Table of Contents
Master air frying with this comprehensive cooking times and temperature chart. Whether you're cooking fresh vegetables, frozen foods, or proteins, these tested guidelines ensure perfect results every time. Bookmark this page for quick reference while cooking.
Important Note
Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model, the size and thickness of food, and whether you preheat. Always check food a few minutes before the listed time and adjust as needed.
How to Use This Chart
For best results when using these cooking times:
- Preheat when indicated – Most foods benefit from a 2-3 minute preheat
- Don't overcrowd – Leave space between items for air circulation
- Shake or flip halfway – Unless otherwise noted, shake baskets or flip food at the halfway point
- Check early – Start checking 2-3 minutes before the minimum time
- Use a thermometer – For meats, always verify safe internal temperatures
- Adjust for size – Smaller pieces cook faster, larger pieces need more time
- Pat dry – Remove excess moisture for crispier results
- Light oil coating – 1-2 teaspoons of oil improves browning
Safe Internal Temperature Guide
- Chicken and poultry: 165°F (74°C)
- Ground meats: 160°F (71°C)
- Beef, pork, lamb (steaks, roasts): 145°F (63°C) with 3-minute rest
- Fish and shellfish: 145°F (63°C)
- Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F (74°C)
Vegetable Cooking Times
Fresh vegetables turn beautifully crispy and caramelized in the air fryer. For best results, cut vegetables into uniform sizes and toss with 1-2 teaspoons of oil before cooking.
| Vegetable | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Trim woody ends, shake halfway |
| Bell Peppers (sliced) | 380°F (193°C) | 10-12 minutes | Cut into strips, shake halfway |
| Broccoli Florets | 375°F (190°C) | 8-12 minutes | Cut into uniform florets, toss halfway |
| Brussels Sprouts | 375°F (190°C) | 15-18 minutes | Halve for even cooking, shake every 5 min |
| Carrots (baby) | 380°F (193°C) | 12-15 minutes | Whole or halved, shake halfway |
| Cauliflower Florets | 375°F (190°C) | 12-15 minutes | Cut into uniform pieces, shake halfway |
| Corn on the Cob | 380°F (193°C) | 12-15 minutes | Brush with butter, turn halfway |
| Green Beans | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Trim ends, shake halfway |
| Mushrooms (whole) | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Clean and dry well, shake halfway |
| Onion Rings | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Breaded, flip halfway |
| Potato Wedges | 400°F (200°C) | 18-22 minutes | Cut into 8 wedges, shake every 7 min |
| Sweet Potato Fries | 380°F (193°C) | 15-18 minutes | Cut 1/4" thick, shake halfway |
| Zucchini (sliced) | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | 1/2" rounds, shake halfway |
| Baked Potato (whole) | 400°F (200°C) | 35-45 minutes | Pierce with fork, turn halfway |
| Eggplant (sliced) | 375°F (190°C) | 12-15 minutes | 1/2" slices, flip halfway |
Vegetable Pro Tip
Don't skip the oil! Even a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) helps vegetables brown and prevents sticking. Use an oil sprayer for even distribution.
Poultry Cooking Times
Air fryers excel at cooking chicken and poultry, creating crispy skin while keeping meat juicy. Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
| Poultry | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (boneless) | 375°F (190°C) | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Breast (bone-in) | 370°F (188°C) | 22-25 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Thighs (boneless) | 380°F (193°C) | 15-18 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Thighs (bone-in) | 375°F (190°C) | 22-25 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Drumsticks | 380°F (193°C) | 20-25 minutes | Turn every 7 minutes, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes | Shake every 7 minutes, internal temp 165°F |
| Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs) | 360°F (182°C) | 60-75 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F in thickest part |
| Turkey Breast (2-3 lbs) | 350°F (177°C) | 40-50 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Tenders | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway, breaded or plain |
| Cornish Game Hen | 375°F (190°C) | 35-40 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 165°F |
Beef and Pork Cooking Times
Red meat and pork cook beautifully in air fryers. Adjust time based on desired doneness and always let steaks rest 5 minutes after cooking.
| Meat | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak (1 inch thick) | 400°F (200°C) | 10-14 minutes | Flip halfway; 10 min = medium-rare, 14 = medium-well |
| Hamburgers (1/2 lb) | 375°F (190°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 160°F |
| Meatballs | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Shake halfway, internal temp 160°F |
| Pork Chops (boneless) | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 145°F |
| Pork Chops (bone-in) | 400°F (200°C) | 15-18 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 145°F |
| Pork Tenderloin | 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes | Turn every 7 minutes, internal temp 145°F |
| Bacon (strips) | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Check at 8 minutes for desired crispness |
| Sausages (links) | 380°F (193°C) | 12-15 minutes | Turn every 5 minutes, internal temp 160°F |
| Lamb Chops | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway, internal temp 145°F for medium |
| Beef Roast (2 lbs) | 360°F (182°C) | 45-60 minutes | Turn halfway, rest 10 minutes after cooking |
| Hot Dogs | 400°F (200°C) | 5-7 minutes | Shake halfway for even browning |
| Meatloaf (2 lbs) | 350°F (177°C) | 30-40 minutes | Use loaf pan, internal temp 160°F |
Seafood Cooking Times
Seafood cooks quickly in air fryers and remains moist inside while developing a beautiful exterior. Don't overcook—seafood continues cooking after removal.
