Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart: Temperatures and Times for Common Foods
A printable-style chart of starting points for everyday foods, with the safe internal temperatures that matter more than any timer.
Most foods cook in an air fryer at 350–400°F for about 5–25 minutes, which matches the range USDA gives for air fryers. The charts below list starting points for common foods in a typical 4–6 quart basket. Your model’s wattage, basket size and how full you load it will change the real time, so check a few minutes early and use a food thermometer for meat, poultry, fish and egg dishes. The safe internal temperature never changes, even when the timing does.
How to use this chart
- Single layer: times assume food spread out, not piled up. Crowding adds time and leaves pale, soft spots.
- Shake or flip halfway for small pieces such as fries, wings and vegetables.
- Preheat only if your manual recommends it; if you skip it, add a minute or two.
- Package directions win for frozen and prepared foods, especially raw breaded chicken products.
- Check early the first time you cook something in a new fryer.
Poultry
All poultry, including wings, thighs, breasts and ground poultry, is safe at 165°F.
| Food | Temperature | Starting time | Safe internal temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings, fresh | 380°F, then 400°F | 20–25 min, plus 3–5 min | 165°F |
| Boneless chicken breast (6–8 oz) | 375–380°F | 15–20 min | 165°F |
| Boneless chicken thighs | 380°F | 14–18 min | 165°F |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 380°F | 22–28 min | 165°F |
| Chicken drumsticks | 380°F | 22–26 min | 165°F |
| Chicken tenders, fresh breaded | 380°F | 10–12 min | 165°F |
| Turkey or chicken burgers | 360–375°F | 12–15 min | 165°F |
For flavor ideas, see our five air fryer chicken wing recipes.
Beef, pork and lamb
Steaks, chops and roasts of beef, pork, veal and lamb are safe at 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest; ground meats need 160°F.
| Food | Temperature | Starting time | Safe internal temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgers, 1/4 lb patties | 375°F | 8–12 min | 160°F |
| Meatballs, 1 1/2 inch | 375–380°F | 10–12 min | 160°F (165°F if made with poultry) |
| Steak, 1 inch thick | 400°F | 8–12 min | 145°F + 3 min rest |
| Pork chops, boneless, 1 inch | 380°F | 10–14 min | 145°F + 3 min rest |
| Pork tenderloin | 390°F | 18–22 min | 145°F + 3 min rest |
| Fresh sausages (pork or beef) | 360–375°F | 10–14 min | 160°F |
| Bacon, regular cut | 350–375°F | 8–12 min | Cook until crisp |
Fish and seafood
Fish and shellfish are safe at 145°F; fish is also done when it is opaque and separates easily with a fork. Shrimp should turn pearly and opaque.
| Food | Temperature | Starting time | Safe internal temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillet, about 1 inch | 390°F | 7–10 min | 145°F |
| White fish fillet (cod, tilapia) | 380–390°F | 8–12 min | 145°F |
| Shrimp, large, peeled | 400°F | 6–8 min | 145°F / opaque |
| Breaded fish fillets, frozen | 380–400°F | 12–15 min | Package directions |
| Fish sticks, frozen | 390–400°F | 8–10 min | Package directions |
More detail in our air fryer salmon recipes.
Vegetables and potatoes
| Food | Temperature | Starting time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-cut fries (soaked and dried) | 380°F | 18–25 min |
| Potato cubes, 3/4 inch | 400°F | 15–20 min |
| Whole baked potato, medium | 390–400°F | 35–45 min |
| Broccoli florets | 375°F | 8–12 min |
| Brussels sprouts, halved | 375°F | 14–18 min |
| Carrots, 1/2-inch pieces | 380°F | 14–18 min |
| Cauliflower florets | 375°F | 12–15 min |
| Zucchini, 1/2-inch half-moons | 400°F | 10–12 min |
| Corn on the cob | 380–390°F | 10–14 min |
Five easy recipes are in our air fryer vegetables guide.
Frozen foods
| Food | Temperature | Starting time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen french fries (regular) | 380–400°F | 12–18 min |
| Frozen tater tots | 390–400°F | 12–15 min |
| Frozen chicken nuggets | 380–400°F | 8–12 min |
| Frozen mozzarella sticks | 380°F | 6–8 min |
| Frozen egg rolls or spring rolls | 380–390°F | 10–14 min |
| Frozen hash brown patties | 380–400°F | 10–14 min |
Breaded frozen chicken: many look fully cooked but are raw inside. Read the label, follow the package directions and check for 165°F. USDA advises not cooking raw, stuffed, breaded chicken breast products in an air fryer. See USDA FSIS: Air Fryers and Food Safety.
Breakfast and reheating
| Food | Temperature | Starting time | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg cups or mini frittatas | 300–330°F | 10–15 min | 160°F, center set |
| Pizza slices, leftover | 350°F | 3–5 min | Hot throughout |
| Leftover fries or wings | 360–375°F | 3–6 min | 165°F for leftovers |
| Casseroles and leftovers in an oven-safe dish | 325–350°F | 8–15 min | 165°F |
See our air fryer breakfast ideas for more.
Why your times may differ
- Wattage and design: compact, high-wattage baskets often cook faster than oven-style models with racks.
- Load size: a full basket can take noticeably longer than a half-full one.
- Thickness: a 1 1/2-inch chicken breast takes far longer than a thin cutlet.
- Starting temperature: food straight from the fridge or freezer takes longer than room-temperature food (never leave perishable food out more than 2 hours).
- Thermostat accuracy: displayed and actual temperatures can differ.
Bottom line
Use this chart as a starting point, not a guarantee. Spread food in a single layer, shake halfway, check early, and confirm doneness with a thermometer: 165°F for poultry and leftovers, 160°F for ground meat and egg dishes, 145°F for fish and for whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb after a 3-minute rest. The full list is in the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.
FAQ
Do air fryer times include preheating?
No. The times above are cooking times. If your model needs preheating, add it before you start the timer, or add a minute or two if you skip it.
How do I convert an oven recipe to an air fryer?
A common starting point is about 25°F lower than the oven recipe and checking about 20% earlier. Confirm with a thermometer.
Why is my food done faster than the chart says?
Your model may run hot, or the basket was lightly loaded. Note your own times so you can adjust next time.
Can I cook frozen meat without thawing?
Plain frozen items such as wings or fillets can be cooked from frozen; they take longer. Always confirm the safe internal temperature.
