This post is sponsored by Johnsonville, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Easy Air Fryer Beer Brats: Your Ultimate Tailgating and Game Day Recipe

As football season kicks into high gear, so does the excitement for tailgating parties! And what’s a great tailgate without truly spectacular food? Forget the hassle of complicated setups; this year, we’re bringing you a game-changing recipe that combines the rich flavor of Johnsonville Beer Brats with the convenience of your air fryer. Get ready to elevate your game day experience with these incredibly easy and undeniably delicious Air Fryer Beer Brats.

My husband is a true connoisseur of tailgate cuisine, often dedicating hours to smoking various meats for our game day feasts. However, for a quicker and equally satisfying option, we recently discovered the magic of cooking Johnsonville Beer Brats in the air fryer. The results were perfect: juicy, flavorful brats that are effortlessly prepared and ready to serve your guests as soon as they arrive. This method is a total win for busy hosts who want to enjoy the festivities without being tied to the grill.

Why Johnsonville Beer Brats are a Tailgating Essential

Johnsonville has long been synonymous with high-quality bratwurst, and their Beer Brats are a fan favorite for good reason. Infused with a savory beer flavor, these brats offer a robust taste that pairs perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere of a football party. They are made with premium cuts of pork and a blend of secret spices, ensuring a consistently delicious experience every time. Whether you prefer the classic Beer Brats or their original recipe, Johnsonville provides a fantastic foundation for any meal, especially when you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish.

Historically, Johnsonville has celebrated its customers’ creativity with exciting contests, like the Tailgate Throwdown Contest mentioned in a previous iteration of this recipe. Such initiatives highlight their dedication to the tailgating culture and encourage fans to share their passion for great food. While the specific contest may be in the past, the spirit of creating memorable game day recipes lives on with Johnsonville.

Imagine the excitement of showcasing your tailgating mastery! With these easy Air Fryer Beer Brats, you’re not just making a meal; you’re crafting an experience. And the best part? It’s so simple, you’ll have more time to enjoy the game and the company of your friends and family.

Can You Really Make Brats in an Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi? Absolutely!

Yes, you can absolutely cook brats in an air fryer or a Ninja Foodi! These versatile kitchen appliances are fantastic for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior, all without the need for a traditional grill or excessive oil. The cooking time will naturally vary slightly depending on how you prepare the brats, such as whether they are whole or cut into smaller pieces. For instance, if you’re making a dish like Air Fryer Bratwurst and Vegetables where the brats are sliced, the cook time will typically be shorter due to increased surface area exposure to the hot air circulation.

For these Air Fryer Beer Brats, we’ll aim for a total cooking time of about 15 minutes at 365 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures they are cooked through and beautifully browned. Once done, simply nestle them into your favorite sub rolls or hot dog buns, pile high with sautéed onions and peppers, and serve them hot. It’s an unbelievably quick and satisfying meal that will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Using Foil in Your Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi

A common question among air fryer users is whether foil can be safely used. For most of my Ninja Foodi Recipes that utilize the Air Crisp function, or when cooking in a standard air fryer, foil is indeed a useful tool. It significantly simplifies cleanup, which is a major bonus when hosting a party! The key to using foil effectively is to ensure you roll up the sides or create a loose pouch. This prevents it from obstructing the crucial air circulation within the appliance, which is essential for even cooking and achieving that desired crispiness. Just make sure the foil doesn’t touch the heating element.

How to Cook Johnsonville Brats in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Johnsonville Brats in your air fryer is a straightforward process that yields consistently delicious results. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Choose Your Brats:** Start by selecting your preferred Johnsonville Brats. While we love the Beer Brats for their unique flavor, the original or any other variety will work beautifully with this method.
2. **Thaw First:** Always ensure your brats are fully thawed before cooking. This promotes even cooking and prevents the exterior from burning before the interior is done.
3. **Prepare Your Veggies:** Slice one large yellow onion and three large green peppers into strips. These vegetables will cook alongside your brats, absorbing their delicious juices and becoming wonderfully tender and flavorful.
4. **Arrange the Air Fryer Basket:** Place the sliced onions and peppers at the bottom of a greased air fryer basket. For even easier cleanup, you can line the basket with foil, making sure to crimp the edges up to allow for air circulation.