| Seafood | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Fillets (6 oz) | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | No flip needed, internal temp 145°F |
| Shrimp (peeled) | 400°F (200°C) | 5-8 minutes | Shake halfway, cook until pink and opaque |
| Cod or White Fish | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | No flip needed, internal temp 145°F |
| Tuna Steaks (1 inch) | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Flip halfway, less time for rare |
| Crab Cakes | 375°F (190°C) | 8-10 minutes | Flip halfway, until golden brown |
| Scallops | 400°F (200°C) | 5-7 minutes | Flip halfway, until opaque |
| Lobster Tails (6 oz) | 380°F (193°C) | 8-10 minutes | Butterfly first, brush with butter |
| Fish Sticks (frozen) | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Flip halfway, until crispy |
| Breaded Fish Fillets | 400°F (200°C) | 12-14 minutes | Flip halfway, until golden |
Seafood Warning
Fish cooks very quickly. Check 2-3 minutes before the minimum time to avoid overcooking. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F.
Frozen Foods Cooking Times
Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods straight from the freezer—no thawing required! These times are for foods cooked directly from frozen.
| Frozen Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes | Shake every 5 minutes |
| Tater Tots | 400°F (200°C) | 15-18 minutes | Shake every 5 minutes |
| Chicken Nuggets | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Shake halfway |
| Chicken Tenders | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 400°F (200°C) | 6-8 minutes | Don't overcook or cheese will leak |
| Egg Rolls | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Turn every 4 minutes |
| Pizza Rolls | 380°F (193°C) | 6-8 minutes | Shake halfway |
| Frozen Vegetables | 400°F (200°C) | 10-15 minutes | Shake halfway, add 1 tsp oil |
| Frozen Pizza (personal) | 380°F (193°C) | 8-10 minutes | Check for melted cheese |
| Fish Sticks | 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway |
| Onion Rings | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Shake halfway |
| Popcorn Shrimp | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes | Shake halfway |
| Hash Browns (patties) | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway |
| Hot Pockets | 380°F (193°C) | 12-15 minutes | Turn halfway, let cool before eating |
Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Rules
Want to convert your favorite oven recipes to air fryer? Follow these simple rules:
The Basic Formula
Convert Any Oven Recipe:
Temperature: Reduce by 25°F (15°C)
Time: Reduce by 20-25%
Example: 400°F for 20 minutes in oven = 375°F for 15-16 minutes in air fryer
Conversion Examples
| Oven Recipe | Air Fryer Conversion |
|---|---|
| 425°F for 25 minutes | 400°F for 18-20 minutes |
| 375°F for 30 minutes | 350°F for 22-24 minutes |
| 400°F for 40 minutes | 375°F for 30-32 minutes |
| 350°F for 60 minutes | 325°F for 45-48 minutes |
Important Conversion Notes
- Check early: Start checking 5 minutes before the calculated time
- Smaller batches: Air fryers have less capacity than ovens—cook in batches if needed
- No parchment overhang: Trim parchment to fit basket exactly
- Adjust for convection ovens: If your oven recipe is already for convection, only reduce time by 10-15%
- Dense foods: Very thick or dense items may need the full oven time
- Delicate foods: Reduce temperature more (by 30-50°F) for delicate items like pastries
Essential Cooking Tips
For Best Results Every Time
Before Cooking
- Preheat for 2-3 minutes – Especially for frozen foods and items you want extra crispy
- Pat food dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness
- Don't skip the oil – Even 1-2 teaspoons makes a huge difference
- Season generously – Air circulation can dilute flavors
- Cut uniformly – Same-sized pieces cook evenly
During Cooking
- Shake or flip halfway – Critical for even browning and crispiness
- Don't open too often – You lose heat each time
- Add water for fatty foods – 1-2 tablespoons in the drip tray prevents smoking
- Listen for changes – Sizzling sounds indicate cooking progress
- Check early – Especially when trying new foods
Temperature Guidelines by Food Type
- 350-360°F: Baked goods, delicate foods, whole chickens
- 370-380°F: Most meats, thick vegetables, casseroles
- 390-400°F: Crispy foods, thin cuts, most vegetables, frozen items
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Food Not Crispy Enough
- Increase temperature by 10-15°F
- Add 2-3 minutes cooking time
- Use more oil (1-2 teaspoons)
- Don't overcrowd the basket
- Pat food drier before cooking
Food Cooking Unevenly
- Cut pieces to uniform size
- Shake basket more frequently (every 5 minutes)
- Don't stack or overcrowd
- Flip larger items halfway through
Food Too Dry
- Lower temperature by 10-15°F
- Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes
- Use more oil or marinade
- Cover with foil for part of cooking time
Pro Tip: Keep a Cooking Journal
Note the exact times and temperatures that work best for your favorite foods in your specific air fryer model. After a few weeks, you'll have a personalized cooking guide that's perfectly calibrated to your appliance and preferences.