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Air Fryer Cooking Time Chart

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Food safety matters: use a food thermometer for meat and poultry. Poultry should reach 165°F; ground meats 160°F; whole cuts of beef and pork 145°F with a 3-minute rest.

Chicken

FoodTemperatureApprox. timeTurn / shakeDoneness
Chicken wings360°F18–22 minTurn halfway165°F internal
Chicken breast360°F10–15 minTurn halfway165°F internal
Drumsticks360°F18–25 minTurn halfway165°F internal
Chicken nuggets, frozen390°F6–10 minShake halfwayFollow package if different

Frozen foods

FoodTemperatureApprox. timeTurn / shakeTip
Thin frozen fries390°F12–16 minShake halfwayCook in an even layer when possible
Thick frozen fries390°F12–20 minShake halfwayAdd time for a fuller basket
Fish sticks390°F6–10 minTurn if neededCook until crisp and hot throughout
Mozzarella sticks360°F8–10 minShake gentlyCheck early to prevent bursting

Meat

FoodTemperatureApprox. timeTurn / shakeDoneness
Steak360°F8–12 minTurn halfway145°F minimum + rest
Pork chops360°F10–14 minTurn halfway145°F minimum + rest
Hamburger patties360°F7–14 minTurn halfway160°F internal

Seafood

FoodTemperatureApprox. timeTurn / shakeTip
Salmon fillet360°F10–15 minUsually no turn neededThickness changes timing significantly
White fish fillet360–390°F8–15 minTurn if thickCook until opaque and flaky
Shrimp390°F6–9 minShake onceStop when pink and opaque

Vegetables & potatoes

FoodTemperatureApprox. timeTurn / shakeTip
Potato wedges360°F18–22 minShake halfwayDry well before cooking
Potato cubes360°F12–18 minShake halfwayKeep pieces similar in size
Broccoli florets375°F8–12 minShake halfwayA light coating of oil helps browning
Brussels sprouts375°F12–16 minShake halfwayHalve large sprouts

Cook one of these popular recipes

Turn the timing chart into a complete meal with step-by-step recipes for some of the foods above.

Need to convert microwave instructions?

If your package only gives microwave directions, use our food-aware microwave-to-air-fryer converter instead of guessing.

Open Microwave → Air Fryer Converter

5 tips for better air fryer results

1. Check early. Air fryers cook differently. Start checking several minutes before the end of a range.

2. Leave room for airflow. Crowding can slow cooking and reduce crispness.

3. Shake or turn when useful. Fries, nuggets and many vegetables benefit from movement halfway through.

4. Use a thermometer for meat. Time alone cannot confirm safe doneness.

5. Treat this as a starting chart. Thickness, quantity, starting temperature and air fryer model all matter.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about this tool and air fryer cooking.

Are air fryer cooking times the same for every model?

No. Air fryer power, basket shape and usable cooking space vary by model. Use the chart as a starting range and begin checking early the first time you cook a food in your appliance.

Do I need to flip or shake food in an air fryer?

Many foods cook more evenly when moved halfway through. Fries, nuggets and vegetables often benefit from shaking, while larger pieces such as chicken or pork may benefit from turning. Some delicate foods may not need it.

Does a fuller air fryer basket take longer?

Often yes. A crowded basket reduces airflow around the food, which can slow browning and increase cooking time. Cook in a single layer when practical or shake and rotate the food more often.

Should frozen food be thawed before air frying?

Many packaged frozen foods can go directly into the air fryer, including fries and nuggets. Follow package directions when available and avoid thawing foods when the manufacturer specifically instructs cooking from frozen.

How do I know when meat is safely cooked?

Use a food thermometer in the thickest part. The chart includes safe-doneness reminders, but time and color alone are not reliable substitutes for checking internal temperature.

Why did my food cook faster than the chart says?

Air fryer model, food size, thickness, quantity and starting temperature can all shorten or lengthen cooking. If your food is done early, use the result from your own appliance as the better reference next time.