brats without firing up the grill? These Johnsonville smoked brats in air fryer deliver restaurant-quality results in just 12 minutes! Golden, crispy on the outside and bursting with smoky flavor inside, these brats are a game-changer for busy weeknights.

Here’s a fun fact: air frying brats reduces cooking time by 40% compared to traditional methods while keeping all that delicious juice locked inside. This foolproof recipe requires zero babysitting and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for families who want amazing flavor without the fuss.

Just like our popular air fryer hot dogs, these brats prove that your air fryer is the ultimate shortcut to summer flavors any time of year!

What is Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer?

Ever wonder why air fryer brats have taken the internet by storm? These aren’t your average sausages – they’re fully cooked, hickory-smoked beauties that just need a quick heat-up to achieve perfection. Air frying transforms them into crispy-skinned, juicy wonders without any oil or outdoor grilling required.

They say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these brats prove it true! Ready in minutes and packed with authentic Wisconsin flavor, they’re calling your name. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boiling brats again!

Why You’ll Love This Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer

Unbeatable Convenience Meets Maximum Flavor

The air fryer creates a perfectly caramelized exterior with those gorgeous grill marks you crave, while the inside stays incredibly juicy and tender. The circulating hot air locks in all the smoky, savory juices that make Johnsonville brats famous, giving you that authentic beer garden experience right in your kitchen.

Budget-Friendly Family Favorite

Skip the expensive restaurant brat platters and make restaurant-quality sausages at home for a fraction of the cost. A pack of Johnsonville brats costs around $5-7 and feeds four people generously. No propane tanks, no charcoal, no wasted energy heating up your entire kitchen – just plug in your air fryer and you’re ready to go.

Endless Topping Possibilities

The beauty of these brats is their versatility. Load them up with caramelized onions and peppers, drown them in tangy sauerkraut, or keep it classic with spicy brown mustard and a pile of pickles. Want to get creative? Try them with beer cheese sauce, jalapeño relish, or even coleslaw for a Southern twist. Similar to our air fryer Italian sausages, these brats are a blank canvas for your favorite flavor combinations.

Ready to experience the easiest, most delicious brats of your life? Grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!

How to Make Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer

Quick Overview

This recipe is incredibly simple – you’ll have perfectly cooked brats ready in under 15 minutes. The air fryer creates a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. No preheating required, no flipping drama, just set it and forget it.

Total Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 4 brats

Key Ingredients for Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer

Main Ingredients:

4 Johnsonville Smoked Bratwurst (any flavor – original, cheddar, or beer brats)
Cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
4 brat buns or hoagie rolls
Your favorite toppings and condiments

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

1 large onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons butter (for toasted buns)
Spicy brown mustard
Sauerkraut
Relish
Pickled jalapeños
Beer cheese sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket

Remove your air fryer basket and give it a light spray with cooking spray if desired (this helps achieve extra crispy skin, but it’s not mandatory since brats have natural fat). Make sure your basket is clean and dry before starting.

Step 2: Arrange the Brats

Place the Johnsonville smoked brats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them – leave at least half an inch of space between each brat for proper air circulation. If cooking more than 4 brats, work in batches for best results. There’s no need to poke holes in the brats; they’re pre-cooked and won’t burst.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Cook the brats for 12 minutes total. No preheating necessary! If your brats are frozen, add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Step 4: Flip Halfway Through

At the 6-minute mark, open the air fryer basket and use tongs to flip each brat. This ensures even browning on all sides. You’ll notice they’re already starting to get that beautiful golden color. Close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining 6 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After 12 minutes, check that the brats have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer. The skins should be golden brown and slightly crispy. Since Johnsonville brats are fully cooked, you’re really just heating them through and creating that perfect texture.

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, you can toast your buns. Butter the insides of each bun and place them in the air fryer basket around the brats, buttered side up. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Place each brat in a toasted bun and load up with your favorite toppings.

What to Serve Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer With

Classic Side Dishes:

German Potato Salad – The tangy, vinegar-based dressing complements the rich, smoky brats perfectly
Crispy Air Fryer French Fries – Keep everything in the air fryer for minimal cleanup
Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based, this adds a refreshing crunch
Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky beans are a natural pairing with brats
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush with butter and sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor

Beverages:

Cold beer (of course!) – try a pilsner or wheat beer
Lemonade for a non-alcoholic option
Iced tea with lemon
Root beer for a classic American feel

Complete Meal Ideas: Pair your brats with air fryer Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries for a balanced plate. Or go full tailgate mode with chips, dips, and a big bowl of mac and cheese on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Johnsonville Smoked Brats in Air Fryer

Don’t Skip the Flip

Flipping your brats at the halfway point is crucial for even browning. Set a timer so you don’t forget – those perfect grill marks come from exposure to heat on all sides.

Temperature Matters

While 360°F is the sweet spot, if you prefer extra crispy skin, bump the temperature up to 380°F for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Avoid Overcrowding

Air needs to circulate freely around each brat. If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches. Cramming too many brats in the basket results in uneven cooking and soggy spots.

Pat Them Dry First

If your brats are sitting in liquid in the package, pat them completely dry with paper towels before air frying. Excess moisture creates steam instead of that desirable crispy exterior.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Even though these brats are pre-cooked, you want them heated through to 160°F for food safety and optimal texture. A quick-read thermometer takes the guesswork out.

