One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer is speed. Compared to traditional ovens, air fryers heat up faster, cook food more quickly, and still deliver that crispy finish many of us are after. But when it comes to timing, it's not always obvious how long different foods should be cooked – or at what temperature.
Whether you're new to air frying or looking to adapt your favourite oven recipes, this guide will give you a clearer idea of typical air fryer cooking times, with tips for getting the best results.
Remember, every model varies slightly, so it's always worth checking your manual and keeping an eye on your food, especially the first time you try a new recipe.
How does air frying compare to oven cooking?
Air fryers generally cook food in 20–30% less time than a standard oven. They also preheat in a matter of minutes, if at all, meaning less waiting around and less energy used.
Where an oven might take 25 minutes to cook a batch of chips, for example, an air fryer can often do the same job in 15 to 18 minutes – and with a crisper result. That's because air fryers are smaller, more focused appliances that circulate heat more directly and efficiently.
This makes air fryers ideal for busy households, quick dinners, or anyone looking to save time without sacrificing taste. The energy savings can be substantial too – using an air fryer instead of heating a full-size oven can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% for small meals.
Temperature settings for air fryers
Most air fryers operate at temperatures between 160°C and 200°C, similar to conventional ovens. However, because of their efficient heat circulation, food cooks more quickly at the same temperature.
When converting recipes, a good rule of thumb is:
- For recipes calling for 180°C in a conventional oven, use 170°C in an air fryer
- For recipes calling for 200°C in a conventional oven, use 190°C in an air fryer
The Haier I-Master Multi Air Fryer offers precise temperature control with an easy-to-read digital display, allowing you to make adjustments in 5-degree increments for perfect results every time.
Cooking times for common foods
Below is a guide to air fryer times and temperatures for popular ingredients. Always refer to your specific appliance's instructions for accuracy, as cooking times may vary between models.
It’s important to remember these times are just a general indication, and times can vary based on the size, volume, and amount of food you’re cooking.
Vegetables
- Mixed vegetables (cut into 2cm pieces): 180°C for 8-12 minutes
- Broccoli or cauliflower florets: 180°C for 6-8 minutes
- Brussels sprouts (halved): 190°C for 10-12 minutes
- Whole baked potatoes: 200°C for 30-40 minutes (depending on size)
- Corn on the cob: 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- Asparagus: 180°C for 5-7 minutes
- Courgette/zucchini slices: 180°C for 7-9 minutes
- Roasted peppers: 190°C for 8-10 minutes
- Butternut squash (diced): 190°C for 15-20 minutes
- Carrots (sliced): 180°C for 10-12 minutes
Poultry
- Chicken breast (boneless): 180°C for 15-18 minutes
- Chicken thighs (boneless): 180°C for 18-20 minutes
- Chicken thighs (bone-in): 180°C for 22-25 minutes
- Chicken wings: 190°C for 20-25 minutes
- Chicken drumsticks: 190°C for 20-25 minutes
- Whole small chicken (1.2kg): 180°C for 50-60 minutes
- Turkey breast (boneless): 180°C for 20-25 minutes
- Chicken nuggets (frozen): 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- Chicken goujons (fresh): 180°C for 8-10 minutes
Meat
- Beef burgers (1cm thick): 180°C for 8-10 minutes
- Beef burgers (2cm thick): 180°C for 12-14 minutes
- Pork chops (boneless, 2cm thick): 180°C for 12-14 minutes
- Pork chops (bone-in, 2.5cm thick): 180°C for 15-17 minutes
- Steak (medium-rare, 2.5cm thick): 200°C for 7-8 minutes
- Steak (medium, 2.5cm thick): 200°C for 10-12 minutes
- Sausages: 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- Bacon: 170°C for 6-8 minutes
- Lamb chops: 190°C for 10-12 minutes
- Meatballs: 180°C for 10-12 minutes
Seafood
- Salmon fillets (2.5cm thick): 180°C for 8-10 minutes
- White fish fillets (like cod or haddock): 180°C for 6-8 minutes
- Whole small fish (cleaned): 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- King prawns/shrimp: 180°C for 5-6 minutes
- Scallops: 180°C for 4-5 minutes
- Fish fingers (frozen): 180°C for 8-10 minutes
- Fish cakes: 180°C for 8-10 minutes
Frozen foods
- Chips: 200°C for 15-18 minutes
- Onion rings: 180°C for 8-10 minutes
- Hash browns: 190°C for 10-12 minutes
- Pizza (mini): 180°C for 6-8 minutes
- Spring rolls: 190°C for 8-10 minutes
- Breaded fish: 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- Chicken goujons/tenders: 180°C for 10-12 minutes
- Vegetable nuggets: 180°C for 8-10 minutes
These timings are a starting point. The actual results may vary depending on the size of your portions, how full the basket is, and the exact model you're using. For the best results, check your food a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends, especially the first time you prepare a particular dish.
