Air fryer cooking times and temperatures
Times and temperatures for the foods people cook most, for a preheated air fryer. They are a starting point: air fryers vary, so check a little early the first time and always cook meat to a safe internal temperature (guide below).
| Food | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 375°F / 190°C | 18-22 min | Flip once; cook to 165°F / 74°C inside |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 400°F / 200°C | 22-25 min | Skin-side down first, then flip |
| Chicken wings | 400°F / 200°C | 22-25 min | Shake halfway for even crisp |
| Whole chicken (small) | 360°F / 180°C | 45-55 min | Turn halfway; 165°F / 74°C in thigh |
| Chicken nuggets (frozen) | 400°F / 200°C | 8-10 min | Single layer, shake once |
| Steak | 400°F / 200°C | 10-14 min | For medium; flip once, rest 5 min |
| Beef burgers | 375°F / 190°C | 10-13 min | Cook to 160°F / 71°C for ground beef |
| Pork chops | 380°F / 195°C | 12-15 min | Flip halfway; 145°F / 63°C inside |
| Sausages | 380°F / 195°C | 10-13 min | Turn halfway |
| Bacon | 350°F / 175°C | 8-10 min | Lower temp stops smoking |
| Meatballs | 400°F / 200°C | 10-12 min | Shake halfway |
| Salmon fillet | 390°F / 195°C | 8-10 min | Skin down; flakes when done |
| Fish fillets (frozen, breaded) | 400°F / 200°C | 12-14 min | No need to thaw |
| Shrimp | 400°F / 200°C | 6-8 min | Toss halfway; pink and firm |
| French fries (frozen) | 400°F / 200°C | 15-18 min | Shake twice for even crisp |
| French fries (fresh) | 380°F / 195°C | 18-22 min | Soak, dry and oil lightly first |
| Sweet potato fries | 380°F / 195°C | 15-18 min | Cut evenly; shake halfway |
| Tater tots (frozen) | 400°F / 200°C | 12-15 min | Single layer |
| Roast potatoes | 400°F / 200°C | 20-25 min | Parboil first for fluffy middles |
| Broccoli | 375°F / 190°C | 8-10 min | Toss in a little oil |
| Brussels sprouts | 375°F / 190°C | 12-15 min | Halve them; shake halfway |
| Tofu (cubed) | 400°F / 200°C | 12-15 min | Press and oil; shake for even browning |
| Mozzarella sticks (frozen) | 380°F / 195°C | 6-8 min | Watch closely, they burst if overdone |
| Spring rolls (frozen) | 390°F / 195°C | 8-10 min | Turn halfway |
Safe internal temperatures
The clock is a guide; a meat thermometer is how you know. Cook to at least these internal temperatures:
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| Food | Minimum internal temp |
|---|---|
| Chicken and turkey | 165°F / 74°C |
| Ground beef, pork, lamb | 160°F / 71°C |
| Steak, pork chops, fish (whole cuts) | 145°F / 63°C |
| Reheated leftovers | 165°F / 74°C |
Getting the best results
Preheat for 3 to 5 minutes, cook in a single layer so air can circulate (do batches rather than crowd the basket), and shake or flip food partway through. A light spray of oil helps fresh vegetables and chips crisp; frozen foods usually have enough already.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should an air fryer be?
Most foods cook best between 375 and 400°F (190 to 200°C). Use 400°F for anything you want crispy, like fries, wings and roast potatoes, and 375 to 390°F for proteins that dry out easily, like chicken breast, salmon and pork chops.
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Preheating for 3 to 5 minutes is worth it in most cases. It brings the basket up to temperature so food crisps properly and the times in the chart above are accurate from the start.
How do you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Cook it straight from frozen at the same temperature as fresh, or about 10°F higher, and add roughly 20 to 35 percent more time. Shake or turn partway through so it cooks evenly.
How do I know when meat is done?
Use a meat thermometer, not the clock, for anything you must not undercook. Chicken and turkey need 165°F (74°C), ground meat 160°F (71°C), and whole cuts of beef, pork and fish 145°F (63°C).
Why are my times different from the chart?
Air fryers vary in wattage and basket size, and food size matters too. Treat these as a starting point, check a few minutes early the first time you cook something, and note what works for your machine.