5. **Prepare the Brats:** When making Air Fryer Beer Brats, I like to slice each brat down the middle, but not all the way through. This gentle incision allows more of the brat’s savory flavor to infuse into the surrounding vegetables and helps them cook a bit faster and more evenly in the air fryer.
6. **Layer and Cook (Initial Phase):** Place the prepared brats directly on top of the bed of onions and peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 365 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes.
7. **Flip and Continue Cooking:** After the initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer. Using tongs, turn the brats over and give the vegetables a good stir to ensure even cooking and browning. If the brats or vegetables look dry, a quick spray with olive oil can help achieve a perfect finish.
8. **Final Cook:** Continue cooking for an additional 7 minutes, or until the brats are thoroughly cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is your best friend here to ensure food safety.
9. **Serve:** Once cooked to perfection, transfer the brats and the tender, flavorful vegetables to your favorite sub rolls or hot dog buns. Add any desired toppings and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Beer Brats!

Now, are you ready to eat? We are! Let’s watch the game, celebrate good food, and enjoy these fantastic Air Fryer Beer Brats!

Created by: Kristy Still

Easy Air Fryer Beer Brats

Course: Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5

Make a great tailgate recipe with Easy Air Fryer Brats! Quick, flavorful, and perfect for game day.

Print Recipe
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Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 Package Johnsonville Beer Brats
• 1 Large Yellow Onion, sliced
• 3 Large Green Peppers, sliced
• 1/2 Tsp Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
• 5 Sub Rolls or Brat Buns

Instructions

1. Slice the onion and pepper and place in a greased air fryer basket or line it with foil and place them on the foil.
2. Cut each brat down the middle but not all the way through, just to open it up a bit.
3. Place the brats on top of the vegetables.
4. Using the Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi, cook at 365 degrees for 7 minutes.
5. Open the air fryer and turn the brats, mix up the vegetables. At this point, spray with olive oil spray if needed.
6. Cook for an additional 7 minutes or until the brats reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
7. Serve in buns topped with veggies.

Notes

All air fryers heat differently, so cooking times may vary slightly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure brats reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

Serving: 1 brat | Calories: 1017kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 1952mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brats Every Time

• **Don’t Overcrowd:** For best results, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• **Preheat Your Air Fryer:** Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes can help achieve more consistent cooking temperatures and better browning.
• **Check Internal Temperature:** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your brats reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• **Experiment with Seasonings:** While Johnsonville Beer Brats are flavorful on their own, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to your vegetables for an extra kick.
• **Buns Matter:** A good quality bun can make all the difference. Choose sturdy sub rolls or brat buns that can hold up to the juicy brats and toppings. Toasting them briefly in the air fryer at the end (after removing the brats) can add a delightful crunch.

Creative Serving Suggestions and Toppings

While classic grilled onions and peppers are a staple for beer brats, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!

• **Classic & Comforting:** Beyond the onions and peppers, consider adding a generous dollop of grainy mustard or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
• **Spicy Kick:** For those who like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• **Tangy Twist:** Sauerkraut or pickled red onions can provide a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the brat.
• **Sweet & Savory:** Caramelized apples or onions cooked with a touch of brown sugar can offer a unique sweet and savory contrast.
• **Regional Flavors:** Explore regional favorites like Chicago-style toppings with sport peppers and relish, or a Southern-inspired slaw.

Making the Most of Your Air Fryer for Tailgating

The air fryer isn’t just for brats! It’s an invaluable tool for simplifying your tailgating menu. You can quickly crisp up chicken wings, make crispy potato wedges, warm up sliders, or even roast vegetables, all with minimal fuss and mess. Its portability (if you have an outdoor power source) makes it an excellent addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal, allowing you to prepare hot and fresh food right at the party.

With these easy Air Fryer Beer Brats, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable game day experience. The convenience of the air fryer means less time cooking and more time cheering for your favorite team. So grab your Johnsonville Brats, fire up your air fryer, and get ready for a tailgating season filled with fantastic food and fun!