Tips for adjusting oven recipes for your air fryer
Converting your favourite oven recipes to work in an air fryer isn't complicated once you understand a few basic principles. Here's how to adapt recipes successfully:
Temperature adjustments:
- Reduce the temperature by about 10–20°C compared to conventional oven recipes
- For delicate items like pastries, consider reducing by 25°C to prevent over-browning
Time adjustments:
- Start by reducing the cooking time by 20–25%
- Check food 5-7 minutes earlier than you would with a conventional oven recipe
- Remember that smaller items cook more quickly in an air fryer
Quantity and spacing:
- Cook in smaller batches than you would in an oven
- Arrange food in a single layer when possible
- Give items space for air to circulate – overcrowding leads to uneven cooking
Moisture considerations:
- Spray or brush items with a little oil for better browning and to prevent drying
- Basted meats may need less basting sauce than in oven recipes
Because air fryers circulate heat more efficiently, food often browns faster on the outside – but you still want to make sure it's cooked through. A quick prod with a fork or a meat thermometer can help you check without overcooking.
Air fryer cooking and capacity considerations
Another factor to keep in mind is capacity. Overloading the basket can lead to uneven results. Air fryers work best when hot air can move freely around each item, so try not to stack food too high unless your model is designed for it.
For optimal cooking results:
- Fill the basket no more than two-thirds full
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for smaller items like chips or vegetables
- Turn larger items like chicken breasts or pork chops halfway through
- Consider cooking in batches rather than overcrowding
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
The question of preheating divides even experienced air fryer users. Some air fryers suggest preheating for 2–3 minutes, especially for recipes that require searing or extra crispness. Others, like Haier's newer models, heat up so quickly that it's not always necessary.
As a general guideline:
When preheating is beneficial:
- When cooking meat that benefits from initial searing
- For crispy items like chips, chicken wings, or breaded foods
- When baking pastries or cakes
- When you want maximum browning on all sides
When preheating may be skipped:
- For delicate items that might overcook quickly
- When reheating leftovers
- For foods with longer cooking times (over 20 minutes)
- When your recipe specifically states no preheating is needed
For consistency in cooking results, a brief preheat can help, but it's rarely essential with modern air fryers. The Haier I-Master reaches cooking temperature so quickly that the difference in results with or without preheating is minimal for most recipes.
Air fryer cooking times vary slightly depending on what you're making and the model you're using, but once you get familiar with your appliance, it becomes second nature. For most foods, you'll find it quicker, more energy-efficient, and less messy than using the oven – and with just as tasty results.
Whether you're crisping up chips, roasting vegetables, or baking chicken for the family, a versatile model like Haier's Series 5 air fryer gives you the control and consistency to get great results every time. With practice, you'll develop an intuition for perfect cooking times, and you might find yourself using your conventional oven less and less.
Ready to explore air fryers? The Haier collection includes multi-function models that will revolutionise your cooking experience.