Air Fryer Cooking Times: How Long Is Too Long?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using much oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food in the fryer basket. You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, from proteins like chicken, fish, and pork to vegetables and even desserts. The cooking time depends on the type of food and its size. For example, chicken wings will take around 16-18 minutes at 380-400°F, while sweet potato fries will take 12 minutes at 380°F. It's important to remember not to overcrowd the fryer basket and to shake or flip the food halfway through cooking for even browning.

Preheat or not to preheat?

Air fryers are a trendy kitchen appliance that can give your food a crispy "fried" taste without actually frying or using oil. They are basically small, powerful ovens that use air as a vehicle for heat.

So, do you need to preheat your air fryer?

The answer depends on what you are cooking. Manufacturers recommend preheating your air fryer, as it can help food cook properly and decrease cooking time. However, preheating is not always necessary and can sometimes be a waste of time. If you are cooking something delicate, like shrimp, or food that will be cooking for a long period, such as a roast chicken or baked potato, you don't need to preheat the air fryer.

On the other hand, preheating can be beneficial when cooking foods that need a good sear or a crispy and crunchy texture. This includes steaks, burgers, fried chicken, and breaded foods like chicken tenders and fries. Preheating can also be useful when cooking with a basket-style air fryer, as it helps to toast or sear your food.

Some air fryer models have a preheat setting and will indicate when the unit is preheated. If your model doesn't have this feature, simply set the desired cooking temperature and let the appliance warm up for a few minutes before adding your food. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster, usually in around two to three minutes, while larger ones may need four to five minutes.

It's worth noting that some air fryers and countertop ovens claim that preheating is not necessary. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether preheating works for you and your particular air fryer. Try cooking with and without preheating and see which method gives you the best results. It may even depend on the specific recipe or type of food you are cooking.

Tips for Using Your Air Fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Shake or flip your food partway through the cooking process to promote even cooking and browning.
• Dry foods well before adding oil, seasonings, or placing them in the air fryer to ensure crispiness.
• Be mindful of the smoke point of the fats and cooking oils you use. It may be best to avoid oils with low smoke points or use a lower cooking temperature to prevent smoking or burning.
• Always cook in a well-ventilated area, leaving plenty of space around the air fryer for exhaust ventilation.
• Protect your hands and countertops when handling the hot air fryer basket after use.
• Clean your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods, as a build-up of oil can make the unit smoke.

How to select the right temperature

When selecting the right temperature for your air fryer, it's important to consider the type of food you're cooking and the desired outcome. Here are some tips to help you choose the appropriate temperature:

• Follow the Manual: Your air fryer's manual likely includes recommended temperatures for different types of food. It's a good idea to refer to this guide as a starting point.
• Adjust for Oven Cooking: If you're converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer, a general rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25°F (or 25-30°F) and decrease the cooking time by about 20%. This is because air fryers cook faster and more efficiently than traditional ovens.
• Consider Food Size and Thickness: The size and thickness of the food you're cooking will impact the cooking time and temperature. Smaller, denser foods like chicken breasts or salmon fillets will cook faster, while larger items might require longer cooking times.
• Use a Thermometer for Meat: When cooking meat, poultry, or fish, the internal temperature is the best guide for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches the safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Experiment and Adjust: Every air fryer is unique, so it's essential to experiment and find the settings that work best for your specific model. Don't be afraid to adjust the temperature and cooking time based on your observations and preferences.
• Avoid Overcrowding: For even cooking and browning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook foods in a single layer or with minimal overlap. This ensures proper air circulation and prevents undercooked or unevenly cooked food.
• Flip and Shake: Most foods benefit from being flipped or shaken halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
• Preheat: Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can improve cooking results, especially for recipes with shorter cooking times. Preheating helps achieve consistent results and is recommended when cooking multiple batches.
• Use a Lower Temperature for Oil: When using oil in your air fryer, it's best to set the temperature slightly lower than you would for conventional cooking methods. This prevents the oil from getting too hot and potentially smoking or burning.
• Be Mindful of Smoke Points: When cooking fatty foods like bacon, be mindful of the smoke point of the fat. Cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease to prevent smoking or burning.
• Dry Foods Before Air Frying: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before adding oil or seasonings, pat your food dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to promote a crispy texture.

How long to cook proteins

Proteins like chicken, fish, or pork are ideal for cooking in an air fryer. Here are some guidelines for cooking proteins in an air fryer:

Chicken

• Bone-in breasts: 375°F for 25-35 minutes
• Boneless skinless breasts: 350°F for 10-20 minutes
• Breaded thin chicken cutlets: 390°F for 9-12 minutes
• Skin-on, bone-in drumsticks or chicken thighs: 400°F for 15-20 minutes
• Tenders: 390°F for 10 minutes
• Boneless thighs: 375°F for 10-20 minutes
• Wings: 380-400°F for 16-18 minutes

Seafood

• Salmon fillets: 400°F for 7-9 minutes
• Shrimp: 350°F for 5-10 minutes
• Tilapia and other thin fish fillets: 400°F for 6-10 minutes
• Breaded fish: 400°F for 10-15 minutes
• Scallops: 400°F for 5-10 minutes

Pork

• Pork chops: 380°F for about 13 minutes, flipped halfway through
• Bone-in, skin-on pork chops: 400°F for 8 minutes, then 4 minutes

Beef

• Steak: 400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on the desired doneness
• Burgers: 400°F for 8-10 minutes
• Meatballs: 375°F for 8-10 minutes

Tips for Cooking Proteins in an Air Fryer:

• Spritz or brush proteins with a light coat of oil before placing them in the basket.
• Use the air fryer to cook proteins from frozen, which can save time and produce similar results to cooking thawed proteins.
• Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure consistent results.
• Shake or flip proteins during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Use tongs, a spatula, or a spoon to remove proteins from the air fryer to avoid burning yourself or spilling excess oil.

How long to cook vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, giving them a crispy crust while retaining moisture. They are also healthier than deep-fried vegetables, as they use little to no oil.

The cooking time depends on the type of vegetable. Tender vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes will cook faster, while firm vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin will take longer.

For tender vegetables, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the veggies and add them to the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice to promote even cooking.

For firm vegetables, use the same temperature setting but cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Again, chop the veggies into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking, and shake the pan a few times during cooking.

Cooking Frozen Vegetables

You can also cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. First, determine whether they are tender or firm, then add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing. Make sure to give them space in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and allow water to evaporate.

Tips for Cooking Vegetables in an Air Fryer

• Use a single layer of vegetables in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Shake the air fryer pan during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the vegetables oversaturated and less crispy.
• Cut vegetables into small, thin pieces to ensure even cooking, especially for firm veggies.
• Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance their flavor.

How long to cook potatoes

The cooking time for potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato and the desired texture. For example, baby potatoes or new potatoes will take less time to cook than larger, thicker-skinned potatoes such as russets. On average, air fryer potatoes are ready in 10 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 400°F.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes typically take longer to cook than roasted potatoes. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes and the desired texture. Smaller potatoes, such as baby potatoes, will take less time to cook than larger potatoes. On average, air fryer baked potatoes are ready in about 40 to 50 minutes at 400°F.

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Air fryer roasted potatoes are a quicker option, usually taking only 10 to 20 minutes to cook at 400°F. The high, dry heat of the air fryer and a light coating of oil help to crisp up the potatoes. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

• Leave the skins on for a crispy texture and more nutrients.
• Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes gently, as shaking the basket can cause them to break apart.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove starch and result in crispier potatoes, but it is not necessary.

Frequently asked questions