Add Toppings During Cooking

Want caramelized onions and peppers? Toss them in the basket during the last 5-6 minutes of cooking. They’ll cook perfectly alongside your brats and soak up all those delicious drippings.

Experiment with Flavors

Johnsonville offers multiple brat varieties – try the beer brats for extra depth, cheddar brats for richness, or spicy jalapeño brats for a kick. Each variety works perfectly in the air fryer.

Score for Extra Crispiness

If you love ultra-crispy skin, make 2-3 shallow diagonal cuts on each side of the brat before air frying. This creates more surface area for browning without drying out the meat.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage:

Store leftover cooked brats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them separate from the buns to prevent sogginess. Layer them between paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing Instructions:

Cooked brats freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap each brat individually in aluminum foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date so you can track freshness. This method prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just what you need.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Place refrigerated brats in the basket at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or 8-10 minutes if frozen. They’ll taste just as crispy and delicious as when freshly made.

Reheating Alternative Methods:

Microwave: Place brat on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 45-60 seconds. Not as crispy but works in a pinch.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Uncooked Brats:

Keep unopened packages of Johnsonville brats in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (check the use-by date). Once opened, use within 3-4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Tips for Avoiding Common Cooking Mistakes

Mistake #1: Cooking from Frozen Without Adjusting Time

Many people throw frozen brats in the air fryer and use the same timing as fresh ones. This results in cold centers. Always add 3-4 extra minutes when cooking from frozen, and check the internal temperature.

Mistake #2: Piercing the Brats

Never poke holes in your brats before cooking! This releases all those precious juices that make them flavorful. The casing is designed to hold everything in.

Mistake #3: Using Too High Temperature

Cranking the air fryer to 400°F might seem like a time-saver, but it causes the outside to burn before the inside heats through. Stick to 360°F for perfectly cooked brats every time.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Rest Time

Cutting into your brat immediately after cooking releases all the juices onto your plate instead of staying in the meat. Give them 2 minutes to rest – it makes a huge difference.

Mistake #5: Not Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Residual grease from previous cooking can cause smoke and affect flavor. Always start with a clean basket for the best results.

Mistake #6: Forgetting to Shake or Flip

Some cooks assume the air fryer will magically cook everything evenly without intervention. Flipping ensures all sides get that beautiful browning.

Mistake #7: Adding Wet Toppings Too Early

If you’re cooking onions and peppers with your brats, don’t add them at the start. Wait until the last 5-6 minutes, or they’ll steam instead of caramelize.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook Johnsonville smoked brats in an air fryer?

Cook Johnsonville smoked brats at 360°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Since they’re pre-cooked, you’re mainly heating them through and creating a crispy exterior. Adjust time by 3-4 minutes if cooking from frozen.

Do you need to boil Johnsonville smoked brats before air frying?

No! One of the best parts about air frying is skipping the boiling step entirely. Johnsonville smoked brats are fully cooked and can go straight from the package into your air fryer. Boiling actually removes flavor.

Can you cook frozen Johnsonville brats in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook frozen brats at 360°F for 15-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. No need to thaw first. The air fryer handles frozen brats beautifully, though they may not get quite as crispy as fresh ones.

What temperature should I air fry brats at?

The ideal temperature is 360°F. This ensures the brats heat through evenly while developing a crispy, golden exterior. You can increase to 380°F for the last 2 minutes if you want extra crispiness.

How do you know when air fryer brats are done?

Brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and have a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Since Johnsonville brats are pre-cooked, you’re mainly looking for proper heating and texture.

Can you put foil in the air fryer with brats?

Yes, but it’s not necessary. If you want easier cleanup, you can line the bottom of the basket with foil, but leave the sides open for air circulation. Don’t wrap the brats in foil or they won’t get crispy.

Do brats need to rest after air frying?

Yes! Let them rest for 2 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful instead of dry.

Can I cook other things with the brats at the same time?

Yes! Add sliced onions and peppers during the last 5-6 minutes. You can also toast buns during the last 2 minutes. Just don’t overcrowd the basket or cooking will be uneven.

Why are my air fryer brats dry?

Overcooking is usually the culprit. Since these brats are pre-cooked, they only need to be heated through. Stick to 12 minutes at 360°F and use a meat thermometer. Also, never pierce the casing, as this releases moisture.

What’s the difference between smoked and regular brats?

Johnsonville smoked brats are pre-cooked and have a hickory smoke flavor, while fresh brats are raw and need thorough cooking. Smoked brats are more convenient for air frying since they just need reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 brat without bun)
Calories	280
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	770mg
Total Carbohydrates	2g
Protein	12g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on Johnsonville Original Smoked Bratwurst. Values will vary based on brat variety and toppings used.

Final Thoughts

Johnsonville smoked brats in air fryer are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving that classic Wisconsin flavor without the hassle. The air fryer delivers consistently perfect results – crispy skin, juicy interior, and authentic smoky taste in just 12 minutes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. Whether you’re a college student making your first real meal or a seasoned cook looking for a quick dinner solution, these brats never disappoint. Plus, with minimal cleanup and no outdoor grill required, you can enjoy summer flavors year-round.

Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and Johnsonville varieties to keep things interesting. From classic sauerkraut and mustard to creative beer cheese and jalapeño combinations, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to become an air fryer brat master? Try this recipe tonight and taste the difference for yourself. Your family will be asking for these on repeat!

Pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends who need an easy dinner solution!