Air Fryer Cooking Times: The Complete Guide
Written by Kate Farrell | Last updated: March 2026
These times work. But they're starting points, not gospel — and I'll explain why in a moment.
Table of Contents
Every time listed here is based on a preheated air fryer, single-layer food, and average portion sizes. Your machine may run hotter or cooler than mine. A 5-quart Cosori and a Ninja Dual Zone don't behave identically even at the same setting. The first time you cook something new, check it a minute or two early, then adjust from there.
Poultry
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 400°F / 200°C | 20–25 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 165°F / 74°C |
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 375°F / 190°C | 12–15 min | Pound to even thickness; internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 400°F / 200°C | 22–26 min | Skin-side up; flip halfway |
| Chicken thighs (boneless) | 400°F / 200°C | 16–20 min | Internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken nuggets (frozen) | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Shake halfway through |
| Chicken tenders | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Flip halfway |
Beef & Lamb
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak, 1-inch thick | 400°F / 200°C | 8–12 min | Flip halfway; rest 5 min before cutting |
| Burgers (¼ lb) | 375°F / 190°C | 10–12 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 160°F / 71°C |
| Meatballs | 400°F / 200°C | 12–14 min | Shake halfway |
| Lamb chops | 400°F / 200°C | 10–14 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 145°F / 63°C |
Pork
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork chops (boneless, 1-inch) | 375°F / 190°C | 12–15 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 145°F |
| Bacon (strips) | 350°F / 175°C | 8–12 min | Single layer; check at 8 min |
| Pork tenderloin | 400°F / 200°C | 20–25 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 145°F |
| Sausages | 375°F / 190°C | 12–15 min | Turn halfway through |
Fish & Seafood
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillet | 400°F / 200°C | 8–10 min | Skin-side down; internal temp 145°F |
| White fish (cod, tilapia) | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Internal temp 145°F |
| Shrimp (large) | 400°F / 200°C | 6–8 min | Toss with oil; toss halfway |
| Fish fillets (frozen, breaded) | 400°F / 200°C | 12–14 min | Flip halfway |
Vegetables
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts (halved) | 400°F / 200°C | 12–15 min | Shake halfway |
| Broccoli florets | 400°F / 200°C | 8–10 min | Toss with oil; shake halfway |
| Carrots (sliced) | 400°F / 200°C | 12–15 min | Shake halfway |
| Courgette / zucchini | 400°F / 200°C | 8–10 min | Shake halfway |
| Asparagus | 400°F / 200°C | 7–9 min | Single layer |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 375°F / 190°C | 10–12 min | Shake halfway |
| Corn on the cob | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Brush with butter or oil |
Potatoes & Root Vegetables
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen chips / French fries | 400°F / 200°C | 12–15 min | Shake halfway |
| Fresh chips / French fries | 380°F / 195°C | 18–22 min | Soak in water 30 min first; shake halfway |
| Potato wedges | 400°F / 200°C | 22–26 min | Soak first; shake halfway |
| Sweet potato fries | 400°F / 200°C | 15–18 min | Shake halfway |
| Baked potato | 400°F / 200°C | 35–45 min | Poke holes; rub with oil |
| Roast potatoes (parboiled) | 400°F / 200°C | 20–25 min | Shake halfway |
Frozen Foods
| Food | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onion rings | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Shake halfway |
| Mozzarella sticks | 400°F / 200°C | 6–8 min | Watch carefully |
| Pizza rolls | 380°F / 195°C | 8–10 min | Shake halfway |
| Spring rolls / egg rolls | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Flip halfway |
| Frozen burgers | 375°F / 190°C | 16–18 min | Flip halfway; internal temp 160°F |
USDA Safe Internal Temperatures
This table is non-negotiable. Visual doneness isn't reliable — a thermometer is the only way to know.
| Food | Safe Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Chicken & turkey (all cuts) | 165°F / 74°C |
| Ground beef, pork, lamb | 160°F / 71°C |
| Beef, pork, lamb (whole cuts) | 145°F / 63°C |
| Fish & seafood | 145°F / 63°C |
| Eggs | 160°F / 71°C |
Why Times Vary Between Air Fryers
Two air fryers set to 400°F won't always cook identically, and there are a few reasons for this.
Wattage
Most household air fryers run between 1,400 and 1,800 watts. A higher-wattage machine heats faster and may cook more aggressively, especially at the start of a cook. If your food is consistently burning on the outside before the inside is done, try dropping the temperature by 10–15°F rather than just reducing time.
Basket size
A 2-quart air fryer and a 6-quart air fryer have very different air-to-food ratios. Smaller baskets circulate heat more intensely around smaller amounts of food. If you're using a compact machine, shave a minute or two off and check early.
Whether you preheat
These times assume a preheated air fryer — typically 3–5 minutes at the cooking temperature before food goes in. If you skip the preheat, add 2–3 minutes. Some machines have a dedicated preheat function; if yours does, use it.
How full the basket is
Don't stack food. Hot air needs to circulate around every piece — that's literally the point of the appliance. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it and adds unpredictable cooking time. Cook in batches when you need to.
General Tips
- ✓Start checking early on your first cook.
Especially with a new machine or a food you haven't made before, check 2–3 minutes before the listed time. You can always add time; you can't un-overcook something.
- ✓Oil helps, but not much.
A light spray — half a second per side — is enough for most foods. More than that and you risk soggy results. No oil at all and some foods won't brown properly. The exception is anything already coated in fat (bacon, sausages, skin-on chicken) — those don't need any added oil.
- ✓Let meat rest.
This is true for the oven, grill, and air fryer alike. Chicken breast, steak, pork chops — pull them out, put them on a plate, tent with foil, and wait 3–5 minutes. Internal temperature will climb 2–5 degrees during rest, and the juices redistribute instead of pooling on your cutting board.