Air Fryer Cooking Times For Common Foods

Published February 5, 2026 | By mikefocus2012

One of the most common air fryer questions is simple:
“How long do I cook this?”

Cooking times can vary depending on the food, portion size, and air fryer model, but having a reliable starting point makes air frying much easier. This guide covers air fryer cooking times for common foods, including frozen items, vegetables, meat, and snacks.

Use these times as a baseline, then adjust as needed for your specific air fryer.

Important Notes Before You Start

* Cooking times assume food is placed in a single layer
* Shake or flip food halfway through when possible
* Preheating may reduce total cook time slightly
* Always check food early to avoid overcooking

Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so small adjustments make a big difference.

If you are new to air fryers, start with our air fryer beginner guide to learn proper setup and use.

Frozen Foods Cooking Times

Frozen foods are some of the easiest items to cook in an air fryer.

Food	Temperature	Time
French fries	380°F	12–18 minutes
Tater tots	400°F	10–15 minutes
Chicken nuggets	400°F	10–14 minutes
Chicken wings (frozen)	400°F	18–22 minutes
Mozzarella sticks	370°F	6–8 minutes
Fish sticks	390°F	10–12 minutes

Shake or flip halfway for even crisping.

Vegetables Cooking Times

Vegetables cook quickly and crisp well in an air fryer.

Vegetable	Temperature	Time
Broccoli florets	375°F	8–12 minutes
Brussels sprouts	375°F	12–16 minutes
Carrots (sliced)	380°F	12–15 minutes
Zucchini	375°F	8–10 minutes
Asparagus	380°F	7–10 minutes
Bell peppers	375°F	8–10 minutes

Light oil and seasoning improve flavor and texture.

Chicken Cooking Times

Always check internal temperature when cooking poultry.

Chicken Cut	Temperature	Time
Chicken breasts	370°F	15–20 minutes
Chicken thighs	380°F	18–22 minutes
Chicken wings (fresh)	400°F	20–25 minutes
Drumsticks	380°F	20–25 minutes
Chicken tenders	375°F	12–15 minutes

Safe internal temperature: 165°F (74°C).

Beef and Pork Cooking Times

Meat	Temperature	Time
Steak (1 inch thick)	400°F	10–14 minutes
Pork chops	380°F	12–15 minutes
Burgers	375°F	10–12 minutes
Meatballs	380°F	10–14 minutes
Sausages	380°F	12–15 minutes

Flip halfway and let meat rest briefly after cooking.

Seafood Cooking Times

Seafood	Temperature	Time
Salmon fillets	375°F	8–12 minutes
Shrimp	400°F	6–8 minutes
Tilapia	380°F	10–12 minutes
Cod	380°F	10–13 minutes

Fish is done when opaque and flakes easily.

Snacks and Reheating Times

Air fryers are excellent for reheating leftovers.

Food	Temperature	Time
Pizza slices	350°F	3–5 minutes
Spring rolls	375°F	6–8 minutes
Egg rolls	380°F	8–10 minutes
Leftover fries	375°F	4–6 minutes
Grilled sandwiches	350°F	3–5 minutes

Reheating in an air fryer often restores crispness better than a microwave.

Tips for Accurate Cooking Times

* Start with less time and add more if needed
* Keep food pieces similar in size
* Do not overcrowd the basket
* Shake or flip halfway
* Use a meat thermometer for accuracy

Different air fryer brands and sizes can cook at slightly different speeds.

Understanding cooking times also helps when converting oven recipes to an air fryer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do air fryer cooking times vary?

Air fryer size, wattage, food thickness, and basket airflow all affect cooking speed.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Some recipes benefit from preheating, especially frozen foods, but many air fryers do not require it.

Can I cook different foods at the same time?

Only if they require similar temperatures and cooking times, or if your air fryer has dual baskets.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer cooking times are a helpful guide, not a strict rule. Once you understand how your air fryer performs, you will be able to adjust quickly and cook with confidence.

Use this chart as a reference, check food early, and make small adjustments for perfect results every time.

For more beginner-friendly guides and cooking tips, explore AirFryerTrend.com.