Air fryers have transformed home cooking by making it faster, healthier, and more convenient. However, getting the perfect results requires understanding how to adjust time and temperature based on the food you’re preparing. Unlike ovens or stovetops, air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, meaning cooking times and temperatures often need to be tweaked for optimal crispiness and doneness.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best practices for adjusting air fryer settings, along with a handy reference chart for cooking different foods perfectly.
1. Understanding How Air Fryers Cook Food
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, similar to a convection oven but much faster. This means:
Food cooks quicker than in a traditional oven. Temperatures may need to be slightly lower than what recipes originally call for. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
By understanding these basics, you can fine-tune your air fryer’s time and temperature for different foods.
2. General Rules for Adjusting Time and Temperature
If you’re converting a conventional oven recipe for an air fryer, follow these simple rules:
Reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) compared to an oven. Reduce cooking time by about 20–30% compared to an oven. Flip or shake the food halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
For example, if an oven recipe suggests baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, adjust it to 375°F (190°C) for about 14–16 minutes in the air fryer.
3. Air Fryer Cooking Time and Temperature Chart
Here’s a handy guide for cooking common foods in an air fryer:
| Food Type | Recommended Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 375°F (190°C) | 15–20 min |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F (200°C) | 20–25 min |
| Salmon Fillet | 375°F (190°C) | 10–12 min |
| Steak | 400°F (200°C) | 8–12 min |
| Shrimp | 375°F (190°C) | 8–10 min |
| Vegetables | 375°F (190°C) | 10–15 min |
| Frozen Nuggets | 400°F (200°C) | 12–15 min |
| Pizza (small) | 375°F (190°C) | 8–10 min |
Keep in mind that different air fryer models may vary slightly, so check food a few minutes before the estimated time.
4. Tips for Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature
1. Consider Food Thickness
Thicker foods (like chicken breasts or steak) need lower temperatures and longer cooking times to cook through without burning the outside. Thin foods (like fries or bacon) cook best at higher temperatures for a shorter time.
2. Shake or Flip for Even Cooking
Since air fryers cook with circulated air, shaking the basket or flipping larger items halfway through ensures even crispiness.
3. Preheat for Faster, More Even Cooking
Preheating your air fryer for 2–5 minutes before adding food helps achieve better texture and reduces cooking time.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer for Proteins
For meats like chicken, steak, or salmon, use a food thermometer to ensure safe cooking:
- Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
- Beef (medium): 135°F (57°C)
- Salmon: 145°F (63°C)
5. Adjust for Frozen vs. Fresh Foods
Frozen foods typically need 2–5 extra minutes compared to fresh ones since they start at a lower temperature.
5. Final Thoughts: Mastering Air Fryer Cooking Times
By learning how to adjust temperature and time for different foods, you can unlock the full potential of your air fryer. Keep experimenting, take notes, and soon you’ll be able to cook everything from crispy fries to juicy steaks with confidence!