When you’re just starting with an air fryer, it can be hard to remember all the different temperatures and cook times. This easy air fryer cook times chart and guide for 50+ popular foods keeps everything in one place, helping you cook your favorite meats, vegetables, and frozen snacks without guessing or constantly searching for instructions.
Below you’ll find four organized cook time charts—including a complete air fryer cook times chart for meat & poultry, seafood, vegetables, and frozen foods—plus a quick reference table for safe internal temperatures. You can use the charts right on this page, download each one as a free printable PDF, or click the “Print this chart” button to print just the section you need.
Whether you’re air frying crispy chicken wings, salmon, broccoli, or classic French fries, this guide—and its complete air fryer cook times chart—will help you cook food that’s golden on the outside and perfectly done on the inside.
How to Use This Air Fryer Cook Times Chart
This air fryer cook time chart is designed to be a starting point. Every air fryer is a little different, and factors like wattage, basket style vs. oven style, and how full your basket is can change the exact time you’ll need.
General Tips for Using the Air Fryer Cook Times Chart
- Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food, unless your model specifically says you don’t need to.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Food should be in a single layer with a bit of space for hot air to circulate.
- Shake or flip halfway through for most foods, especially frozen snacks and vegetables.
- Start checking 1–2 minutes early. Use an instant-read thermometer for meat and seafood.
- If you’re not sure, 400°F is a good default for many foods—just adjust time and check doneness.
Use the charts below as a guide, then adjust a minute or two up or down to match your personal preferences and your specific air fryer model.
Safe Internal Temperatures for Meat & Seafood
Even if the outside looks crispy, it’s important to make sure the inside is safely cooked. Here are the common USDA-recommended internal temperatures for basic cuts of meat and seafood. Always measure in the thickest part of the food.
| Food | Internal Temperature (°F) | Internal Temperature (°C) | Doneness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken (breasts, thighs, wings, whole) | 165°F | 75°C | Fully cooked |
| Ground poultry | 165°F | 75°C | Fully cooked |
| Pork (chops, tenderloin, roasts) | 145°F | 63°C | Medium, rest 3 minutes |
| Ground pork | 160°F | 71°C | Medium-well |
| Beef steak (medium-rare) | 130°F | 54°C | Medium-rare, rest 3 minutes |
| Beef steak (medium) | 140°F | 60°C | Medium, rest 3 minutes |
| Ground beef | 160°F | 71°C | Medium-well |
| Fish fillets | 145°F | 63°C | Opaque and flaky |
| Shrimp & shellfish | Cook until opaque | — | Firm and pink/opaque |
After cooking, let meat rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken, steak, or pork moist and flavorful—and ensuring the times in your air fryer cook times chart deliver the best possible results.
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Air Fryer Cook Times Chart and Printable Reference Guides
Below you’ll find four separate charts: meat & poultry, seafood, vegetables, and frozen foods. You can save this page, download the free PDFs, or print just the chart you need.
Looking for complete meal ideas? Browse more dinner inspiration and cozy soups in your recipe collection pages.
Meat & Poultry Air Fryer Cook Times
These air fryer meat and chicken cook times are based on fresh (not frozen) cuts. Always check the internal temperature and adjust by 1–2 minutes if your air fryer runs hotter or cooler.
Download the Meat & Poultry Cook Times PDF →
| Food | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 400°F | 18–20 minutes | Flip halfway; cook until crispy and 165°F inside. |
| Chicken breast (about 8 oz) | 360°F | 18–20 minutes | Cook until 165°F; rest 5 minutes before slicing. |
| Chicken thighs, boneless | 360°F | 15–17 minutes | Great with a light oil and seasoning rub. |
| Chicken drumsticks | 380°F | 20–22 minutes | Flip once; cook until juices run clear. |
| Chicken tenders | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Perfect for breaded or marinated strips. |
| Whole chicken (about 4 lb) | 380°F | 40–45 minutes | Check inner thigh for 165°F; let rest 10 minutes. |
| Pork chops, boneless (about 6 oz) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Cook to 145°F, then rest 3–5 minutes. |
| Pork chops, bone-in (1.25–1.5" thick) | 400°F | 12–15 minutes | Flip halfway for even browning. |
| Pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lb) | 400°F | 18–20 minutes | Cook to 145°F and rest before slicing. |
| Baby back ribs (cut into sections) | 360°F | 25–30 minutes | Brush with sauce in the last 5 minutes. |
| Bacon, regular thickness | 400°F | 8–10 minutes | Check early for extra-crispy or thinner slices. |
| Beef burgers (¼ lb patties) | 360°F | 10–12 minutes | Cook to at least 160°F for ground beef. |
| Meatballs (1.5–2" each) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Works for beef, pork, or turkey meatballs. |
| Sirloin steak (about 1" thick) | 400°F | 9–12 minutes | Adjust time for preferred doneness. |
| Ribeye steak (8–10 oz) | 400°F | 9–12 minutes | Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. |
| Flank steak (about 2 lb) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Slice thinly against the grain. |
| Steak bites (½" cubes) | 400°F | 8–9 minutes | Toss in butter or sauce after cooking. |
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Seafood Air Fryer Cook Times
Air fryers are perfect for quick seafood dinners. Use a light brush of oil and your favorite seasoning, then follow these cook times as a starting point. Most seafood cooks in 15 minutes or less.
