I’ve tested a lot of air fryers over the years, and one thing hasn’t changed: most of us just want to know how long and what temp to use so dinner doesn’t come out dry or half-cooked. The problem is that every chart out there seems either overly simplified or way too detailed to be practical.
Because different air fryers handle heat and airflow slightly differently, having a reliable baseline makes everyday cooking much easier.
So I put together a cheat sheet based on real-world use – the times and temperatures I lean on every week when I’m tossing chicken thighs in the basket or reheating leftover fries. Use this as a starting point, then tweak by a minute or two depending on your air fryer’s personality. Yes, they each have one.
Why an Air Fryer Cheat Sheet Helps More Than You’d Think
Most people don’t realize that air fryers run a little hotter than their preset buttons suggest. That’s why your nuggets sometimes burn at 400°F or your veggies come out softer than expected. A simple reference saves a lot of guesswork.
Another practical benefit: if you’re switching from a toaster oven or convection oven, the reduced cook times can be surprising. I’ve overcooked more than one batch of broccoli learning that lesson.
This cheat sheet gives you a solid baseline; once you’ve cooked a recipe once or twice, you’ll start to instinctively adjust.
The Essential Air Fryer Cooking Times and Temperatures
Here’s the chart I wish manufacturers printed on the side of the machine. These temps assume you’re cooking in a single layer unless noted. Shake or flip halfway unless the food is delicate or crumb-coated.
Vegetables
- Broccoli florets: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
- Brussels sprouts (halved): 375°F for 12–14 minutes
- Carrots (sliced or matchstick): 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Cauliflower: 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Green beans: 380°F for 8–10 minutes
- Sweet potato cubes: 390°F for 12–15 minutes
- Zucchini (wedges or slices): 400°F for 8–10 minutes
Tip: Veggies brown better when they’re dry. If they look pale, go 1–2 minutes longer.
Chicken
- Chicken breasts (boneless): 375°F for 14–16 minutes
- Chicken thighs (bone-in): 380°F for 20–22 minutes
- Chicken wings: 400°F for 18–20 minutes
- Chicken tenders (raw): 390°F for 10–12 minutes
- Breaded chicken tenders (frozen): 400°F for 8–10 minutes
- Drumsticks: 390°F for 18–20 minutes
In my experience, chicken thighs are the most forgiving. If you’re new to air frying, start there.
Beef and Pork
- Steak (1-inch): 400°F for 8–10 minutes (medium)
- Meatballs (1.5-inch): 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Pork chops (boneless): 390°F for 12–14 minutes
- Sausage links: 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Bacon: 350°F for 7–9 minutes
Tip: Bacon shrinks more in the air fryer, but it cooks evenly. Lay pieces flat with a little space between them.
Seafood
- Salmon fillets: 390°F for 8–10 minutes
- Shrimp (peeled): 400°F for 6–8 minutes
- Cod or white fish: 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Breaded fish sticks: 400°F for 8–10 minutes
Seafood cooks fast, so stay close. Once it flakes easily, it’s done.
Potatoes and Sides
- French fries (fresh-cut): 375°F for 14–16 minutes
- Frozen fries: 400°F for 10–12 minutes
- Tater tots: 400°F for 10–12 minutes
- Baked potato: 390°F for 35–40 minutes (pierce first)
- Potato wedges: 400°F for 14–16 minutes
If your fries aren’t crisping, give them more space or shake more often.
Frozen Foods
- Chicken nuggets: 400°F for 8–10 minutes
- Mozzarella sticks: 370°F for 6–8 minutes
- Frozen vegetables: 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Pizza rolls: 380°F for 6–8 minutes
- Frozen hash browns (patties): 380°F for 8–10 minutes
Frozen foods cook quicker than people expect. If cheese-filled items burst, lower the temperature by 10–20 degrees next time.
A Few Things Most People Don’t Realize About Air Fryer Cooking Times
I’ve learned these by trial, error, and one very smoky batch of chicken wings.
- Your basket’s crowding habits matter more than the recipe. If food overlaps, you add 3–5 minutes automatically.
- Oil isn’t the enemy. A light spritz, especially on veggies or breaded foods, improves browning.
- Preheating helps consistency. Not all models need it, but I find preheating stabilizes cook times.
- Temperature isn’t everything. Airflow is. That’s why shaking halfway makes such a big difference.
- Lower temperatures prevent burning. If something browns too fast, drop the heat by 20 degrees and extend the time slightly.
If you’re switching brands or models, understanding air fryer model differences helps explain why the same food can cook differently from one machine to another.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Overcooking chicken breast
Most presets default to 400°F, which is usually too hot. Drop to 375°F and add a minute or two if needed.
Veggies coming out soggy
Dry them well after washing and don’t overload the basket. A tablespoon of oil tossed in a bowl helps with crisp edges.
Breaded foods exploding
Lower the temperature. Cheese expands quickly, and the exterior won’t have time to crisp before the inside bursts.
Uneven browning
Shake more often or cook in two smaller batches. Many people try to cook an entire dinner in one go, and the air fryer just can’t move air through a packed basket.
Printable-Style Summary: The Quick Reference You’ll Actually Use
Here’s the snapshot version most people save on their phone:
- Chicken breast: 375°F, 14–16 min
- Chicken wings: 400°F, 18–20 min
- Salmon: 390°F, 8–10 min
- Shrimp: 400°F, 6–8 min
- Pork chops: 390°F, 12–14 min
- Fries: 375–400°F, 10–16 min
- Broccoli: 375°F, 8–10 min
- Tater tots: 400°F, 10–12 min
- Mozzarella sticks: 370°F, 6–8 min
You don’t have to memorize it. After a few uses, you’ll start recognizing the patterns.
Tools That Make Air Frying Easier (Optional but Helpful)
I’m not big on kitchen clutter, but a couple of accessories do make a difference:
- A silicone liner for easier cleanup
- A small oil sprayer for even coating
- Tongs with silicone tips to keep the basket nonstick coating intact
If you don’t have an air fryer yet or are thinking of upgrading, this is the one I recommend for most kitchens:
A compact but powerful air fryer with fast cook times, a slick glass control panel, and a nonstick ceramic basket that wipes clean in seconds. Great for small kitchens or anyone who wants quick, even cooking without the bulk.
Final Thoughts
Air frying isn’t complicated once you understand the rhythms. Start with these baseline times, learn how your specific model behaves, and don’t be afraid to adjust on the fly. Most foods only need a minute or two of tweaking to get them just right.
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