Air Fryer Cooking Times: How Long To Fry Different Foods

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from proteins like chicken, fish, and pork to vegetables, appetizers, and even desserts. One of the main benefits of using an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil, resulting in healthier meals without sacrificing taste or texture. The convection heat and hot air circulation of the air fryer help create crispy, golden-brown foods while using minimal oil.

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that the size and thickness of the food will determine the cooking time and temperature. Additionally, it is recommended to dry foods before placing them in the air fryer to ensure crispiness. Most air fryers also come with preset programs that suggest cooking times and temperatures for common foods.

Some popular foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include chicken wings, French fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, and even desserts like cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies.

How long to fry frozen foods in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen foods. They are essentially small, powerful ovens that use hot air to cook food, and they are perfect for recipes that are baked, fried, or grilled. Here are some tips on how long to fry frozen foods in an air fryer:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is important, especially when cooking frozen foods. The high heat will help to quickly evaporate the water in your frozen food, preventing it from becoming mushy. Most air fryers don't have a preheat setting, but you can estimate the temperature by popping open the basket or using an oven-safe thermometer.

Adjust Temperature and Cook Time

Air fryers have a maximum heat setting of 400°F, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cook time accordingly. If the package recommends a heat setting that your air fryer can reach, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees and cut the cooking time in half. This way, you can check on your food and adjust as needed.

Use Grease Sparingly

A light coat of oil or fat can help improve the taste and texture of your food. However, many air fryers have a non-stick coating, so it's best to use a brush to apply oil instead of a spray. Also, if your food already has some fat content, you might not need any additional grease.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Basket

Filling your air fryer basket halfway is usually sufficient. For breaded or wrapped foods, like mozzarella sticks or egg rolls, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods, like potato skins or chicken wings, place them in a single layer in the basket.

Cooking Times for Common Frozen Foods

• Frozen chicken nuggets, fries, fish sticks, and hash browns: 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F
• Frozen onion rings, potstickers, or dumplings: 5-10 minutes at 350-400°F
• Frozen tater tots: 10 minutes at 400°F
• Frozen personal pizzas: 10-12 minutes at 325°F
• Frozen chicken breasts (small): 10 minutes on each side, then rest for 5 minutes before cutting
• Frozen chicken breasts (large): 15 minutes on each side, then rest for 5 minutes before cutting

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer's specific model and settings. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for the most accurate instructions.

How long to fry chicken in an air fryer

Frying chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy chicken without the mess of deep-frying. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken you are using and the size of your air fryer. Here is a guide to help you get perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Bone-In Chicken Breasts

For bone-in chicken breasts, set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 25-35 minutes. This will give you chicken with a nice crust and ensure it is cooked through.

Boneless Skinless Breasts

For boneless skinless chicken breasts, set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 10-20 minutes. This will give you juicy, tender chicken without overcooking it.

Breaded Thin Chicken Cutlets

For breaded thin chicken cutlets, set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 9-12 minutes. This will give the breading a nice golden colour and ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Skin-On, Bone-In Drumsticks or Chicken Thighs

For skin-on, bone-in drumsticks or chicken thighs, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. This will give you crispy skin and juicy meat.

Tenders

For chicken tenders, set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes. This will give you tender, juicy chicken without overcooking it.

Boneless Thighs

For boneless chicken thighs, set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10-20 minutes. This will give you juicy, tender dark meat without overcooking it.

Wings

For chicken wings, set your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 16-18 minutes. This will give you crispy, juicy wings perfect for game day or a party.

Chicken Strips

Chicken strips cook faster than bone-in pieces, so they are more prone to overcooking and drying out. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking frequently until they are just cooked through.

Frozen Chicken Breasts

You can also cook frozen chicken breasts in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken once halfway through. This is a great option if you forget to thaw your chicken ahead of time.

Tips for Success

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F.
• For extra crispy chicken, lightly spray the chicken with oil before and during cooking.

How long to fry vegetables in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering speed, convenience, and a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Here's a comprehensive guide on how long to fry vegetables in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before frying your vegetables, it's important to prepare them properly. First, cut your chosen vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking. You can cut them into cubes, slices, or chop them into small florets or pieces. The size may vary depending on the type of vegetable and your desired outcome.

Additionally, it's recommended to season your vegetables with a light coating of oil, such as olive oil, and your choice of spices. Oil helps the vegetables brown and crisp up nicely. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Simply toss the vegetables in a large bowl with the oil and seasonings until they're well-coated.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Now, for the main event: how long should you fry vegetables in an air fryer? The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the size of the pieces.

• Asparagus – Cook at 400°F for 6-10 minutes.
• Bell Peppers (sliced) – Cook at 350°F for 7-10 minutes.
• Broccoli – Cook at 400°F for 10-18 minutes. If cooking from frozen, you may need a longer cooking time.
• Brussels Sprouts – Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Butternut Squash (cubed) – Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Carrots (baby or chopped) – Cook at 400°F for 10-20 minutes.
• Cauliflower – Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Cook at 350°F for 5-8 minutes.
• Eggplant – Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Green Beans – Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Zucchini (sliced or diced) – Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Mixed Frozen Vegetables – Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook for about 7 minutes, shake the basket, drain any excess water, and then cook for another 7-9 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate around the vegetables.
• Toss or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• For crispier vegetables, avoid using an air fryer liner, and drain any excess water from the basket during cooking.
• Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions, as models may vary slightly.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to fry vegetables to perfection in your air fryer! Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and creating delicious, healthy meals.

How long to fry potatoes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep frying. They are basically small, powerful ovens that use hot air to cook food, and they are especially good for cooking potatoes.

This depends on the type of potato and the cut. For example, if you are cooking baby potatoes, or 'new' potatoes, which are harvested before they are fully grown, you should air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shake the basket and then cook for another 8 to 10 minutes.

For potato wedges, cook at 380°F for 15 minutes. For French fries, fresh cut, cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. For sweet potato fries, 380°F for 12 minutes.

For whole potatoes, 400°F for 30 to 45 minutes, and for whole sweet potatoes, 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes.

Tips:

• For the crispiest potatoes, make sure you start with dry potatoes.
• If you have time, soak your potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking to remove the starch and help them crisp up.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—the potatoes need room for the air to circulate and crisp up properly.
• Leave the skins on for a crispy, salted bite and extra nutrition.
• Avoid cooking spray—it will damage the coating of your air fryer basket.
• For the best results, preheat your air fryer.
• Don't forget to season!

How long to fry seafood in an air fryer

Frying seafood in an air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy, fried results with less oil and mess. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the seafood, as well as the model of your air fryer. Here are some guidelines for frying common types of seafood in an air fryer:

Salmon Fillets

Fry salmon fillets at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes.

Shrimp

Shrimp takes 5 to 10 minutes to fry in the air fryer at 350°F.

Tilapia and Other Thin Fish Fillets

For tilapia and other thin fish fillets, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6 to 10 minutes.

Breaded Fish

Breaded fish will take a little longer, at 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F.

Scallops

Fry scallops at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes.

White Fish

White fish, such as tilapia, haddock, or cod, typically cooks in an air fryer at 360°F for 6 to 12 minutes. However, thicker types of white fish, like halibut, may require a few extra minutes.

Tips for Frying Seafood in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• Refrigerate breaded fish for a few minutes before frying to help the breading adhere to the seafood.
• Use air fryer-friendly parchment paper or a non-stick liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Check the doneness of your seafood by flaking it with a fork. Seafood is typically done when it flakes easily.
• For best results, follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions