• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
Scrambled Chefs
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Recipes
  • Main Dish
  • Desserts
  • Appetizers
  • Recipe Collections
  • Breakfast
  • Vegetarian
  • Brunch
  • Side Dish
  • Gluten - Free
  • Pasta
  • Lunch
  • Salads
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Subscribe
  • About Scrambled Chefs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Chef Secrets » Recipes

    Ultimate Guide to Air Frying with Printable Cooking Times Cheat Sheet

    Published: May 26, 2021 · Modified: May 26, 2021 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Air fryer basket filed with potato wedges
    Green infographic about air fryers
    Yellow info graphic about air fryer cooking times

    Are you using an air fryer yet?  If not, jump on the air fryer bandwagon ASAP!  While it's not ideal for every food you prepare, it is a wonderful way to prepare foods faster and with a great crisp without using extra oils.  Whether you want to use an air fryer for easier meal prep or to reduce calories won't matter when you see this printable.  We've gathered the top food items you may want to try in your air fryer and put them into a handy printable. 

    Woman holding up printable sheet with yellow background that says printable air fryer cooking times

    Air Fryer Cooking Times

    As an air fryer enthusiast and cookbook author, I am excited to share with you tips to make your experience easier.  So many people look at the air fryer as just another kitchen appliance, or some weird item they don't know how to use.  It's really just a great way to cook foods faster, easier, and in a much more fun way. 

    Of course, I recommend checking out my cookbook, Mediterranean Air Fryer: 95 Healthy Recipes to Fry, Roast, Bake, and Grill.  It is focused on the Mediterranean Diet and way of cooking but has wonderful basic recipes throughout that any home cook would enjoy. 

    What is Different About an Air Fryer? 

    The air fryer is basically a convection oven but smaller.  It is designed to be convenient for smaller kitchens and to sit on a countertop while also being easy to put away out of sight. They come in a variety of sizes from ideal for a single person all the way to large enough for 6 to 8 servings.

    Relted Recipe
    Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

    Most air fryers have a basket that is pushed into the unit.  You place the food into the basket, place it into the air fryer, and then choose the time and temperature.  It cooks the food with hot forced air rather than just a heating element.  This creates more even cooking, crisping without oil, and a faster cook time as well. 

    How to Get Started Using an Air Fryer

    If you just aren't sure where to begin, I recommend doing something simple like roasting vegetables or cooking a chicken breast.  Think about any of the things you would normally cook in your oven and see if you can do that in the air fryer instead.  Below are a few key things to consider when using an air fryer for the first time. 

    • No added oil is necessary, but small drizzles or sprays can be used to brown the items more. 
    • Line the basket with parchment paper before placing food into the basket for easier cleanup.
    • Don't forget it can also be used for reheating meals and not just cooking them from start to finish. 

    How Do I Convert Regular Recipes for the Air Fryer? 

    The most common way to convert a traditional recipe for the air fryer is to reduce the temperature by 25° and 20% of the cooking time.  While this works in most recipes, it is also important to check throughout the cooking process. 

    With most items, stopping halfway through the cooking time to check is recommended.  I like to turn meats at that point or shake the basket if cooking smaller items that may need to be turned or flipped. At that point, you can determine if it needs more cooking time or is nearly done.  

    Relted Recipe
    Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe with Glaze

    Sometimes it is a bit of trial and error, but I recommend starting in smaller time increments and working your way up a few minutes at a time until the food is at your desired doneness. 

    Salmon and vegetables in air fryer basket

    What is the Best Air Fryer for Me? 

    When trying to decide the right air fryer for you and your needs, consider how many servings you will be making, and how much space you have.  There are also different brands and price points to choose from.  While the air fryer isn't cheap, it isn't overly expensive either.  You will need to take your time to pick what works best for you. 

    For a single individual or couple, a 3 to 5-quart option is fine.  If you are making upwards of 6 servings at a time, you will want the 6 quart or larger options.  Below are some of my favorite brands of air fryers that I know are high-quality and will be a good investment. 

    • Cosori Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 QT
    • GoWISE 5.9 QT 8-in1 Digital Air Fryer
    • Ninja Max XL 5.5 QT Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 6 QT Air Fryer

    Some other air fryer options that are combination units are a larger investment but are more than just the air fryer.  If you prefer a larger option, these can be great, but they may also come in varying sizes. 

    • Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 4 QT Air Fryer Countertop Grill
    • Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10 QT 7-in-1 Air Fryer
    • NuWave Brio 15.5 QT Air Fryer & Grill with Rotisserie Kit
    • Aumate Air Fryer Oven 7-in-1 19 QT
    Relted Recipe
    Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon Garlic Spices

    Air Fryer Accessories

    While you don't need any accessories to use your air fryer, there are some great options that will help make cooking in your air fryer easier, and sometimes just more fun.  Below are the items I would recommend if you want to invest in additional tools for your air fryer. 

    Air Fryer Accessories Kit - this kit is designed for square air fryers, but you can also find similar sets for round or oblong baskets.  This comes with a variety of grill plates, pans, and even some silicone baking pans.

    Air Fryer Reusable Liners - this is great for making cleanup easy.  You can even pop these into the dishwasher which makes it even better!

    Air Fryer Parchment Sheets - if you prefer disposable, these sheets are a perfect solution.  They come in large packs and are affordable while also working in any air fryer. 

    Fish fillet on parchment in air fryer

    Air Fryer Cook Times for Common Meats

    While this does not include all meats, it has a good list, to begin with.  Remember, as always, that times are variable and really depend upon the type of air fryer you have as well as the individual cut of meat.  A thicker steak or larger burger will take longer than is shown.  When making meats of any kind in the air fryer, I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer to verify you have reached a safe internal temperature for serving. 

