Name: Air-Fryer Bratwurst with Kale and Potato Salad
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 (4-ounce) links bratwurst; 8 ounces small red or Yukon Gold potatoes , unpeeled, cut into ¾-inch chunks; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided; ¼ teaspoon table salt , divided; ¼ teaspoon pepper , divided; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; 2 teaspoon whole-grain mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; 3 ounces (3 cups) baby kale; 2 hot dog buns or small hoagie rolls

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer is a terrific method for cooking bratwurst because it’s fast and it creates a lovely browned crust on the sausage. Also, the consistent heat and built-in timer ensure that the sausage won’t overcook and dry out. Poking the sausage a few times with a fork prevents the sausage casing from bursting open as it cooks, and placing the sausage poked side-up helps the juices remain inside the sausage. Turning this easy technique into a simple meal for two people, we roasted some potatoes and an apple in the air fryer alongside the bratwurst. Then, while the cooked bratwurst rests, we toss the roasted potatoes and apple with a mustard vinaigrette and some sturdy baby kale.

Before You Begin

Be sure to use raw, uncooked bratwurst in this recipe. Use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes measuring 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Serve the bratwurst with additional mustard and relish as desired.

Instructions

Poke 1 side of 2 bratwurst links 3 times with fork. Place bratwurst in center of air-fryer basket, about 1 inch apart with poked side facing up. Toss 8 ounces small unpeeled red potatoes, cut into ¾-inch chunks; 1 large red apple, cored and cut into ¾-inch chunks; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; ⅛ teaspoon table salt; and ⅛ teaspoon pepper together in bowl. Arrange potatoes and apple in single layer around sausages.

Place basket into air fryer, set temperature to 400 degrees, and cook until bratwursts are browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring potatoes and apple halfway through cooking.

Meanwhile, whisk 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced shallot, 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard; 1 teaspoon honey, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, and remaining ⅛ teaspoon pepper together in medium bowl.

Transfer bratwurst to carving board and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer roasted potatoes and apple to bowl with dressing and toss to coat. Before serving, add 3 cups baby kale to potatoes and apple and toss gently to combine. Place bratwursts in 2 hot dog buns and serve with salad.