Most everyday foods cook in an air fryer at 180–200°C (360–400°F) in 8–20 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway. The chart below is a reliable starting point — but because models and portion sizes vary, always check for doneness a few minutes early rather than trusting the timer alone.
Air fryer cooking times chart
These are general guides for fresh or frozen foods in a single layer. Shake or turn halfway. Times assume a brief preheat.
| Food | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen fries | 200°C / 400°F | 15–20 min | Shake twice for even crisping |
| Fresh-cut fries | 190°C / 375°F | 18–25 min | Soak, dry and oil lightly first |
| Whole baked potato | 200°C / 400°F | 35–45 min | Pierce first; time depends on size |
| Potato wedges | 200°C / 400°F | 20–25 min | Soak first for a crispier result |
| Chicken wings | 190°C / 380°F | 18–24 min | Flip halfway; higher heat at the end to crisp |
| Chicken breast | 190°C / 375°F | 15–20 min | Cook to 74°C / 165°F internal |
| Chicken thighs | 190°C / 380°F | 20–25 min | Skin-side down first, then flip |
| Steak (medium) | 200°C / 400°F | 8–12 min | Rest after; use a thermometer for doneness |
| Pork chops (boneless) | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 min | Cook to 63°C / 145°F internal, rest 3 min |
| Salmon fillet | 190°C / 380°F | 8–12 min | Cook to 63°C / 145°F internal |
| Bacon | 180°C / 350°F | 7–10 min | Lower heat reduces smoke |
| Frozen nuggets | 200°C / 400°F | 8–12 min | Single layer, flip once |
| Vegetables | 190°C / 380°F | 10–15 min | Toss with a little oil |
| Whole chicken (small) | 180°C / 360°F | 45–60 min | Breast-up finish; 74°C / 165°F internal |
These are starting points, not guarantees. Ovens and air fryers vary — check doneness before serving, and use a food thermometer for meat and fish.
The rules that make timings reliable
- Cook in a single layer. A crowded basket steams and cooks slower and less evenly.
- Shake or flip halfway. This is the biggest factor in even browning.
- Preheat for crispy foods. A hot start helps fries and frozen snacks — see do you need to preheat an air fryer.
- Check meat with a thermometer, not the clock. Internal temperature is the only reliable test for safety.
Why your timings might differ
- Basket size and airflow vary between models, so a smaller unit may cook faster than a large oven-style one.
- Portion size and thickness change everything — thicker cuts need longer.
- Starting temperature matters: fridge-cold food takes longer than room temperature.
For the full method behind these numbers, see how to use an air fryer. For the complete wings method — seasoning, sauce timing and frozen wings — see our air fryer wings recipe. For baked, wedge and roasted potato methods, see our air fryer potatoes guide. For pork chops specifically, see our pork chops timing guide. Converting a recipe written for a regular oven? See our oven-to-air-fryer conversion chart.
Related questions
Do I add time for frozen food? Usually a little, and preheating helps it crisp rather than dry out slowly.
Should I cut times when doubling a recipe? Don’t stack food to fit more in — cook in batches instead, or use a larger air fryer. Overfilling ruins the result.
Why is my food cooking unevenly? Overcrowding or skipping the shake are the usual causes.
Do I actually need a 450°F model? For most foods listed above, no — see 450°F vs 400°F air fryer for when the extra heat genuinely helps.