Juicy bratwurst paired with tender, caramelized peppers make the ultimate comfort meal—and your air fryer makes it quicker and easier than ever. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers bold flavors perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day meals, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst sausages (fresh, uncooked)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Brat buns or sandwich rolls (optional, for serving)
How To Make Peppers and Brats in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prep the veggies: Toss sliced peppers and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in basket: Place bratwursts on one side of the air fryer basket and the peppers/onions on the other.
- Air fry: Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping brats halfway through, until sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and peppers are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Serve hot: Place brats in buns, top with peppers, or serve on a plate for a low-carb option.
You Must Know
- Use uncooked bratwurst for the juiciest results; pre-cooked brats may dry out faster.
- If cooking in batches, keep finished brats warm in foil until serving.
- Always check internal temperature to ensure safe cooking.
Topping Variations
- Classic style: Sauerkraut, mustard, and sautéed onions.
- Cheesy upgrade: Melt mozzarella or cheddar on top of the brats before serving.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Italian twist: Use Italian sausages instead of brats and top with marinara sauce.
Make It A Meal
- Serve with crispy air fryer fries or potato wedges.
- Pair with a fresh coleslaw or garden salad for balance.
- Add a side of pretzels and beer cheese dip for a pub-style meal.
Pro Tips
- Lightly pierce the brats before cooking to prevent splitting.
- For extra flavor, marinate peppers in balsamic vinegar before air frying.
- Line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes for a crunchy bite.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I cook frozen bratwurst in the air fryer?
Yes, just add 4–5 extra minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature.
Q: Can I meal-prep peppers and brats?
Absolutely—slice peppers and onions ahead of time and store in the fridge. Cook brats fresh for best results.
Q: Do I need to flip the brats?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and juiciness.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes—skip the bun and serve brats with peppers and a salad on the side.
Air Fryer Brats + Peppers
Cooking Peppers and Brats In The Air Fryer is a quick and easy dinner idea. Air Fryer Brats are done in less than 15 minutes! Serve over rice, pasta or on buns for a weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Courses
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 Bell Peppers – your preferred colors
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
- Salt/Pepper
- 4 Bratwurst Sausages – cooked or uncooked
Instructions
-
- Remove seeds and stems then slice bell peppers into strips. Toss with oil, salt and pepper.
- Place brats and peppers into greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 370ºF for 12-14 minutes or until brats are cooked through. Toss once during cook time.
- Serve over rice, pasta or on a bread roll.
Notes
Cooking time varies depending on each air fryer brand. I have owned several different air fryers and each brand cooked very differently. Use this recipe as a guideline or starting point and adjust depending on your air fryer.