    Relted Recipe
    The Best Homemade Blender Salsa Recipe
    MEATS TEMPERATURE COOK TIME
    Bacon 350 8 to 12
    Burgers 350 8 to 12
    Chicken Whole 3.5 lbs 350 45 to 60
    Chicken Breast bone-in 1.3lb 350 8 to 12
    Chicken Breast boneless 370 15 to 18
    Chicken Drumsticks 400 15
    Chicken Thighs 370 16 to 18
    Chicken Tenders 350 8 to 12
    Chicken Wings 380 14 to 16
    Filet Mignon 450 8 to 10
    Lamb Chops 400 6 to 8
    Meatballs 400  14 to 16
    Pork Chops with Bone 400 12
    Pork Loin 400 20 to 25
    Rack of Lamb 375 18 to 25
    Ribeye 400 9 to 12
    Ribs 400 25 to 40
    Roast Beef 400 45 to 60
    Sausage 400 12 to 15
    Sirloin Steak 390 9 to 12

    Meatballs in air fryer basket

    Air Fryer Cook Times for Common Seafood

    Seafood is a great option to prepare in the air fryer because it takes so little time.  Since it is already such a healthy food item, this keeps it light and delicious.  I also love cooking seafood in the air fryer because it is so fast on busy weeknights.  

    SEAFOOD TEMPERATURE COOK TIME
    Calamari 400 4 to 6
    Fish Fillets 400 10 to 12
    Salmon Filet 350  12 to 16
    Scallops 350 5 to 7
    Shrimp 350 5 to 7
    Tuna Steak 400 7 to 10

    Air Fryer Cook Times for Common Vegetables

    If you need an easy way to roast your favorite vegetables without turning on the oven, the air fryer is the perfect tool.  It cuts baking time considerably and gives great texture to the vegetables without the addition of fats and oils. Plus, you can roast it in the summer months when turning on the oven would heat up the house too much!

    Relted Recipe
    Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe
    SEAFOOD TEMPERATURE COOK TIME
    Asparagus 400 6 to 8
    Beets 400 40
    Broccoli  400 6 to 8
    Brussel Sprouts 380 12 to 15
    Carrots 360 15
    Cauliflower 400 12 to 15
    Corn on the Cob 290 6
    Eggplant 400 15
    Green beans 400 6 to 8
    Mushrooms 400 6 to 8
    Onions (pearl) 400 10
    Peppers (whole) 380 10
    Peppers (chunks) 400 15
    Potato (baby) 400 15
    Potato (wedges) 400 15
    Potato (chunks) 400 12
    Potato (whole) 400 45 to 60
    Squash  400 12
    Sweet Potato (whole) 380 40 to 45
    Tomato 400 4
    Zucchini 400 12

    Green beans in air fryer

    Air Fryer Cook Times for Common Frozen Foods

    As air fryers become more and more popular, you may find that packaged frozen foods will have specific cook times listed on the package.  If not, you can use some of the ones below as a good guide to begin using your air fryer instead of the oven or deep fryer. 

    FROZEN FOODS TEMPERATURE COOK TIME
    Cheese Sticks 390 8
    Chicken Nuggets 390 10
    Fish Filets 390 8 to 10
    Fish Fingers 390 8 to 10
    French Fries (thick cut) 400 18
    French Fries (thin cut) 400 14
    Onion Rings 400 8 to 10
    Pot Stickers 400 8 to 10
    Popcorn Shrimp 400 10 to 12
    Spring Rolls 400  12 to 15
    Relted Recipe
    Simple Homemade Whipped Cream Tutorial

    Hush puppies in black square air fryer basket

    Air Fryer Cook Times for Common Desserts & Snacks

    Here are just a few ideas for snacks or desserts that you can add to the air fryer to make a fast treat.  This is, of course, not an extensive list but one that includes some popular items that give you an idea of how you can use the air fryer for everyday foods. 

    DESSERTS & SNACKS TEMPERATURE COOK TIME
    Baked Apples 400 15
    Banana Bread 360 30 to 40
    Brownies 320 30
    Cake 350 20 to 25
    Cookies 300 6 to 8
    Muffins 375 15 to 18
    Mug Cake 360 15
    Pastries 325 8 to 10
    Personal Pizza 400 8 to 10
    Quiche 360 20 to 22

    Cupcakes in black air fryer

    Free Printable Air Fryer Cheat Sheet

    Click the image or link below to print out this cheat sheet.  I recommend laminating it or putting it in a protective sleeve so it stays safe and easy to access whenever you need to reference a cook time for something new or different. 

    PRINTABLE HERE

    Screenshot of air fryer cooking times cheat sheet

    Air Fryer Recipes to Try

    Below are a few of our own air fryer recipes to start out with!  Check back soon as we add more to the site!

    • Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe with Glaze
    • Fast and Easy Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
    • Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe (oven and air fryer options)

     

    « Lemon Meringue Cupcakes with Lemon Curd Filling
    Easy Sweet and Savory Patriotic Charcuterie Board »
    2.5K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    We're social follow us!

    Scrambled chefs logo

    Hi, I'm Katie! I've developed hundreds of recipes already with my fellow team. If you want to know more about us check out the about section.

    More about us →

    Popular

    • How to Make Meat Roses for Charcuterie Boards
    • Easy 2-Ingredient OREO Mug Cake {Ready in 90 Seconds}
    • TikTok Chicken Drumstick Lollipops Recipe
    • Easy Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower {Oven or Air Fryer}

    Latest Recipes

    • Flavorful Basil Pesto Chicken Salad
    • The Easiest Italian Chopped Salad
    • Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
    • Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Helpful Pages

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Recipe Index
    • Recipe Stories
    • Subscribe

    Scrambled Chefs™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2022 Scrambled Chefs | All Rights Reserved

    2.5K shares