Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst Hoagies
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all because it is a life-saver on a busy weeknight. We’re talking Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst Hoagies. Juicy, flavorful brats kicked up a notch with all the fixings, piled high on a toasted hoagie roll. It’s like a party in your mouth, seriously!
My husband, bless his heart, could eat brats every single day of his life. Seriously! He’s a Midwest boy through and through. Anyway, one night I was staring into the fridge, trying to figure out what to make with approximately zero inspiration. We had brats, some leftover hoagie rolls from a party (don’t judge!), and I thought, “Why not?” Now, these Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst Hoagies are a regular feature on our dinner table. Even my picky kiddo loves them! He calls them “brat boats,” which is just the cutest. It’s seriously become a staple, and honestly, it’s so easy I feel a little guilty sometimes. Okay, not really guilty.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst Hoagies
- It’s faster than ordering pizza. Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 20 minutes.
- The air fryer makes the brats perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No more boiled-brat sadness!
- It’s totally customizable. Pile on whatever toppings your heart desires. I’m talking sauerkraut, peppers, onions, spicy mustard… the possibilities are endless!
- Kid-approved. ‘Nuff said.
- It is the perfect way to turn everyday brats into something super special.
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first, grab your brats. I usually go for the Johnsonville ones because they’re easy to find, but honestly, any kind will work. Throw them in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd, okay? We want them to get nice and crispy. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let them cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the brats are doing their thing, prep your toppings. Slice up some onions and peppers – I like to sauté them in a little butter because, well, butter. You can skip this step if you’re feeling lazy, but it really adds a nice flavor. Then, grab your hoagie rolls. I like to toast them lightly because nobody likes a soggy bun. Slather them with your favorite mustard – I’m a spicy brown mustard kind of gal, but you do you.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
Once the brats are cooked through and golden brown, carefully remove them from the air fryer (they’re hot!). Place each brat into a hoagie roll, pile on the sautéed peppers and onions (or whatever toppings you’re feeling), and then… dig in! Seriously, it’s that easy.
Ingredient Notes
- Bratwurst: Any kind you like! I usually grab the classic Johnsonville ones, but feel free to experiment. Just make sure they’re raw and not pre-cooked, otherwise, they will taste… sad.
- Hoagie Rolls: Again, whatever you can find. I’ve used everything from the fancy bakery ones to the cheap store brand. Honestly? They all work. Just make sure they’re not stale. Nobody wants a stale hoagie.
- Onions and Peppers: I like to use a mix of red and green bell peppers because they’re pretty. But any kind of onion or pepper will work. Sometimes I throw in a jalapeño for a little kick.
- Mustard: This is where you can really get creative. Spicy brown, Dijon, honey mustard… go wild! I usually have like, five different kinds in the fridge at any given time. It’s a problem.
- Butter: The sauteing the veggies is purely optional, but using the butter is not.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook: Place bratwurst in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prepare Toppings: While brats are cooking, slice onions and peppers, sautéing them in butter if desired.
- Toast: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls.
- Assemble: Slather rolls with mustard, place cooked brats in the rolls, and top with sautéed peppers and onions or preferred toppings.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Honestly? These are pretty great on their own. But if you’re looking to make it a full meal, I usually serve them with some potato chips, a simple salad, or maybe some coleslaw. Or, you know, an extra bratwurst on the side. Because why not?
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! This is the number one mistake people make. If you overcrowd it, the brats won’t get crispy. Cook them in batches if you have to.
- Keep an eye on the brats while they’re cooking. Air fryers can vary, so yours might cook faster or slower than mine. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings! This is your chance to get creative.
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can grill the brats instead of air frying them. But honestly, the air fryer is just so much easier.
Storage Tips
Okay, so if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, though, they’re best eaten fresh. But, hey, if you’re craving a cold bratwurst hoagie for breakfast the next day, I’m not judging. I’ve definitely done that. No shame in my game.
Variations and Substitutions
- No hoagie rolls? Use hot dog buns or even just regular bread. It’ll still be delicious.
- Don’t have any onions or peppers? Skip them! Or use whatever veggies you have on hand. I’ve used mushrooms, zucchini, even broccoli. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- Out of mustard? Ketchup, mayo, relish… whatever floats your boat.
- Want to make it vegetarian? Use veggie brats! They’re actually pretty good.
- Once, I didn’t have butter so I subbed with margarine. Let’s just say… it worked. But don’t do it unless you have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Air Fryer Bratwurst Hoagies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bratwurst sausages uncooked
- 4 hoagie buns or any preferred bread rolls
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp mustard for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Place the bratwurst sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer.4 bratwurst sausages
- Cook the sausages for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.4 bratwurst sausages
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized.4 bratwurst sausages
- Season the onion and pepper mixture with salt and black pepper.4 bratwurst sausages
- Place each cooked bratwurst in a hoagie bun, top with sautéed onions and peppers, and serve with mustard.4 bratwurst sausages
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