Download the Seafood Cook Times PDF →
| Food | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cod (1 lb, cut into 4 pieces) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork. |
| Salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) | 380°F | 10–12 minutes | Skin-on fillets stay moist and flavorful. |
| Tilapia fillets | 380°F | 8–10 minutes | Very thin fillets may be done a minute early. |
| Shrimp, raw (medium–large) | 400°F | 5–7 minutes | Shake basket halfway; cook until opaque and pink. |
| Shrimp, pre-cooked | 360°F | 3–4 minutes | Just heat through; don’t overcook. |
| Scallops | 400°F | 5–6 minutes | Cook until opaque and slightly firm to the touch. |
| Fish sticks (frozen) | 400°F | 10 minutes | Flip halfway for even browning. |
| Breaded fish fillets (frozen) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Cook until golden and sizzling. |
Vegetable Air Fryer Cook Times
Air fryer vegetables come out roasted, caramelized, and crisp-tender—without heating up your whole oven. Toss veggies lightly in oil, add salt, pepper, and spices, and use these cook times as a guide.
Download the Vegetable Cook Times PDF →
| Vegetable | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Toss halfway; avoid very small crumbs that burn quickly. |
| Cauliflower florets | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Great with garlic powder and parmesan. |
| Brussels sprouts, halved | 400°F | 10–15 minutes | Place cut side down for deep caramelization. |
| Carrots, 1" pieces | 380°F | 18–20 minutes | Cook until tender when pierced with a fork. |
| Bell peppers, sliced | 380°F | 8–11 minutes | Perfect for fajitas or grain bowls. |
| Onions, sliced | 380°F | 8–11 minutes | Great mixed with peppers. |
| Green beans | 370°F | 7–8 minutes | Shake once halfway through cooking. |
| Mushrooms, halved | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Do not crowd; mushrooms release moisture. |
| Beets, 1" chunks | 380°F | 25–30 minutes | Toss with oil and salt; cook until fork-tender. |
| Corn on the cob | 370°F | 14–16 minutes | Brush with butter or oil before cooking. |
| Zucchini fries | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Breaded sticks turn golden and crisp. |
| Potatoes, whole (medium) | 400°F | 35–40 minutes | Pierce with a fork before cooking. |
| Potato wedges | 400°F | 15–18 minutes | Shake once; cook until crisp outside and tender inside. |
| French fries, fresh-cut | 380°F | 18–22 minutes | Soak in cold water first for extra crispness. |
| Sweet potato, whole (medium) | 400°F | 40–45 minutes | Cook until very soft in the center. |
| Sweet potato cubes | 390°F | 15–18 minutes | Toss with oil, salt, and cinnamon or chili powder. |
Frozen Foods Air Fryer Cook Times
Frozen snacks are one of the easiest ways to get comfortable with your air fryer. Most frozen foods do well at 400°F. Just shake the basket halfway through and cook until browned and crisp to your liking.
Download the Frozen Foods Cook Times PDF →
| Frozen Food | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| French fries | 400°F | 12–15 minutes | Shake every 5 minutes; cook until golden. |
| Waffle fries | 400°F | 14–15 minutes | Spread in a single layer for best crunch. |
| Sweet potato fries | 400°F | 14–15 minutes | Check early; they brown faster than regular fries. |
| Tater tots | 400°F | 15–18 minutes | Shake a couple of times for even crisping. |
| Onion rings | 400°F | 8–10 minutes | Flip or shake halfway through. |
| Mozzarella sticks | 380°F | 6–7 minutes | Cook until just melted inside; don’t overcook. |
| Pizza rolls | 400°F | 5–6 minutes | Let cool slightly; filling will be very hot. |
| Chicken nuggets | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Cook until crispy and hot in the center. |
| Chicken tenders (breaded) | 400°F | 10–12 minutes | Single layer for best crispiness. |
| Pre-cooked meatballs | 400°F | 12–13 minutes | Shake once; heat all the way through. |
| Corn dogs | 400°F | 7–8 minutes | Turn halfway through cooking. |
| Egg rolls (1.5–2") | 400°F | 11–12 minutes | Flip halfway; cook until deep golden and crisp. |
Air Fryer Cook Times FAQ
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Many newer air fryers preheat quickly, but a short 3–5 minute preheat helps your food start cooking immediately and gives you more accurate cook times. If your manual says preheating isn’t necessary, you can follow those instructions, but for most models a quick preheat gives more consistent results.
Why Your Results May Differ From the Air Fryer Cook Times Chart
Every air fryer is a little different. Basket size, shape, wattage, and how full your basket is can all change cook times. Use these air fryer cook times as a starting point, then adjust by 1–2 minutes the next time you cook the same food.
Can I stack food in the air fryer?
For best results, keep food in a single layer with some space between the pieces. Lightly stacking items like fries or tots is usually fine as long as you shake the basket a few times, but thick cuts of meat and breaded foods brown better when they aren’t crowded.
What if I don’t remember the exact cook time?
When in doubt, set your air fryer to 400°F, cook for a few minutes less than you think you’ll need, and then check the food. You can always add 1–2 more minutes, but you can’t undo overcooking.