Time and temperatures
Air fryer time and temperature – it's the one thing every new air fryer owner googles at least once (and if you're anything like me, quite a few times after that too). This guide gives you a full cooking chart for the most popular foods – your ultimate cheat sheet for the air fryer.
Why time and temperature matter more in an air fryer
An air fryer isn’t just a mini oven. The hot air circulates fast, so food cooks quicker and more intensely. I learnt that with my first batch of sausages – oven settings, wandered off, came back to something a bit too well-done.
Rule of thumb compared with the oven:
- Temperature: 10–20°C lower
- Time: 20–30% shorter
The golden rules before you start cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Food needs space, or it steams instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake or turn halfway. Makes a big difference with chips, veg and nuggets.
- Pat food dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness – kitchen roll is your friend.
- Use just a little oil. A light spray or brush is plenty.
- Check early. Every air fryer is different, so have a look a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
Air fryer cooking times and temperatures – the big table
All temperatures are in °C on the air fry setting. Times are a guide – always check your food and adjust based on your model and the size of your portions.
| # | Food | Temp (°C) | Time (mins) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chips (fresh, thick-cut) | 200 | 25–30 | Shake halfway through |
| 2 | Chips (frozen) | 200 | 18–22 | No oil needed; shake halfway |
| 3 | Chicken breast (boneless) | 190 | 18–22 | Check internal temp reaches 75°C |
| 4 | Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 200 | 25–30 | Skin side up for crispiness |
| 5 | Chicken wings | 200 | 22–26 | Flip halfway through |
| 6 | Sausages | 180 | 12–15 | Turn once halfway through |
| 7 | Bacon rashers | 200 | 8–10 | No oil needed |
| 8 | Salmon fillet | 180 | 10–12 | Pat dry; skin side down |
| 9 | Cod fillet | 180 | 10–13 | Lightly oil; check it flakes easily |
| 10 | Prawns | 200 | 6–8 | Don't overcrowd; toss halfway |
| 11 | Jacket potato | 200 | 35–45 | Pierce all over; no foil for crispy skin |
| 12 | Roast potatoes | 200 | 25–30 | Parboil first for best results |
| 13 | Baby potatoes (halved) | 190 | 18–22 | Toss in oil and seasoning |
| 14 | Broccoli florets | 180 | 8–10 | Light oil; don't overcrowd |
| 15 | Asparagus | 180 | 7–9 | Thin spears cook faster |
| 16 | Courgette (sliced) | 180 | 8–10 | Great with a little parmesan |
| 17 | Mushrooms | 180 | 8–10 | Halved; toss in a little oil |
| 18 | Halloumi (sliced) | 200 | 8–10 | No oil needed; flip halfway |
| 19 | Eggs (hard-boiled style) | 130 | 15–17 | Place directly in basket; cool in cold water |
| 20 | Frozen fish fingers | 200 | 10–12 | No oil needed; flip halfway |
| 21 | Frozen chicken nuggets | 200 | 10–14 | Shake halfway; follow pack guide |
| 22 | Frozen onion rings | 200 | 8–10 | Shake halfway |
| 23 | Pigs in blankets | 190 | 12–15 | Great for a quick roast addition |
| 24 | Steak (medium, 2cm thick) | 220 | 10–12 | Rest for 5 mins after cooking |
| 25 | Garlic bread (sliced) | 180 | 5–7 | Watch closely – it can go quickly! |
How to adjust times for your specific model
The table is your starting point – but every air fryer is a bit different. Small baskets cook faster than big dual-basket models.
- Trying something new? Start at the lower end and check early. You can always add time – you can’t un-burn anything.
- Cooking from frozen? Same temperature, 3–5 minutes longer. Check the pack too.
- Bigger portion? Add 3–5 minutes and keep shaking.
- Using both baskets? It might take a little longer than one.
My tip: I jot down timings that work for my air fryer on a little notepad. A bit nerdy – but it’s made me so much more confident.
FAQ
Why isn’t my food crispy?
Usually too much moisture or a full basket. Pat it dry, add a little oil and give it space.
Do these times work for every brand?
As a starting point, yes. Every model heats slightly differently, so adjust as you go.
What temperature should chicken reach?
75°C in the middle. A meat thermometer is worth having if you cook chicken often.
Do I need to preheat first?
The times assume a preheated air fryer. Cooking from cold? Add 2–3 minutes.